IRNA – Iran water right from Helmad River has always been a part of negotiations with Afghanistan and 16 meetings have been held, said Iranian minister of foreign affairs on Sunday.


'Water right of Iran from Helmand and Heray-Rud rivers have been an issue since the 1973 agreement between the two countries. And after decades of negotiations the agreement reached a conclusion,' said Zarif speaking in the Iranian Parliament.

He also said that after his visit to Afghanistan and visiting Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, the two countries agreed make five committees to organize their relations.

'One of the committees was about water rights, and it has reached a conclusion,' Zarif added.

The Iranian foreign minister underlined that Afghanistan has been committed to respecting Iran's water right from Helmand River, and agreed that the relevant specialized committees be formed; and regarding Hamun Lake, Afghanistan has agreed to provide the necessary water, the Iranian foreign minister said.

According to the 1973 treaty, over past two months, water right of Iran should have been provided, which is different in normal and dry years, but it was not acceptable even for dry years, said the foreign minister.

Zarif also said that his ministry had written two letters to the Afghan Government to protest against it and also summoned Afghanistan's ambassador.

He said there is still one method left and that is retaliation. Iran can take the same strict measures in other issues, but all issues, such as fraternal relations and good neighborliness, should be taken into consideration.