Despite Iran’s initial optimism about the resurgence of the Taliban group, it has become evident in the past two years that the relationship between Iran and the Taliban is not without challenges. Iran’s lenient policy towards the Taliban regime has not resulted in favorable outcomes for Iran. Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, there have been multiple clashes between this group and Iranian border guards. Currently, tensions and disputes persist between both sides. Despite diplomatic efforts to resolve these challenges, no significant progress has been made thus far. The main points of disagreement between the Taliban and Iran revolve around the division of water rights in the Helmand River, the issue of migrants, border conflicts, and disputes, as well as the matter of terrorism and radicalism. These differences have deep historical roots and have long been a source of tension between the two countries. However, they have intensified under the Taliban regime. This article solely focuses on the issue of water tension between Iran and the Taliban.
Relationship Between Iran and the Taliban
Iran has maintained diplomatic ties with the Taliban for over twenty years. The nature of Iran’s relationship with the Taliban is intricate and challenging to categorize. Iran does not consider itself a friend, adversary, or ally of the Taliban. However, it is evident that both sides collaborate to further their respective interests. During the two-decade-long conflict between the Taliban and the Afghan government and people, Iran supported the Taliban by providing them with weapons, financial aid, and shelter. This assistance aimed to aid the Taliban in their fight against the United States and its allies, while also preventing the establishment of American military bases near the Iran-Afghanistan border that could potentially be used against Iran. The support Iran extended to the Taliban was primarily motivated by their shared opposition to the United States, and the relationship was based on the immediate benefits it offered to both parties.
Since the Taliban regained control, there has been ongoing cooperation between the two parties. Iran has entrusted all of its diplomatic missions to the Taliban and has sought to strengthen its relations with this group. The most significant current disagreement between the two sides appears to be related to the Helmand water rights, which has overshadowed the overall bilateral relations between Iran and the Taliban.
The Taliban’s Unyielding Stance on Helmand Water Rights
The Helmand River water rights issue has been the subject of significant controversy between Iran and the Taliban over the past two years. This matter has led to multiple negotiations and discussions between the two parties and has even resulted in verbal tensions on certain occasions. The Iranian side alleges that the Taliban has obstructed the flow of water as specified in the bilateral water treaty with Iran.
The Helmand Water Treaty was signed in 1972 between Afghanistan and Iran, with Mohammad Musa Shafiq and Amir Abbas Hoveyda, the respective prime ministers of the two countries at the time, as signatories. According to this agreement, Iran’s allocation of the Helmand River water was set at 820 million cubic meters, provided that the river’s water supply is adequate.
Iran has accused the Taliban of disregarding the treaty and has issued warnings to them. Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi strongly criticized the Taliban’s actions and made threats against the group. Despite ongoing negotiations and efforts by Iranian officials, particularly regarding the water issue, an agreement has not been reached between the two sides after more than 80 days since the warning from President Raisi. The people of Sistan and Balochistan, however, continue to suffer from a lack of water and express their thirst.
The administration of Raisi has made the issue of Helmand River water rights a top priority in its dealings with the Taliban. During his visit to Sistan and Balochistan on May 8, Raisi issued a warning to the Taliban regarding their water rights, prompting a response from the group. The Taliban released a statement, signed by their deputy prime minister, in reply to the Iranian president’s warning. They acknowledged that a water agreement between Iran and Afghanistan was signed in 1972 and affirmed their commitment to it. However, they emphasized that their main focus is ensuring access to water for the people of Afghanistan.
In recent times, there has been a surge in protests due to the inadequate water supply in certain cities situated along the Helmand River. According to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), on August 5th, the residents of Sistan region, Zabul, Zohak, Hamon, Hirmand, and Nimroz cities organized a demonstration, urging the Taliban to uphold the water rights of the Helmand and Hamon rivers. The protesters, while demanding their water rights, chanted slogans such as “The water rights of Sistan are a measure of statesmanship”, “The people of Sistan send a message for the amendment of the Kamal Khan Dam”, and “Preserving Hamon’s wetland is an essential demand.”
According to the newspaper’s report, which relies on satellite imagery, the assertion made by the Taliban authorities that there is insufficient water in the Kajaki dam is deemed to be untrue. The news report accuses the Taliban of reneging on their promises and characterizes their actions as engaging in a “water war against Iran”. However, the Taliban consistently deny the allegations made by the Iranian authorities and attribute the decrease in water flow to Iran to reduced rainfall and water levels. The group maintains its commitment to the bilateral water treaty between the two nations.
Despite the beliefs held by Iran’s political leaders, the country’s relationship with the Taliban regime has encountered difficulties. The recent escalation of the disagreement regarding Helmand water rights highlights the delicate nature of Iran’s ties with the Taliban. Despite efforts made by Iranian statesmen to strengthen their relationship with the Taliban regime, it has become evident that the Taliban cannot be relied upon as a trustworthy partner.
