Iran Investigates Afghan Water Supply Amid Tensions
The strained relations between Iran and Afghanistan over the water supply of the Helmand River have led to an investigation by Iranian specialists. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi disclosed that his country’s experts are closely examining the water supply of Sistan and Baluchistan, originating from Afghanistan. Raisi emphasized Iran’s commitment to maintaining good relations with all neighboring countries as well as abiding by the Helmand River Water Treaty.
Addressing reporters at a press conference, Raisi expressed that negotiations resulted in the dispatch of an expert group to assess the adequacy of water supply for meeting the needs of Sistan and Baluchistan. He confirmed that this investigation is currently in progress.
In the midst of tensions, Ali Salajegheh, Iran’s Vice President and the head of the Department of Environment, further explained in a press conference that the authorities of the Islamic Emirate (Afghanistan) have agreed to fulfill the country’s water rights from the Helmand River, on the condition that rainfall is sufficient. Salajegheh noted that Afghanistan is also facing unfavorable water conditions due to climate change, which has resulted in severe drought.
However, the Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan has attributed the current drought to the impacts of climate change. They reaffirmed their commitment to the terms of the 1973 treaty between Iran and Afghanistan, highlighting that they provide water rights as stipulated in the agreement.
Bilal Karimi, deputy spokesman of the Islamic Emirate, stated, Climatic changes and continuous droughts that have occurred have caused water shortage problems. The Islamic Emirate provides water rights according to the 1973 treaty.
Despite the ongoing dispute, economist Shaker Yaqoubi emphasized that Afghanistan should not solely be blamed by Iran for water shortages. Yaqoubi asserted that Afghanistan should prioritize its own water needs before considering substantial water exports to other countries.
Previously, a delegation of Iranian experts visited the water meter of Dehravud in Afghanistan to gain a better understanding of the situation on the ground.
According to the 1973 treaty, Afghanistan is obligated to share water from the Helmand River with Iran at a rate of 26 cubic meters per second, equivalent to 850 million cubic meters annually.
