Tehran protests Afghan dam project over water disputes

Iran's foreign ministry on Friday expressed concern over Afghanistan's construction of the Pashdan Dam on the Harirud River, claiming it restricts water flow into Iran and may breach bilateral treaties.

Esmaeil Baqaei, the ministry’s spokesperson, called the dam’s impact a "disproportionate restriction of water entering Iran." He noted Iran's concerns were raised with Afghan officials, urging adherence to bilateral agreements and principles of good neighborliness.

"Exploitation of water resources cannot ignore Iran's rights under treaties and customary principles," Baqaei said in a statement.

Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Abdul Ghani Baradar, described the dam in Herat province as a “vital and strategic project.”

He said last month that water storage had begun, with plans to irrigate 13,000 hectares of farmland and generate two megawatts of electricity.

The Pashdan Dam, nearing completion, is expected to store 54 million cubic meters of water, according to Afghan officials.

Iranian officials argue the dam exacerbates social and environmental issues, including water shortages in Mashhad, Iran's second-largest city and a key religious site.

National water spokesman Issa Bozorgzadeh warned this week of the dam's impact on drinking water supplies in the region.

The Harirud River, also known as the Hari and Tejen, originates in Afghanistan and flows through Turkmenistan, passing along Iran's borders with both nations.

In May 2023, Iran issued a similar warning over Afghanistan's construction of a dam on the Helmand River, which Tehran said violated water rights in Sistan-Baluchistan, a drought-prone province.

Iran now urges Afghanistan to "remove obstacles" hindering water flow and uphold its obligations under bilateral agreements, Baqaei said.