Latest News
Iranian official claims IEA admits they should give Iran its water share from Helmand River
Ali Salajegheh, the head of Iran’s department of environment, told reporters on Wednesday that for the first time, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has acknowledged Iran’s water share should be released from the Helmand River.
He said the IEA acknowledged this during the economic delegation’s recent visit to the country.
“Fortunately, during the economic delegation’s visit by the Taliban (IEA) to Iran, we had a meeting, and for the first time, the Taliban accepted that Iran’s water rights should be respected in the Helmand River,” he said.
“For about 180 days, the people of Zabul have been facing problems due to the presence of dust, so we requested the Talabani delegation (Islamic Emirate) release water for the time being to moisten the lake in order to prevent the creation of dust, which was agreed upon, and it was decided to carry out the necessary investigations regarding the water sources of their dams,” said Salajegheh.
Referring to the stabilization of dust spots in Afghanistan, Salajegheh said: “Fortunately, they [IEA] promised that this issue will be reviewed in a comprehensive meeting with the presence of Afghan environmental officials in Tehran.”
On the other hand, the IEA delegation that visited Iran recently has also said that a delegation from Afghanistan’s environment department will travel to Iran in order to prevent dust on the borders of both countries. The spokesman of the Islamic Emirate Zabiullah Mujahid says that there is still a drought and there is not enough water for them to release water to Iran.
Iran and Afghanistan have fought in recent months over the waters of the shared Helmand River, with deaths on both sides.
Matiul Haq Khalis, Director General of Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA), left for Baku on Friday at the head of an official delegation to participate in the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), a major international gathering focused on sustainable urban development and environmental challenges.
The forum, organized by UN-Habitat, is scheduled to take place from May 17 to 22 in the Azerbaijani capital under the theme “Housing for All: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities.”
According to Afghan officials, the delegation will participate in a series of technical meetings and discussions on climate change, environmental protection in urban areas, sustainable development, waste management, green cities, air pollution control and strengthening urban resilience.
The World Urban Forum is regarded as one of the world’s leading platforms on urbanization and environmental policy, bringing together government officials, mayors, international organizations, climate experts and development institutions from across the globe.
On the sidelines of the event, Khalis and accompanying officials are also expected to meet with representatives of international organizations, donor agencies and foreign governments to discuss environmental cooperation, technical support and future joint initiatives.
Afghanistan’s environmental authority described participation in the forum as an important opportunity to expand international engagement, exchange experiences and seek practical solutions to the country’s growing environmental and urban challenges.
The visit comes as Afghanistan faces increasing concerns over climate-related risks, rapid urbanization, air pollution and environmental degradation, issues that officials say require broader regional and international cooperation.
Brad Cooper, the head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), told a U.S. Senate committee on Thursday that Afghanistan remains a major focus for Washington in terms of terrorist activity and regional security threats.
Speaking during a hearing before lawmakers, Cooper said Afghanistan continues to be “on the forefront” of U.S. monitoring efforts regarding militant groups.
“Afghanistan remains on the forefront of what we are watching in terms of terrorist activity,” he told the committee.
The CENTCOM commander added that the United States is working closely with regional partners to contain and suppress potential threats emerging from Afghanistan.
The remarks come as U.S. officials continue to express concerns over the presence of militant groups in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of American forces from the country in 2021.
The Islamic Emirate, however, has denied presence of militant groups in Afghanistan, emphasizing that it will not allow Afghan soil to be used against any other country.
Amir Khan Muttaqi, foreign minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), met on Thursday with Johannes Bruwer, the newly appointed head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and received a copy of his credentials.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that during the meeting, Muttaqi described relations between Afghanistan and the ICRC as historic, congratulated Bruwer on the start of his mission in Afghanistan, wished him success, and assured him of full cooperation in advancing humanitarian efforts.
Muttaqi also praised the services of Katharina Ritz, the outgoing head of the organization, and commended the activities carried out during her mission in Afghanistan. He also wished her success in her future responsibilities.
For his part, Bruwer expressed pleasure over the beginning of his mission in Afghanistan and pledged to continue providing humanitarian services in close coordination with the relevant institutions of the Islamic Emirate during his tenure.
Meanwhile, Ritz thanked the institutions of the Islamic Emirate for their cooperation and support throughout her mission and described her tenure as full of achievements and positive memories.
At the end of the meeting, both sides emphasized the expansion of bilateral cooperation in humanitarian affairs and the strengthening of mutual engagement.
Israel to sue New York Times over article on rape of Palestinian detainees, Netanyahu says
NEPA chief to attend UN urban forum in Azerbaijan
US CENTCOM chief says Afghanistan remains key terrorism concern
Trump says he is losing patience with Iran after talks with China’s Xi
IEA FM receives credentials of new ICRC head in Afghanistan
New Afghanistan-China transport corridor launched via Turkmenistan
Bayat Power extends gas supply deal with Afghan Gas
Germany to launch online visa system for Afghan study and work applicants in Pakistan
Afghanistan moves toward self-sufficiency in car battery production
Airspace transit fees generate revenue for Afghanistan as flight routes shift
Saar: Problems of Afghan refugees in Iran discussed
Tahawol: Donald Trump’s trip to China discussed
Saar: Hopes for easing tensions between Kabul-Islamabad discussed
Tahawol: China’s optimism on Kabul–Islamabad talks discussed
Saar: IEA high-ranking delegation’s visit to Kazan discussed
-
Latest News4 days agoJapan announces MEXT scholarships for Afghan students for 2027 academic year
-
Business5 days agoAfghanistan, Uzbekistan sign 13 trade MoUs worth over $100 million
-
Business2 days agoAfghanistan signs $46 million deal to develop standard laboratory complexes
-
Latest News5 days agoAfghanistan announces over 1,000 education ministry vacancies, prioritises returnees
-
Latest News3 days agoIran allegedly relocates aircraft to Pakistan and Afghanistan amid US strike fears: CBS Reports
-
World5 days agoIsrael built and defended a secret base in Iraq for Iran war, WSJ reports
-
Business4 days agoAriana Afghan Airlines lowers cargo rates on Kabul–Delhi route to boost exports
-
Latest News4 days agoAfghanistan seeks closer trade cooperation with Uzbekistan