Iranian MP Ahmad Bakhshayesh Ardastani has accused the Taliban of failing to adhere to the Helmand River water treaty, emphasizing that Iran must assert its water rights rather than rely on concessions. The comments come amid rising tensions between Iran and Afghanistan over water allocations from the shared river.
“Water rights must be claimed, not granted,” Ardastani stated during an interview with Iranian media on Sunday, January 12. He alleged that the Taliban views Iran as weak and is attempting to renegotiate the existing treaty to sell water to Iran.
The Taliban, however, has officially denied these accusations, insisting that they are fulfilling their obligations under the treaty. Former Taliban Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Kabir recently said, “The water rights issue has been resolved amicably between Afghanistan and Iran.” He also warned that “irresponsible statements could harm bilateral relations.”
A Historical Dispute
The Helmand River Water Treaty, signed in 1973, grants Iran 22 cubic meters per second (m³/s) of water, with an additional 4 m³/s as a goodwill gesture, totaling 26 m³/s, or approximately 850 million cubic meters annually. The treaty was designed to balance equitable water distribution while respecting Afghanistan’s sovereignty.
However, disputes over water flow and compliance have persisted for decades, driven by regional tensions and differing interpretations of the agreement.
Allegations Against the Taliban
Ardastani accused the Taliban of blocking the Helmand River’s flow at the Kajaki Dam, undermining the treaty, and contributing to the drying up of the Harirud River. He also suggested that the Taliban is exploiting Iran’s tensions with the United States to seek leverage.
Iran’s Diplomatic Push
Iranian Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi, during a visit to Sistan and Baluchestan province, announced that the government is actively pursuing its water rights with the Taliban. “Negotiation results will soon be shared,” he assured.
Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, have reiterated their commitment to resolving the water dispute through diplomatic channels. Iran’s policy of restraint, they argue, reflects strategic prudence and aims to maintain peace along its eastern borders.
Regional Stability at Stake
The Helmand River dispute highlights the broader challenges of water resource management in politically sensitive regions. Mismanagement or escalation could exacerbate tensions and jeopardize livelihoods on both sides of the border.
Iranian officials stress that resolving the issue requires cooperative diplomacy. “The importance of stability in the region cannot be overstated,” one senior official commented.
A history of conflict
1. Helmand River Treaty Disputes (1973 - Present)
- Background: The Helmand River Water Treaty of 1973 allocated Iran 22 cubic meters per second (m³/s) of water from the Helmand River, plus an additional 4 m³/s as a goodwill gesture.
- Issues: Afghanistan often claimed it could not meet the treaty’s requirements due to domestic water needs and droughts, while Iran accused Afghanistan of deliberately restricting water flow.
- Conflicts: Repeated disputes arose over water allocation and treaty compliance, with tensions exacerbated during times of drought in the region.
2. Kamal Khan Dam Disputes (2021)
- Event: Afghanistan completed the Kamal Khan Dam on the Helmand River in 2021, which was intended to provide water and electricity to Afghanistan.
- Impact: Iran objected, stating that the dam restricted water flow into its eastern provinces. Afghan officials responded that Afghanistan had the right to utilize the river for its needs.
- Tensions: This led to heightened political rhetoric, though no military conflict ensued.
3. Kajaki Dam Controversies (Various Dates)
- Background: The Kajaki Dam, located in Afghanistan, has been a point of contention because of its capacity to regulate water flow into Iran.
- Allegations: Iran has accused Afghanistan of intentionally restricting water flow by operating the dam in ways that violate the 1973 treaty.
4. Drought and Water Scarcity Crises (2000s - Present)
- Context: Prolonged droughts in both countries have exacerbated competition for water resources.
- Conflicts: In periods of severe drought, Iran accused Afghanistan of deliberately withholding water, while Afghanistan countered that it was simply addressing its own pressing needs.
5. Taliban Takeover (2021 - Present)
- Impact: The Taliban’s return to power further complicated relations, as they rejected Iran’s accusations of treaty violations.
- Incident: On May 27, 2023, a deadly clash at the Iran-Afghanistan border was partially linked to disputes over Helmand River water flow.
6. Harirud River Disputes:
- Background: The Harirud River, which flows through Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkmenistan, has been another source of tension.
- Controversies: Iran has accused Afghanistan of overusing the river for agricultural projects, leading to reduced flow downstream.
7. Informal Cross-Border Tensions: Periodic accusations from both sides of illegal water diversion, unregulated dam projects, and environmental mismanagement have fueled tensions, though not always leading to open conflict.
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