Photo: Taliban Defence Ministry

Iran and Taliban agree defence cooperation amid tensions over Helmand River water rights

The Taliban has agreed to cooperate with Iran on defence and border issues, the group’s defence ministry has said.

The announcement came after a two-day visit by an Iranian defence delegation to Kabul and meeting with Taliban officials.

The Taliban’s defence ministry said that the Iranian delegation held meetings with the group’s deputy chief of defence staff, Haji Mali Khan, and representatives from its intelligence directorate, foreign and interior ministry.

The group said that they had agreed on “future cooperation” on mutual issues.

The announcement comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the Taliban over the former’s water rights from Helmand River.

Iran has accused the Taliban of deceit and diversion of Helmand River and warned of “serious consequences” if the group does not adhere to its treaty obligations.