Taliban Allocates Helmand Water Rights to Poppy Farms; Part of Iranian Territory Under Taliban Control

A former Iranian diplomat states that the Taliban has not provided Iran with its water rights but has cultivated its own lands, including poppy farms. An expert also mentioned that the Taliban has occupied Iranian farmers' lands and does not allow them to farm. Mohsen Rouhi-Sefat, a former Iranian diplomat in Afghanistan, told the newspaper Jomhouri Islami about the Helmand water rights: "Aerial photos show that lands that were previously dry have turned into lush farms along the water source to the Iranian border. Even drugs are being cultivated in these farms. This indicates that they are using all the Helmand water for these farms." He added, "Those in power have a military and security view of all issues, not a civilizational and cultural perspective. Even in those security and military matters, they have incorrect interpretations and calculations; they should have maintained the necessary levers of power against the Taliban to have bargaining power on such days." On the other hand, Pir Mohammad Malazahi, an expert on Afghan issues, told the 'Entekhab' website: "Iran does not have a clear policy towards Afghanistan, and building a border wall in Zabul was a mistake because part of the agricultural lands of Iranian people is on the other side of the wall, and the Taliban believes the border is that wall; therefore, they do not allow Iranian farmers to farm and have seized the lands." He stated that part of Iranian territory has fallen into the hands of the Taliban and added, "The collection of disputes between the Taliban and Iran over water and ideological issues could turn into war under serious conditions." The Bloomberg news network reported on August 7, referring to the intensification of the water crisis in the region and the ongoing disputes between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Taliban group in Afghanistan, that the Taliban is prepared for war and has stationed hundreds of military vehicles and weapons left over from the U.S. presence in Afghanistan in the region, in addition to soldiers and suicide bombers. The water and electricity crisis in Iran; the Deputy: "We will pursue the necessary water rights." Bloomberg: The Taliban uses "suicide bombers" in the water dispute with Iran. The Taliban does not provide Iran with water rights; users: Instead, Venezuela is our "strategic depth." The Foreign Ministry spokesman claimed; initial agreement with the Taliban regarding Helmand water rights. Ashura is here; the representative of the people of Sistan and Baluchestan: We have no water; people are crying out for thirst. Water scarcity in Sistan and Baluchestan; the solution from the parliament representative: We can close the "Taliban embassy." Intensification of the water crisis in small cities; there is no water.