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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Kabul on Sunday, marking the highest-level visit by an Iranian official to Afghanistan since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021. The one-day diplomatic trip aimed to deepen cooperation between the two neighboring countries, particularly on critical issues such as migration, water rights, and border disputes. Araghchi met with Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and the Taliban’s Prime Minister Hassan Akhund during his visit, where both sides expressed a desire to enhance relations despite ongoing tensions.
Expanding Cooperation in Key Areas
The discussions between Iranian and Afghan officials focused on multiple fronts, particularly in the economic and security sectors. According to a statement from Afghanistan’s foreign ministry, the meeting also covered the situation of Afghan migrants in Iran, which has been a growing issue in recent years, as well as contentious water resource management between the two countries.
Araghchi emphasized that Iran and Afghanistan had a longstanding relationship marked by trade, political, and economic cooperation. He expressed hope that the visit would further strengthen these ties, aligning them with the national interests of both countries. “We hope that during this trip we will be able to further expand the ties in the security and economic arenas,” Araghchi said.
In response, Afghan Foreign Minister Muttaqi acknowledged the importance of the visit, expressing optimism that it would help move relations between the two countries into a new phase. He stated that the visit could create the momentum needed to enhance bilateral relations.
Water Disputes and Migration: Key Points of Tension
Despite the diplomatic discussions, the meeting also revealed ongoing tensions between the two nations. One of the most significant issues raised during the talks was the shared water resources, particularly concerning the Helmand and Harirud rivers. Iran has raised concerns about the construction of dams by Afghanistan on these rivers, which provide crucial water to both countries.
Araghchi called for the full implementation of existing bilateral water treaties, emphasizing that cooperation on water and migration issues was crucial for both nations. The Iranian foreign minister also pointed out that these challenges were compounded by the region’s worsening climate change crisis, which has led to droughts affecting both Afghanistan and Iran.
Muttaqi, acknowledging the serious water crisis, stated that the Taliban authorities were committed to ensuring that water was fairly distributed to both sides of the border. He expressed that Afghanistan was making efforts to mitigate the effects of the drought, which has been exacerbated by climate change.
The Migration Crisis: Afghanistan’s Returning Migrants
The issue of Afghan migrants in Iran also took center stage during the talks. Iran has long hosted one of the world’s largest refugee populations, with many Afghans fleeing the prolonged war and insecurity in their home country. Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, the flow of migrants to Iran has surged, creating challenges for both nations.
While Iranian authorities have carried out deportations of illegal migrants, many have accused them of harassment, wrongful deportation, and abuse. Prime Minister Akhund and Foreign Minister Muttaqi discussed the situation, calling for the dignified return of Afghan migrants to their homeland.
In turn, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian defended the government’s handling of the migration situation, asserting that the repatriation process is carried out with respect for the migrants. “We are repatriating illegal nationals to their country in a respectful manner,” he said.
However, tensions have been rising as Iran increasingly tightens its border with Afghanistan. In September, Iranian media reported the construction of a new border wall along 10 kilometers of its eastern border to curb illegal immigration, particularly at the main entry points used by Afghan migrants. The wall is part of broader efforts to fortify the border with barbed wire and water-filled ditches, aimed at countering the smuggling of goods, fuel, and drugs, as well as preventing illegal immigration.
Diplomatic Engagement Despite Strained Relations
Although many countries closed their embassies or downgraded diplomatic relations following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, Iran has maintained active engagement with Afghanistan. Despite not officially recognizing the Taliban government, Iran has continued to foster diplomatic and economic ties with the regime.
Over the years, several Iranian delegations have visited Afghanistan to discuss various issues, including a parliamentary delegation that visited in August 2023 to specifically address water rights concerns.
Despite the challenges, Iran and Afghanistan appear committed to maintaining their relationship, particularly in the areas of trade and security. Araghchi’s visit signals a pragmatic approach by Tehran to engage with Afghanistan under the Taliban’s rule, focusing on areas where cooperation is mutually beneficial.
Looking Ahead: A New Phase of Bilateral Relations?
As Iran and Afghanistan look to strengthen their diplomatic ties, both sides hope that further cooperation can help resolve the issues of migration and water distribution, which have been sources of tension for years. The success of these efforts will depend on how well both nations can manage their differences and build a constructive partnership, especially as the Taliban government seeks international recognition and economic support.
For now, the diplomatic signals coming from Kabul suggest a willingness to engage, and the visit by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi may mark the beginning of a new chapter in Iran-Afghanistan relations, where both sides can work together to tackle the pressing issues of migration, water rights, and regional stability.
