Iran Says Helmand Water Dispute With Afghanistan Is Still Unresolved

On Monday, February 17, during a press conference, Baghaei dismissed the claims made by Alireza Bikdeli, Iran's ambassador in Kabul. He clarified that Bikdeli's statement had been misquoted and that Iran's concerns regarding its water share from Afghanistan had not yet been addressed. The issue remains a significant point of contention between the two countries, affecting diplomatic relations and regional stability.

Baghaei further emphasized that Iran will take all necessary measures to resolve the issue of its water rights. He reiterated that Iran considers the fair distribution of Helmand River water a crucial matter and that the Iranian government will continue pressing for a resolution. The Helmand River, which originates in Afghanistan, is a major water source for Iran's eastern provinces, making this issue particularly sensitive for Tehran.

Earlier, Iran's ambassador in Kabul had suggested that the dispute over Iran's water rights had been settled. However, Baghaei's statement contradicts this claim, highlighting continued tensions between Iran and the Taliban-led Afghanistan government.

Iran's Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, had previously visited Kabul, where he pushed for the resolution of Iran's water rights issue. His visit underlined the importance of the matter for Iran, which relies on Afghanistan's cooperation to secure water supplies for its arid regions. The dispute over the Helmand River remains a key issue in Afghanistan-Iran relations, requiring diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.

Meanwhile, the Helmand River water-sharing dispute reflects broader regional challenges, as water scarcity continues to impact both Iran and Afghanistan. Iran insists that Afghanistan must adhere to the 1973 water treaty, which grants Iran an annual share of 850 million cubic meters of water from the Helmand River.

However, the Taliban administration has stated that due to changing environmental and infrastructural conditions, challenges in water distribution remain. Additionally, experts argue that Iran is claiming more water than what is stipulated in the treaty, leading to further disagreements between the two nations.

If unresolved, this issue could lead to increased tensions between Iran and Afghanistan, potentially affecting trade, border relations, and regional security. Diplomatic negotiations will be crucial in ensuring a fair and sustainable resolution that satisfies both nations. The long-term solution may require regional cooperation and mediation by international organizations to ensure that water resources are managed effectively and equitably.

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