Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, met with the Taliban ambassador in Tehran and demanded the release of water from Salma Dam toward Mashhad.
He also discussed Iran’s water rights from the Helmand River with the Taliban ambassador.
This meeting took place while about two weeks ago, Gharibabadi had traveled to Kabul within the framework of neighborhood policy and with the aim of strengthening bilateral cooperation.
In these negotiations, important agreements were reached, including emphasis on full implementation of the 1973 Helmand treaty and securing Iran’s water rights.
The issue of Helmand water rights remains one of the main challenges between Iran and its eastern neighbor.
Despite the fourteenth government’s emphasis on water diplomacy and frequent consultations with the Taliban group, this issue remains unresolved.
The 1973 water treaty between Iran and Afghanistan continues to be a source of tension in bilateral relations.
