Iran's Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, said on an unspecified date that water could serve as a basis for cooperation with neighboring countries, emphasizing the critical need to manage transboundary water resources amid escalating regional drought and water scarcity.
Speaking at an international forum, Amir-Abdollahian argued that water issues, if handled deftly, could become a foundation for regional collaboration rather than a cause of conflict. He called on neighboring states to jointly establish dialogue mechanisms and share information on water resources to ensure water security across the region.
Analysts say the Iranian diplomat's statement reflects Tehran's broader efforts to ease tensions with its neighbors, as water concerns become a shared priority for many Middle Eastern nations. Iran relies heavily on rivers that originate outside its borders, and effective water management is seen as key to sustainable development.
The move is also seen as an attempt to boost multilateral cooperation on climate-related issues, particularly as the region faces prolonged droughts and an increasing risk of water shortages.