Iran Faces Acute Water Shortage as Rivers and Reservoirs Dry Up

Iran is experiencing an acute water shortage, with rivers and reservoirs having dried up and 80% of the reservoirs nearing empty. This was reported by the German publication Bild.

The government is discussing unconventional measures, including a reduction in the workweek, as well as a temporary halt to the operations of schools, universities, and some state institutions in Tehran. A spokesperson for the government has called the situation a "national issue" that threatens to escalate into a humanitarian disaster.

Water supply restrictions have already been implemented in Tehran and 50 other cities, with outages lasting up to 48 hours. Many Iranians are traveling north to the Caspian Sea, where water is still available. President Masoud Pezeshkian has spoken for the first time about the possibility of relocating the capital, stating, "There is truly no more water in Tehran." The crisis is attributed to years of drought and the priorities of the Islamic regime, which has favored funding armed groups over addressing environmental issues.