Tehran, Iran – Iran has strongly objected to Afghanistan's construction of the Pashdan Dam on the Harirud River, citing concerns over potential environmental damage and disruptions to water supply in downstream areas, particularly the holy city of Mashhad.   

Issa Bozorgzadeh, spokesman for Iran's water industry, stated that the unilateral construction and impoundment of the dam would significantly reduce the natural flow of the Harirud River, a transboundary watercourse. This, he warned, would not only exacerbate existing water scarcity issues but also lead to severe environmental degradation in downstream areas of Iran.

"The reduction in water flow will have a detrimental impact on the drinking water supply for millions of people in Iran, including the holy city of Mashhad," Bozorgzadeh emphasized. "Furthermore, it poses a significant threat to the ecological balance of the region."

Highlighting the historical and cultural interconnectedness between Mashhad and the Afghan city of Herat, Bozorgzadeh stressed the need for collaborative water management. "We believe that all inhabitants of a shared watershed are interconnected," he said. "Imposing any unilateral restrictions or pressures on a portion of the watershed's population will inevitably impact all residents."   

Iran has repeatedly conveyed its concerns to the Afghan government through diplomatic channels, urging joint cooperation to assess and mitigate the potential negative cross-border impacts of the dam. "We advocate for a sustainable development approach that considers the interests of all stakeholders, both upstream and downstream," Bozorgzadeh added.   

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