President Pezeshkian calls for increased efforts to secure Iran’s water share from Afghanistan: Energy minister

Iran and Turkmenistan are entitled to water from the Hari River; however, Afghanistan has built the Salma Dam, and officials must negotiate over the Afghan-India Friendship Dam to ensure Iran receives its rightful share, Abbas Aliabadi said on Tuesday.

Speaking on the sidelines of a ceremony marking the inauguration of 303 MW of renewable energy projects, the launch of 710 MW of new renewable plants, and 100 MW of energy efficiency initiatives, he outlined the current status of transboundary water negotiations.

Aliabadi emphasized that Iran is ready for full cooperation and noted that while extensive negotiations with Afghan authorities have taken place, the country was unable to receive its full allocation last year. He expressed hope that higher rainfall this year would help secure the water share.

The minister also detailed ongoing diplomatic efforts, noting that he has invited Afghan officials to Iran twice and that he is ready to invite them a third time. Aliabadi said that, if necessary, the Iranian authorities are prepared to send a delegation to Afghanistan to follow up directly and seriously./irna