Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s foreign minister, said on Tuesday that discussions during a recent visit by Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, focused on a range of issues, including water rights, the repatriation of Afghan migrants, and strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Muttaqi highlighted that their talks emphasized political, economic, and transit relations, as well as the longstanding issue of water sharing and the gradual return of Afghan refugees from Iran.
On the topic of water rights, Muttaqi stated that the Taliban view the residents of Nimroz in Afghanistan and Sistan and Baluchestan in Iran equally, suggesting no discrimination in water allocation. However, he attributed any reduced water flow to Iran as a result of drought, not policy interference. “We do not obstruct the water flow, but the ongoing drought has naturally limited availability,” he said.
Muttaqi revealed that he had urged Iran to formally accept the Taliban’s ambassador in Tehran and elevate diplomatic engagement between the two countries. Despite previous Taliban requests, Iran has yet to recognize their proposed envoy or formally upgrade relations.
Discussions also touched on the growing number of Afghan migrants in Iran. Muttaqi said the Taliban had requested that Iran implement a gradual process for returning Afghan refugees, amid reports of increased deportations in recent months.
Araghchi, who arrived in Kabul on Sunday, held meetings with several senior Taliban officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Hasan Akhund and the group’s defense minister, as part of his visit.
