Taliban Agrees to Visit by Iranian Technical Delegation to Kajaki Dam, Says Iranian Official
Kabul24: In a recent interview with an Iranian television program, Hassan Kazemi Qomi, special representative and chargé d’affaires of Iran’s embassy in Afghanistan, stated that the Taliban have agreed to allow Iran’s technical delegation to visit Kajaki Dam. The visit is set to take place in 15 days and will facilitate the laying of groundwork for the release of water.
Verification of Water Reaching Iran
Iran’s special representative for Afghanistan referred to the Taliban’s argument that water cannot reach Iran due to the drought in Kajaki and Kamal Khan dams, stating that this must be verified. He also mentioned that the Taliban are now in agreement with experts visiting the area and that this is a step in the right direction.
Taliban and Iranian Officials Hold Talks on Water Rights
Qomi also noted that the Taliban have confirmed their adherence to the 1351 AH treaty in official notes and in talks and negotiations. During the Taliban’s almost two-year rule, several water summits have been held between the two countries. However, the spokespeople and officials of the caretaker government of the Taliban have not yet issued an official statement about the statements made by the Iranian official.
Tensions Over Water Rights
Tensions between Iran and the Taliban escalated recently over water rights on the Helmand River after Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi raised concerns about securing the country’s water rights.
Iran has accused the Taliban of withholding water rights according to the 1351 treaty, but the Taliban argue that due to severe drought, there is not enough water in the Helmand River to reach Iran.
