Iran Urges Taliban to Honor Helmand Water Treaty Amid Climate Crisis

Alireza Bikdeli, the acting head of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s embassy in Afghanistan, has called on the Taliban administration to act more responsibly in fulfilling bilateral water agreements, particularly the full implementation of the Helmand River treaty.

Speaking on the sidelines of a regional conference on provincial diplomacy in the city of Mashhad, Bikdeli emphasized that securing Iran’s water rights from transboundary resources—especially the Helmand River—is a key aspect of Tehran-Kabul relations. He noted that this issue has become increasingly important amid the current climate crisis.

Referring to the 1973 Helmand River agreement between Iran and Afghanistan, Bikdeli reminded that under this treaty, a specific share of water must be delivered from Afghanistan to Iran. However, he stated, the implementation has faced significant challenges, and the Taliban administration has yet to take meaningful steps toward fully honoring the accord.

Bikdeli stressed that strengthening bilateral relations could help reach a sustainable solution to this problem. He added that Iran is actively pursuing the matter through diplomatic channels and expects the Taliban to cooperate, recognizing the issue’s importance.

He also pointed out that in recent years, Iran has received only a small portion of its allocated water share, leaving many border areas suffering from water shortages. Bikdeli urged the Taliban to adhere to their international obligations and responsibilities toward neighboring countries.

Water and water disputes have long been sensitive issues between Afghanistan and its neighbors, especially Iran. The Taliban’s failure to meet its water commitments could negatively impact bilateral relations. Iran has repeatedly expressed concern over the decreased flow of the Helmand River from Afghanistan.

Originating in the Hindu Kush mountains and flowing into Iran’s Sistan region, the Helmand River is vital for agriculture and water supply in eastern Iran. The Taliban administration has faced sharp criticism from Iran and other neighboring countries for its ongoing dam construction and lack of transparency in water resource management.