## Iran Faces Unprecedented Water Crisis
The lack of precipitation since the beginning of autumn is plunging Iran into an unprecedented water crisis. The overpopulation of the capital, Tehran, and poor management of the resource worsen the situation.
The Kan River dried up on November 9, 2025, west of Tehran, as Iran faces a serious water shortage. | ATTA KENARE/AFP
Iran Faces Century’s Drought and Fears of Water Shortage
Tehran, Iran – A severe drought, described as the worst in decades, is gripping Iran, sparking widespread concern over potential water shortages and their impact on the nation. The Kan River, once a vital waterway west of Tehran, has fully dried up, a stark visual representation of the crisis unfolding across the country.
The prolonged lack of rainfall, coupled with rising temperatures attributed to climate change, has depleted reservoirs and groundwater levels. This has led to restrictions on water usage in many areas, impacting agriculture, industry, and daily life for millions of Iranians.
Farmers are struggling to irrigate their crops, leading to reduced yields and economic hardship.Industries reliant on water are facing production cuts, and urban residents are experiencing intermittent water supply disruptions.
the situation is particularly dire in the southern and western provinces, where the drought has been most severe.Authorities are implementing emergency measures, including water rationing, cloud seeding attempts, and the construction of new desalination plants, but these efforts are struggling to keep pace with the escalating crisis.
Experts warn that the drought coudl exacerbate existing social and economic tensions, perhaps leading to unrest. The government is facing increasing pressure to address the issue effectively and ensure equitable access to water resources for all citizens. The long-term implications of the drought remain uncertain, but it is clear that Iran is facing a meaningful environmental and humanitarian challenge.
In Iran, the drought of the century and the fear of a water shortage are putting the regime under pressure
For months, Iran has been facing a severe drought, described as the worst in 50 years. This situation is causing widespread discontent and putting increasing pressure on the regime.
Several provinces, including Isfahan, Khuzestan and Fars, are particularly affected.Water resources are dwindling, leading to crop failures, livestock deaths and protests. The situation is exacerbated by poor water management, aging infrastructure and the impact of climate change.
A source of tension
Water has become a major source of tension in Iran. In the summer of 2021, protests erupted in Khuzestan province, a region with a large Arab minority, over water shortages and power outages. These protests were met with a violent crackdown by the security forces,resulting in several deaths and arrests.
The drought is also fueling tensions between different regions of the country. Provinces with abundant water resources are accused of diverting water to their own benefit, leaving other regions dry.
Regime under pressure
The Iranian regime is struggling to cope with the drought. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has called for better water management and urged the population to conserve water. However, critics argue that the regime is not doing enough to address the root causes of the problem.
The drought is also exacerbating Iran’s economic problems. Agriculture, a major sector of the Iranian economy, is heavily affected by the water shortage. This is leading to higher food prices and increased unemployment.
A looming crisis
The situation is likely to worsen in the coming years. Climate change is expected to lead to more frequent and severe droughts in Iran. The country’s population is also growing, putting further strain on water resources.
If the regime fails to address the water crisis, it could face further unrest and instability. The drought is not just an environmental problem, but also a political and social one. It is indeed a threat to the regime’s legitimacy and could potentially lead to its downfall.
Cloud Seeding ordered to Combat Lake Urmia’s Decline
Authorities have ordered cloud seeding operations in the Lake Urmia basin to artificially induce rainfall. The salt lake, the largest in the country, is drying up, having lost 70 to 80% of its original surface area since the 1970s, according to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).