Afghanistan/Iran: From Water Treaty to Water Dispute

Oct 14, 2020 | Said Hashmat Sadat and Nasrat Sayed, Lowy Institute
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The Helmand River has been at the centre of a growing dispute between Afghanistan and Iran over water rights and the construction of the Kamal Khan dam. The Iranian government argues that dam construction on the Helmand will cause environmental damage, mainly in its water-stressed south-eastern region bordering Afghanistan. On the other hand, the Afghan government argues that its construction of dams is to ensure water security in consideration of the 1973 water treaty with Iran.