Iran's Rights in Exploitation of Hirmand River from International Law Perspective

Due to its dry geographical condition, Iran is among those countries which always face shortages of water. Also, it has shared water resources with some neighboring countries. Hirmand River originates from the mountains of Afghanistan and has much economic importance for Iran. By building dams on the path of the river and forming illegal channels and diverting the river from its main path, Afghanistan has dried the international lake of Hamoun. In 1973, two countries signed an agreement about the division and use of Hirmand River. But Afghanistan use drought and not being provided some terms of the agreement as the excuse to evade implementation of the treaty. As the result of the United Nation’ attempts, some rules have been established, so that if there was no agreement among parties, they can ensure the interests of countries. These rules are established on the basis of fair exploitation and cooperation of parties. Even if there was not any binding agreements between Iran and Afghanistan, according to international principles and rules, Iran possesses the fair rights in use of Hirmand River and Afghanistan cannot deprive Iran of its own rights by invoking its sovereign rights.