Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Friday that the country will immediately begin delivering water to Texas farmers, aiming to address a shortfall in its obligations under a long-standing bilateral treaty. The decision comes amid heightened tensions with the United States and recent warnings from former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding potential tariffs.

Speaking at her regular press briefing, Sheinbaum emphasized Mexico’s efforts to meet the terms of the 1944 water-sharing agreement with the United States, which mandates that Mexico deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of water from the Rio Grande every five years. Currently, Mexico has fulfilled less than a third of that requirement, with the treaty cycle set to end in October, according to the International Boundary and Water Commission.

“To support Texas farmers, an immediate release of several million cubic meters of water will be made, contingent on available resources from the Rio Grande,” Sheinbaum stated.

The shortfall has fueled diplomatic friction with the U.S., particularly with Republican lawmakers in Texas who have criticized Mexico for falling behind on its obligations. Former President Trump recently escalated the situation by suggesting possible economic penalties if the issue is not resolved.

President Sheinbaum acknowledged the pressure and confirmed that a proposal had been submitted to U.S. authorities, outlining alternative measures to fulfill the treaty. She also cited severe drought conditions in parts of Mexico as a limiting factor in meeting delivery targets but reaffirmed that Mexico is acting in accordance with the treaty’s provisions based on water availability.

Despite the challenges, Sheinbaum expressed optimism that an agreement would be reached soon and dismissed concerns of prolonged conflict. “It is a fair treaty,” she remarked.

Reports earlier this week indicated that Mexican officials are urgently working on strategies to increase water transfers to the U.S., amid fears the issue could spill over into broader trade discussions.

Efforts to enforce compliance may put the federal government at odds with northern Mexican states, where local authorities have resisted a recent amendment granting federal officials greater control over water resources. The amendment was introduced last year to facilitate treaty compliance but remains contentious among regional stakeholders.