Iran on the Brink: Historic Heatwave and Water Crisis Spark Shutdowns and Protests

Iran is facing an unprecedented crisis as a severe heatwave pushes temperatures above 50°C, triggering widespread water and electricity shortages.

Reservoirs supplying Tehran have dropped to their lowest levels in a century, forcing authorities to declare public holidays, shut down government offices, and urge citizens to drastically reduce water use. The crisis has led to rolling blackouts, hazardous air quality, and mounting public anger, with protests erupting in several cities over chronic outages and government inaction. Officials warn that if current trends continue, the country could soon face a complete water shortage with no viable solutions.

The situation is exacerbated by years of mismanagement, drought, and climate change, leaving millions struggling to cope.