Document Type : Original Article
Extended Abstract
1. Introduction
Hydropolitical relations between Iran and Afghanistan—particularly in the Helmand and Harirud river basins—constitute one of the most significant and sensitive geopolitical challenges in eastern Iran. Water scarcity, climate change, the spread of prolonged droughts, rapid population growth, and uneven development on both sides of the border have intensified competition over the exploitation of these increasingly limited and fragile water resources. As the upstream country, Afghanistan has in recent years employed both technical and political tools to strengthen its hydrological position, notably by constructing multiple dams (such as the Kamal Khan Dam and Salma Dam), which have given it effective control over the flow of transboundary waters into Iran. These infrastructural developments have significantly altered the traditional water dynamics in the region. In response, Iran has emphasized diplomatic, legal, and institutional approaches to safeguard its historical and treaty-based water rights, while aiming to prevent further escalation of disputes that could affect regional stability. In this context, a precise understanding of the structural patterns and power asymmetries governing these relations is essential for designing sustainable strategic frameworks and promoting long-term regional cooperation.
2. Materials and Methods
This study adopts a historical-descriptive-analytical approach, allowing for a comprehensive investigation of hydropolitical trends over time. Research data have been gathered through detailed content analysis of historical documents (dating back to the 1930s), bilateral treaties and agreements, international legal frameworks, governmental and non-governmental reports, and reputable scientific and academic sources in the fields of political geography and international water law. To analyze the evolution and nature of hydropolitical relations, the research draws on four key models of interaction that serve as analytical lenses:
In shaping the final analytical structure, trend modeling tools and hydropolitical theoretical frameworks were used to identify patterns, shifts, and inflection points in Iran-Afghanistan water relations. Additionally, a comparative analysis method was applied to examine the characteristics, policy implications, and consequences of each model across the Helmand and Harirud river basins. Special attention was also paid to the role of upstream-downstream power dynamics, climate vulnerability, and institutional resilience in shaping state behavior.
3. Results and Discussion
The findings of this study reveal that hydropolitical relations between Iran and Afghanistan suffer from multiple and longstanding structural and historical tensions rooted in geography, politics, and development disparities. In the Helmand Basin, although historical treaties such as the 1973 Helmand Treaty formally recognize Iran’s water rights and establish water-sharing mechanisms, Afghanistan’s unilateral actions—such as the diversion of water to the Godzareh Depression and the operational management of the Kamal Khan Dam—have reinforced a dominance-based model of interaction that prioritizes control over collaboration. These actions have led to repeated disruptions in water flow to eastern Iran, particularly affecting the ecological stability of the Hamoun wetlands and the livelihoods of local populations.In the Harirud Basin, the construction of the Salma Dam (with external funding and limited trilateral dialogue) and minimal cooperation with Iran and Turkmenistan illustrate a pattern of competition and influence. While Iran has attempted to promote a model based on water diplomacy, regional cooperation, and engagement with international institutions (such as UNESCO and transboundary water governance platforms), the lack of binding enforcement mechanisms, coupled with Afghanistan’s internal political volatility, has significantly limited the effectiveness and sustainability of these efforts.
A SWOT analysis reveals that Iran possesses notable capacities in the fields of regional diplomacy, international law, and multilateral engagement. However, to effectively confront and respond to Afghanistan’s hegemonic or unilateral actions, Iran must redefine its strategic posture and adopt a flexible, multi-layered policy toolkit. This should include technological innovation in water management, increased investment in domestic water resilience, and proactive participation in shaping regional water governance structures.Moreover, the study emphasizes the importance of institutional continuity and legal transparency on both sides of the border. Without consistent state behavior and reliable communication channels, hydropolitical tensions are likely to persist or even escalate during times of environmental stress or political instability.
4. Conclusion
Overall, this study highlights the necessity of shifting away from dominance- and competition-oriented models toward a cooperative and development-centered approach. Such a model should not only protect shared and long-standing interests, but also promote inclusive regional collaboration, efficient and equitable use of transboundary water resources, and the long-term preservation of environmental security in a region already under considerable stress. This transition requires:
• the strengthening of international legal mechanisms for transboundary water rights;
• the active and constructive participation of regional institutions and third-party mediators;
• the implementation of joint environmental and economic development projects between Iran and Afghanistan;
• and the application of modern technologies in water conservation, recycling, and wastewater treatment.
The century-long history of Iran-Afghanistan hydropolitical relations in these two basins underscores that without a binding and enforceable institutional framework, disputes are likely to continue and potentially worsen. Ultimately, it is recommended that domestic and international bodies—including the United Nations, international water law experts, and regional development banks—play a more proactive role as mediators and facilitators in realizing a cooperative water management model, to prevent further escalation of water-related and security-related crises in the region.
5. Acknowledgment & Funding
This article is derived from a PhD dissertation in Political Geography entitled “An Analysis of the Impact of Climate Change on the Hydropolitical Relations between Iran and Afghanistan (Case Study: Helmand and Harirud Basins)” conducted at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. The authors would like to express their sincere appreciation for the valuable support provided by the Vice Presidency for Research and Technology of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in the completion of this study.
6. Conflict of Interest:
The authors hereby declare that in the publication of the article titled "The Process of Hydro-Political Relations between Iran and Afghanistan in the Two Watersheds of Helmand and Harirud," they have fully adhered to publishing ethics, including avoiding plagiarism, research misconduct, data fabrication, and duplicate submission or publication. Furthermore, there are no commercial interests involved, and the authors have not received any payment for presenting their work.
