Iran FM calls for resolution of shared water and refugee issues with Afghanistan

Araghchi delivered a statement during a meeting with Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, the Prime Minister of Afghanistan’s Taliban-led administration, held in Kabul on Sunday.

The official stated that Iran has consistently refrained from intervening in Afghanistan’s affairs and has urged for the complete enforcement of the Hirmand River agreement, established between the two nations, as a means to address the ongoing water dispute.

He emphasized that the matters concerning Afghan refugees in Iran and the ongoing water dispute should be transformed into opportunities for enhancing collaborative efforts.

In a statement, Araghchi affirmed Iran’s dedication to overseeing the respectful repatriation process for undocumented Afghan refugees.

After over a century of disputes concerning the water supply from the Helmand River, also referred to as the Hirmand, Iran and Afghanistan formalized their negotiations through the signing of a treaty in 1973. This agreement set forth a structured framework to manage and regulate the utilization of the river’s water resources by both nations.

Under the terms of an agreement, Iran is entitled to an annual allocation of 820 million cubic meters of water from the Hirmand River. However, accusations have been made that Afghanistan has significantly breached the accord, both in terms of its stipulations and its underlying intent. This alleged violation poses a threat to the livelihood of numerous Iranians who depend on the Hamoun wetlands for essential resources such as drinking water, agriculture, and fishing.

Afghanistan has constructed dams on the Hirmand River, resulting in reduced water flow into neighboring Iran.

Highlighting the longstanding historical, religious, and economic ties between Tehran and Kabul, Araghchi emphasized that Iran’s security and stability are intrinsically linked to those of Afghanistan.

Iran’s chief diplomat emphasized the critical need to strengthen collaborative efforts with the “Islamic Emirate” in light of recent events.

He commended the achievement of comprehensive security in Afghanistan for the first time in four decades, highlighting the strengthened and robust relations between Tehran and Kabul.

In a recent appeal, Akhund emphasized the importance of enhancing diplomatic engagements through increased exchange visits among officials from both nations. His call aims to strengthen the diplomatic, political, and economic ties between the two fraternal Muslim countries.

During discussions held earlier today with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting foreign minister of the Taliban-led administration in Afghanistan, Iran’s Foreign Minister commended the neighborly relations between Tehran and Kabul. He emphasized the importance of enhancing economic cooperation to safeguard the national interests of both Muslim nations.

Leading a high-level delegation, Araghchi touched down in Kabul on Sunday for a brief one-day visit to Afghanistan. This marks the first occasion an Iranian foreign minister has visited the nation since the Taliban assumed control in 2021.

Afghanistan continues to grapple with the aftermath of a prolonged US presence, compounded by a rapid withdrawal that facilitated a swift takeover by the Taliban.