Iran Calls for Action Over Taliban’s Continued Diversion of Helmand River Water

Residents of Sistan and Baluchestan in Iran are demanding action from their government due to continued diversion of water from the Helmand River by the Taliban. Despite assurances from Taliban officials, satellite imagery shows that water flows into Godzareh instead of Iran. This situation persists despite recent rainfall that raised hopes for improved water supply, highlighting ongoing treaty violations.

Residents in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province are expressing deep concern regarding ongoing water shortages due to Afghanistan’s failure to meet its commitments. They are urging President Masoud Pezeshkian and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take urgent action to ensure Iran secures its rightful share of water from the Helmand River, which has been diverted by the Taliban.

Recent satellite imagery has revealed that water continues to be directed from Kamal Khan Dam into the salt flats of Godzareh, despite the Taliban’s assurances that such practices would cease. This is particularly troubling as Taliban officials previously cited drought conditions and low rainfall as reasons for withholding Iran’s entitled water share.

While heavy rainfall and flooding from Afghanistan had initially raised hopes for improved water flow into Iran, the Taliban’s ongoing diversion of water has dashed those expectations. The group continues to cite technical issues and drought as excuses for not complying with the 1973 Hirmand River water treaty, which obliges them to provide Iran with its legally entitled water share.

In summary, the ongoing diversion of water from the Helmand River by the Taliban poses significant challenges for residents in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province. There is a pressing need for decisive action from Iranian authorities to address these violations of the water treaty. The situation remains critical, with calls for adherence to international agreements to ensure proper water distribution.

Original Source: ifpnews.com