Investigating the effect of hydropolitics of transboundary rivers on Iran's environmental security

Hydropolitics is the study of the political, economic, social, and environmental aspects of water aimed at promoting the political stability of communities, regional security, economic prosperity, and sustainable environmental development. This study investigated the impact of the hydropolitics of transboundary rivers (Aras, Atrak, and Helmand) on Iran's environmental security. This study employs a descriptive and analytical research methodology. The findings of the hydropolitical analysis of the Aras River basin indicate that the primary factors influencing the hydropolitical dynamics among the basin countries are Turkey's dam constructions, river pollution by Armenia, the economic development strategies of the basin nations, and inadequate management of water resources within the basin. The ramifications of these factors pose a risk to food security and agriculture, jeopardize human health, induce migration, dry up the fertile plains of the region, particularly Moghan, devastate the Arasbaran forests, threaten Iran's national security in the northwest, incite potential conflict and tension among the watershed nations, and diminish the water quality of the river. Iran's sovereign diplomacy toward Atrak, both prior to and following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, was characterized by tolerance and a deliberate avoidance of conflict, resulting in Turkmenistan's increased utilization of Atrak outside the framework of international legal norms. Consequently, Iran ought to adopt a novel strategy regarding Atrak hydropolitics, and both nations should transform potential tensions into collaboration and progress by implementing appropriate solutions. Helmand's hydropolitics affect Iran's security in various political, military, economic, cultural, and especially environmental dimensions, and cooperation in the joint area of Helmand requires paying attention to the approach of environmental security and searching for solutions for joint cooperation between Iran and Afghanistan within the framework of this approach.

Investigating the effect of hydropolitics of transboundary rivers on Iran's environmental security Keywords:

Hydropolitics , Environmental Security , Aras , Atrak , Helmand