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

Iran is facing an unprecedented water crisis as a severe heatwave pushes temperatures above 50°C, depleting reservoirs to their lowest levels in a century.

Authorities have declared public holidays and shut down government offices, banks, and businesses in Tehran and other provinces to conserve water and electricity. The crisis has led to widespread power and water outages, fueling public anger and protests in several cities. Officials warn that without immediate action, the country could soon face complete water shortages, with some regions already experiencing silent rationing and being urged to buy water tanks.

The situation is exacerbated by years of mismanagement, drought, and climate change, leaving millions at risk and the government scrambling to negotiate water imports.