Mullah Hassan Akhund, the Taliban Prime Minister has assured Iran that the group has no intention of causing harm over water-related issues, according to a statement released by the Taliban on Sunday, 26 January.

During a meeting with Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian Foreign Minister, the Taliban Prime Minister expressed commitment to addressing water disputes amicably. Hamdullah Fitrat, the Taliban’s Deputy Spokesperson, stated that Araghchi emphasised the full implementation of the Helmand Water Treaty as a means to resolve ongoing water-related concerns.

Fitrat quoted the Iranian Foreign Minister as saying, “Iran has no intention of interfering in Afghanistan’s internal affairs and calls for the full implementation of the Helmand Water Treaty.” Araghchi further noted, “Iran’s security and stability are closely tied to Afghanistan’s security and stability.”

The meeting also focused on expanding cooperation between Tehran and the Taliban, with both sides expressing a desire for stronger bilateral ties. The statement highlighted Iran’s continued efforts to repatriate undocumented Afghan refugees as a point of discussion.

Another key topic raised was the treatment of Afghan prisoners in Iranian custody. The Taliban Prime Minister urged Iranian officials to show leniency towards Afghan prisoners, noting, “Sometimes, the execution of Afghans stirs public sentiment. Therefore, they should be treated kindly based on principles of good neighbourliness.”

He also requested that Iran avoid the immediate deportation of Afghan refugees, calling for their repatriation to be carried out “gradually” to allow Afghanistan to manage the process effectively.