Drought in Iran Reaches Critical Level and Threatens Tehran

Iran has entered a critical stage of a water crisis affecting the capital and a significant part of the country. According to government agencies, the water levels in Tehran’s main reservoirs have dropped below five percent, the lowest figure in recent decades. Nationwide, the situation is also alarming, as water reserves in reservoirs across the country amount to around ten percent. This autumn has been the driest in fifty years, with rainfall reaching only one-tenth of typical levels, worsening conditions in regions already struggling with water supply issues. As water reserves rapidly decline, authorities are implementing blackout schedules affecting both residential areas and businesses. Tehran residents report long lines at mobile tanker trucks distributing water. Certain districts have introduced restrictions on the use of municipal resources. Existing cloud-seeding capacities have been used for several months, but their effectiveness has been insufficient to change the situation. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that if significant winter rains do not fall, a temporary evacuation of part of the capital’s population may become necessary. According to him, this concerns roughly ten million people living in the most vulnerable districts. This statement reflects the scale of the challenge facing the country, as the capital is not only the largest city but also a key economic and administrative center. The decline in water levels affects the operation of hydroelectric power plants that supply part of the nation’s electricity. Amid shrinking water resources, disruptions in electricity generation have been observed, placing pressure on industry. Businesses report the need to reduce production volumes due to restrictions related to water consumption and power supply. Agriculture is also facing difficulties. In several regions, conditions for growing crops have deteriorated as access to irrigation resources has significantly diminished. Farmers report reduced yields, which may affect the domestic food market. Analysts warn of the likelihood of rising prices for certain categories of goods if current conditions persist. The causes of the water crisis are being considered comprehensively. One of the main factors is prolonged drought, which has lasted several consecutive years. Climate change is noted to have exacerbated the shortage of rainfall in the central and southern regions of the country. Additionally, government agencies point to the depletion of groundwater supplies. Their intensive extraction over decades has caused groundwater levels to fall, limiting the potential for stabilizing the water supply system. Another key factor is the system of dams built in previous decades to regulate water flows. In some cases, their operation has proven insufficient for current climate conditions. Specialists also note that weak oversight over resource use in agriculture and industry contributed to the accelerated depletion of reserves. Authorities are now taking measures to monitor the situation. Water resources are being redistributed between regions, and inspections of reservoir conditions and infrastructure are ongoing. The government is considering additional measures aimed at conserving water and supporting the most vulnerable areas. Recommendations for reducing household consumption are being introduced for the population. Amid the continuing shortage, Iran continues assessing the consequences of current climatic conditions. Preliminary government forecasts indicate the need for long-term water management programs.

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