Water dispute between Iran and Afghanistan intensifies, threatening regional stability

Introduction:

• The ongoing water dispute between Iran and Afghanistan over the sharing of resources from the Helmand River has escalated tensions between the two nations. The disagreement primarily revolves around the drying up of Lake Hamun, Iran’s largest freshwater lake, which relies on the Helmand River for its water supply.
• Despite a historical treaty and diplomatic efforts, the issue remains unresolved, leading to violent confrontations and posing significant challenges to the region’s stability.

The Helmand River and Lake Hamun:

• The Helmand River, stretching 1,150 kilometers across Afghanistan, is a crucial water source for both Iran and Afghanistan. Originating near Kabul, the river traverses desert areas before reaching Lake Hamun, situated on the Afghanistan-Iran border.
• Lake Hamun, historically sustained by the Helmand River, plays a vital role in supporting agriculture, livelihoods, and ecosystems in the region.

Roots of the Dispute:

• The 1973 Helmand River Treaty, aimed at regulating water allocation, has not been fully ratified or effectively implemented. Iran accuses Afghanistan of violating its water rights, alleging a significant reduction in the agreed-upon water supply.
• Afghanistan, on the other hand, attributes the decreased water flow to climatic factors such as reduced rainfall and diminished river volumes. Iran also expresses concerns about Afghanistan’s dam and irrigation projects along the Helmand River, fearing negative impacts on water flow into Iran.

Tehran-Taliban Relations:

• Iran had maintained diplomatic ties with the Taliban prior to their capture of Kabul, driven by shared opposition to the presence of US forces. While Iran has not formally recognized the Taliban government, it has pragmatically engaged with the ruling group to protect its interests, including preserving Lake Hamun. However, since the Taliban’s rise to power, repeated clashes along the Iran-Afghanistan border have strained relations.

The Taliban’s Agricultural Agenda and Tehran’s Attention to Sistan-Baluchistan:

• The Taliban prioritizes agricultural development, influencing their approach to water management and distribution.
• Meanwhile, following nationwide protests, including in Sistan-Baluchistan, Iran’s government has shown increased attention to the region due to its disadvantaged status and reliance on Lake Hamun’s water resources. These factors have further exacerbated the water dispute.

Hurdles in the Resolution Process:

• Both Iran and the Taliban exhibit little interest in addressing the mismanagement of water resources and environmental challenges in the region.
• Both parties tend to prioritize short-term solutions and focus on internal issues rather than actively resolving the water dispute. This lack of commitment hinders progress towards a mutually beneficial resolution.

Current Situation in Sistan-Baluchistan:

• Sistan-Baluchistan, located in eastern Iran, is experiencing mounting public anger due to water shortages and other economic and social challenges.
• The region faces severe water scarcity, contributing to hardships in one of Iran’s poorest areas. In an effort to address recent border clashes, Iran and Afghanistan have agreed to establish a commission of inquiry to investigate the incidents.

The Conclusion:

• The water dispute between Iran and Afghanistan over the Helmand River and Lake Hamun remains a pressing issue that threatens regional stability.

As tensions escalate and public anger grows, it is crucial for both parties to prioritize the resolution of the dispute and work towards sustainable water management to mitigate the adverse impacts on agriculture, livelihoods, and the environment in the region.