Iranian media believes the Taliban is using water as a tool of leverage. Sometimes, water is discussed in exchange for oil, while at other times, the Taliban aims to gain recognition for its government from Iran. The Iranian government itself is facing scrutiny. Critics argue that previous administrations, especially during the tenure of the late President Ebrahim Raisi, made concessions to the Taliban but failed to take a firm stance on the water issue. The newspaper stated that this leniency has emboldened the Taliban.
Meanwhile, the current Iranian government has adopted a strict approach towards Afghan refugees. Since January 2025, over a million undocumented Afghans have been repatriated. While the Taliban deems this inhumane, Tehran sees it as a pressure tactic. Despite this, relations between the two countries haven’t completely severed. There have also been reports of the Taliban agreeing to hand over some Afghans who worked for the UK to Iran. Thus, amidst the water dispute, both governments are discreetly cooperating in their own interests.