The Taliban and Iran have exchanged heavy gunfire on the Iran – Afghanistan border, sharply escalating rising tensions between the two nations amid a dispute over water rights. The fighting took place near the Kang district of Nimroz in Afghanistan and Iranian province of Sistan and Balochistan, the authorities closed the Milak – Zaranj border post, a major commercial crossing, as the Taliban forces started shooting at the Sasoli checkpoint. Iran has accused Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers of violating a 1973 treaty by restricting the flow of water from the Helmand river to Iran’s parched eastern regions. Iranian border forces fired back toward Afghanistan, which was met with a counter-reaction.

The fighting took place near the Kang district of Nimroz in Afghanistan and Iranian province of Sistan and Balochistan, the authorities closed the Milak – Zaranj border post, a major commercial crossing, as the Taliban forces started shooting at the Sasoli checkpoint.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi warned the Taliban over disregarding Iran’s water rights under the 1973 treaty. The clash comes as Iranian President cautioned Taliban not to violate Iran’s water rights to the Helmand River. Raisi’s remarks represented some of the strongest yet over the long-running concerns about water in Iran.

Iran has raised concerns about Afghanistan’s water management practices, alleging that the construction of dams and diversion projects has caused a significant decrease in the water flow reaching Iranian territories. Iranian farmers and communities near the border have suffered from water shortages, impacting agricultural production and livelihoods.

Iran has accused Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers of violating a 1973 treaty by restricting the flow of water from the Helmand river to Iran’s parched eastern regions.

The disputes over water resources between Iran and Afghanistan have been a subject of bilateral negotiations and diplomatic efforts. The countries have engaged in dialogues to address the concerns and find mutually acceptable solutions. However, finding a comprehensive resolution to these disputes remains challenging due to complex factors, including political, economic, and technical considerations.

Efforts to address the issue have included proposals for joint management of water resources, data sharing, and the implementation of projects aimed at enhancing water efficiency and conservation. Regional organizations and international entities have also been involved in facilitating dialogue and offering technical assistance to promote cooperation between the two countries.

The situation regarding Iran’s water rights and clashes with Afghanistan over water has evolved. Disputes over Water scarcity is a significant concern in many regions of the world, and both Afghanistan and Iran face challenges related to water resources. The issue is compounded by the fact that many rivers and water basins in the region are shared between multiple countries, leading to disputes over water allocation, usage, and infrastructure development.

The Helmand River, which originates in Afghanistan and flows into Iran, is a major source of contention between the two countries. Iran accuses Afghanistan of water mismanagement, including excessive dam construction and water diversion, leading to decreased water flow downstream into Iranian territory. This has had adverse impacts on agriculture, the environment, and livelihoods in Iranian border regions.

Efforts to address water scarcity and related disputes require regional cooperation and coordinated management of shared water resources. Dialogue, negotiation, and the establishment of bilateral or multilateral agreements are essential to finding mutually beneficial solutions. International organizations and forums, such as the United Nations, can also play a role in facilitating discussions and providing technical expertise.

Helmand River, which originates in Afghanistan and flows into Iran, is a major source of contention between the two countries. Iran accuses Afghanistan of water mismanagement, including excessive dam construction and water diversion, leading to decreased water flow downstream into Iranian territory.

Drought has been a problem in Iran for some 30 years, but has worsened over the past decade, according to the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization. The Iran Meteorological Organization says that an estimated 97 percent of the country now faces some level of drought. Iran and Afghanistan share several river basins, including the Helmand River basin, which has been a significant source of contention. Afghanistan, as an upstream country, has constructed dams and irrigation projects along the Helmand River to meet its own water and agricultural needs. This has resulted in reduced water flow downstream into Iran, leading to water scarcity issues and tensions between the two nations.

The border between Afghanistan and Iran stretches for approximately 921 kilometers, and over the years, there have been occasional clashes and tensions between the two countries. The border clashes can also be linked to larger geopolitical dynamics in the region. The porous and challenging terrain, coupled with limited border management infrastructure, makes it difficult to control and secure the border effectively. Additionally, historical and cultural ties between ethnic groups on both sides of the border can influence the dynamics of these conflicts. Efforts to address the border clashes have involved diplomatic engagements, border agreements, joint border patrols, and intelligence sharing. However, achieving long-term stability and cooperation remains a challenge, requiring sustained dialogue and cooperation between Afghanistan and Iran.

The issues of border clashes and water scarcity are complex and multifaceted. They involve historical, political, economic, and environmental factors, and their resolution requires sustained efforts, cooperation, and dialogue between Afghanistan, Iran, and other relevant stakeholders in the region.