Iran demands Kamal Khan dam redesign for water rights, contradicting Helmand River Accord

Iranian officials have announced that negotiations with representatives of the Taliban administration regarding Iran’s water rights from the Helmand River are ongoing and have entered a new phase. According to IRNA on Thursday, July 25th, 2024, Issa Bozorgzadeh, a spokesperson for Iran’s Water Industry, reported that the Kamal Khan Dam needs to be modified to […]

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Iranian officials have announced that negotiations with representatives of the Taliban administration regarding Iran’s water rights from the Helmand River are ongoing and have entered a new phase.

According to IRNA on Thursday, July 25th, 2024, Issa Bozorgzadeh, a spokesperson for Iran’s Water Industry, reported that the Kamal Khan Dam needs to be modified to ensure Iran’s water rights are met.

Bozorgzadeh emphasized, “Iran’s request is for the Kamal Khan Dam to be re-engineered.” The Iranian negotiating team has presented this demand during their meetings with officials from the de facto authorities.

The Hermand Water Accord, signed in 1973, was intended to allocate water rights from the Helmand River between Afghanistan and Iran. However, the implementation of the accord has faced numerous challenges, leading to ongoing disputes.

Iran has argued that Afghanistan has not fully adhered to the terms of the agreement, which has contributed to water shortages in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan provinces.

This dispute has significant implications for both countries. The Helmand River is a critical water source for Iran’s border provinces and various agricultural activities in Afghanistan.

The continued negotiations highlight the need for a comprehensive solution to manage the river’s resources effectively and equitably.

Both countries face the challenge of balancing their water needs with the requirements of the Hermand Water Accord. The successful resolution of these negotiations is crucial for maintaining regional stability and ensuring sustainable water management practices that benefit both nations.

Afghanistan faces significant challenges in managing its water resources. According to data from the Ministry of Water and Energy of the Republic, the country is unable to utilize more than 20% of its surface water, which flows to neighboring countries, including Iran.

This limitation complicates efforts to meet both domestic needs and international agreements, further straining relations with its neighbors.

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