The Taliban’s acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, pledged that Afghanistan will prevent water waste and ensure proper delivery to Iran, framing the issue as both a religious duty and a political commitment.
Speaking at the Tehran Dialogue Forum, Muttaqi addressed long-standing concerns over water rights between the two neighboring countries.
“Our effort is to prevent water from being wasted and to ensure it reaches the Iranian side properly,” he said, emphasizing that the Taliban views the delivery of water as an Islamic obligation.
The remarks come amid heightened scrutiny over the management of transboundary water resources, particularly related to the Helmand River, a major source of tension between Kabul and Tehran. Iran has repeatedly expressed concern over reduced water flows, attributing it to upstream restrictions and climate pressures in Afghanistan.
At the forum, which brought together regional officials and diplomats, Muttaqi underlined the broader context of Afghanistan-Iran relations, pointing to a growing trade volume that has reached $3bn. He also reiterated the Taliban’s commitment to a “balanced foreign policy,” with a focus on regional cooperation.
“Drought is a shared challenge, not a political tool,” Muttaqi said, acknowledging the environmental difficulties facing both nations. “We assure the people of Iran that there is no ill intention. We see this as an act of goodwill, both religious and politically constructive.”
The Taliban official also reflected on his administration’s domestic and foreign policy priorities. He described the group’s governance as stability-oriented and economy-focused, in contrast to what he called previous “externally imposed solutions.” According to Muttaqi, Taliban authorities are currently addressing needs across all 34 provinces of Afghanistan.
Despite the assurances, observers note that effective water-sharing agreements remain a sensitive and unresolved issue in Afghan-Iranian relations. However, Muttaqi’s statements signal a potential opening for sustained dialogue between the two countries.
The forum concluded with calls for practical mechanisms to strengthen cooperation on water, trade, and regional stability.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)