Iran does not recognize current Afghan gov, calls for inclusive ruling

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Iran does not recognize the current government in Afghanistan and calls for the formation of an all-inclusive ruling system, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said on Thursday.

His comment came during a meeting with officials of the Foreign Ministry and heads of Iranian diplomatic missions abroad with Sayyed Hassan Khomeini at Imam Khomeini's mausoleum. 

Touching on the recent debate over Iran's share in Helmand River, the top diplomat noted that talks with the Aghan authorities took place, adding that "we believe that according to the 1951 Treaty, a legal route should be followed in this regard."

Helmand River rises from the Hindu Kush Mountains and flows down to the Hamous wetlands located in Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan Provinces.

Earlier this month, a joint meeting between Afghanistan's Ministry of Defense and the Iranian delegation took place to discuss the issue. Taliban then released a statement saying its government is willing to take necessary measures to resolve a dispute with Iran over the water rights in the river.

Political statements would not settle the controversy over Iran's water share, the Foreign Minister stressed, adding that the matter must only be resolved within the legal framework.

Pointing out that both countries share a vast border, he confirmed that "there is no other way but the interaction between the two countries."

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi warned last week that the violation of Iran's water rights could lead to tensions between the two parties, urging Afghanistan to abide by the treaty and "swiftly" supply the country with the share of water. 

Iran's top diplomat stressed that the Taliban is only part of Afghanistan but does not represent all the country's citizens,

"We do not recognize the current ruling body of Afghanistan and we emphasize the necessity of forming an inclusive government in Afghanistan. Moreover, the Taliban is just part of the reality of Afghanistan, not all of it."

Touching upon the condition of Afghan women in Afghanistan, he noted that the Islamic Republic is "unhappy with the deprivation of Afghan women and girls from education and we consider this behavior against the teachings of the Prophet of Islam."

Read more: Iran ready to provide H.E. to Afghan women after Taliban ban

On the nuclear deal, he said, "The JCPOA, for better or worse, has its strengths and weaknesses and is considered to be an international document."

"And our path is towards the removal of sanctions," Amir-Abdollahian added.

Indirect messages between Tehran and Washington on the issue have been taking place for weeks, the Foreign minister revealed.

"Through the foreign ministers of some countries, efforts are being made to conclude the draft text... Good progress has been made and we hope to achieve good results."

Read more: Iran calls for release of frozen Afghan assets