Referring to the differences between Iran and the Afghan governing body regarding Iran's water rights over the Helmand River, the Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has stressed that Iran is not satisfied with the Afghan Interim Administration (AIA) on the Helmand River issue.
Kamal Khan Dam is a hydroelectric and irrigation dam project on the Helmand River in southwestern Afghanistan, Chahar Burjak District of Nimruz Province. It is located about 95 km to the southeast of Zaranj.
Helmand river water contract was signed between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Afghanistan on March 13, 1973, and according to it, 850 million cubic meters of Helmand water belongs to Iran annually.
According to Article 5 of the Helmand River Water Treaty, Afghanistan does not claim more water from the river than stated in the treaty, even if it needs more water.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said in a public session of the parliament: "We are not satisfied with the governing body of Afghanistan on the case of Helmand. However, in our conversations with the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, we have repeatedly emphasized in diplomatic negotiations as well as in the media that the Islamic Republic of Iran reserves the right to water the Helmand River."
Referring to the meeting of the Iran-Afghanistan Border Commissioner, Amir-Abdollahian noted: "This meeting was held some time ago, and finally part of the water of Kamal Khan Dam was released."
The Foreign Minister said: "Despite the obstructions by some certian people in Afghanistan, many efforts have been made by the Islamic Republic of Iran."
Amir-Abdollahian also announced Afghanistan's opposition to Iran's offer to dredge the Kamal Khan River.