Amir Khan Muttaqi, Acting Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), stated on Sunday that Afghanistan would have kept the flow of water into Iran even in the absence of a formal treaty, citing religious and humanitarian principles.

Speaking at the Tehran Dialogue Forum, Muttaqi emphasized that during times of normal water flow—when there is no drought—available water naturally reaches Iran. He described the act of sharing water as a religious duty, a rewarding act, and sound policy.

He assured the Iranian public that Afghanistan has no hostile intentions concerning water-sharing arrangements.

His comments come amid tensions over the 1973 Helmand River Water Treaty, a bilateral agreement that allocates water from the Helmand River to Iran. In recent years, Iran has expressed concerns that Afghanistan is not releasing sufficient water, particularly during periods of drought. The Islamic Emirate, meanwhile, has cited technical and environmental limitations, including low water levels and climate-related challenges.

Muttaqi highlighted the Islamic Emirate’s broader diplomatic stance, stating that Afghanistan is committed to a balanced, economy-centered foreign policy that prioritizes relations with neighboring countries.

He said that neighboring nations hold a special place in IEA’s foreign policy, adding that over the past four years, IEA has maintained constructive ties not only with neighbors but also with regional countries beyond, particularly in the area of economic cooperation.

Muttaqi also noted that annual trade between Afghanistan and Iran currently stands at approximately $3 billion, underlining the importance of economic collaboration in bilateral relations.

Amir Khan Muttaqi, Acting Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss key issues concerning bilateral relations and the situation of Afghan refugees in Iran.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of Tehran Dialogue Forum.

According to a statement released by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, the two sides engaged in discussions on enhancing cooperation across various sectors and addressing the challenges faced by Afghan refugees residing in Iran.

Pezeshkian described Afghanistan and Iran as “good neighbors” and expressed Iran’s readiness to deepen ties in all areas. He affirmed Iran’s commitment to providing facilities for Afghan refugees.

In response, Minister Muttaqi highlighted the longstanding positive relationship between the two countries and reiterated the importance of close collaboration. He stressed the need to boost bilateral trade, strengthen political engagement, and work together to combat drug trafficking.

Muttaqi also emphasized the importance of ensuring a gradual and structured repatriation process for Afghan refugees, to avoid disruptions to their livelihoods, businesses, and investments.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will travel to China on Monday, where he is expected to hold bilateral talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Earlier on Thursday, an Afghan foreign ministry official also announced that Acting Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi will visit China in coming days.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement Sunday that Dar will hold in-depth discussions with Yi on the evolving regional situation in South Asia and its implications for peace and stability.

“The two sides will also review the entire spectrum of Pakistan-China bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest,” the statement added.