Iranian officials accuse Taliban of blocking water flow and failing to honor water rights

A member of Iran’s National Security Committee commented on the Taliban’s plans to build a dam in Zabul, stating that the Taliban’s actions reflect an endless agenda to control water resources.

He added that the Taliban had blocked even the minimal amount of water that could have flowed into Iran as floodwater.

Iranian officials have consistently expressed concerns about water shortages in Sistan and Balochistan of Iran, accusing the Taliban of failing to honour Iran’s water rights.

Previously, Abdul Latif Mansoor, the Taliban’s Minister of Energy and Water, claimed that the group had allocated a significant portion of Iran’s water rights.

However, another Iranian parliamentarian, Fada Hossein Maleki, refuted this claim, asserting that no measures have been taken to address Iran’s water rights for the Helmand River and the Sistan and Baluchestan province.

The Helmand River, a crucial water source for both Afghanistan and Iran, has been at the center of a longstanding dispute over water rights. The 1973 accord between the two countries was intended to regulate the river’s usage, but tensions have persisted.

The controversial handling of the river’s resources underscores the broader geopolitical tensions between Afghanistan and Iran. As both nations grapple with water scarcity, revisiting and enforcing agreements like the 1973 accord is crucial to ensure equitable sharing and prevent further disputes.

The situation surrounding the Helmand River and the ongoing water rights issues reflect deeper regional challenges. Collaborative efforts and adherence to existing agreements are essential to managing these vital resources and fostering cooperation between Afghanistan and Iran.

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