Taliban-Appointed Governor of Farah Visits Iran to Discuss Trade, Skips Water Rights Issue

Alhaj Mullah Mohammad Hafiz Mujahid, the Taliban-appointed governor of Farah province, arrived in Iran’s South Khorasan province on Tuesday, November 10, leading a delegation through the Mahirud border crossing.

During a visit to the Mahirud border terminal, where he viewed the area’s economic and infrastructural capacities, Mujahid emphasized the importance of historical, cultural, and religious ties between the two neighboring countries and highlighted the growing trade between Afghanistan and Iran.

Although his main focus was on expanding imports and exports across the border, he pointedly avoided mentioning contentious issues such as the ongoing dispute over the Helmand River water rights or the restrictions imposed by the Taliban on Iranian traders. Taliban officials have repeatedly evaded addressing Iran’s water rights claims in the past.

The governor of Iran’s South Khorasan province also noted the continuation of joint meetings aimed at reviewing infrastructure projects like the Mahirud-Farah route and cooperation in designated economic zones. However, while praising the “friendship between the two Muslim nations,” Iranian officials similarly refrained from raising serious concerns about water or border security issues.

The frequent visits of Taliban officials to Iran come despite the Taliban administration not being officially recognized and lacking any international legitimacy. Nonetheless, some Iranian authorities continue to prioritize commercial and economic ties with the Taliban, even if such cooperation may come at the expense of the rights of people in both Iran and Afghanistan.