International Law and Management of Shared Water Resources in Eastern and Northeastern Iran

Abstract

Water crises, regardless of the country in which they occur, are considered global crises and easily transcend geographical borders. The water issues and challenges faced by the Islamic Republic of Iran with its eastern and northeastern neighbors are no exception to this crisis. The water crisis in the cities of eastern and northeastern Iran is of particular importance for environmental protection and necessitates the implementation of necessary measures to revive this vital resource. Iran possesses significant transboundary rivers such as the Helmand, Harirud, and Atrak, which are shared with Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan. Therefore, in accordance with the international legal framework for the protection and exploitation of shared water resources in eastern and northeastern Iran, the present study was conducted using a descriptive-analytical method. The research data indicate destructive impacts and environmental damages, among other challenges. The findings of the study show that shared water borders have influenced the environment, economy, culture, politics, and security of Iran, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan. The obstruction of the natural flow of international rivers has inflicted extensive environmental hazards, economic losses, socio-cultural damages, and political-security challenges on the region and the affected countries. The weakening of the region’s natural ecosystems, due to its extensive consequences in various dimensions, has significantly endangered the national security of the affected countries. Managing shared water resources requires international cooperation to prevent conflicts. The legal and political status of shared water resources in eastern and northeastern Iran includes disputes over water rights, environmental pollution, and climate change. By applying the principles of international law, including absolute territorial sovereignty (each country has sovereignty over its own waters), the community of interest doctrine (countries have the right to jointly use international waters), and the principle of limited territorial integrity (usage must not cause harm to neighboring countries), more sustainable management of water resources is possible, ensuring both economic needs are met and the environment is preserved.