What's happened
As of November 2025, Iran is enduring its worst drought in six decades, with Tehran experiencing its lowest rainfall in a century. Reservoirs supplying Tehran and other major cities are critically depleted, prompting government plans for water rationing and warnings of possible evacuation if rain does not arrive soon. The crisis stems from climate change, mismanagement, and infrastructure damage.
What's behind the headline?
Iran's Water Crisis: A Multifaceted Emergency
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Severity and Scale: Iran is experiencing an unprecedented drought, with Tehran's rainfall at a century low and reservoirs at historic lows. This threatens not only drinking water but also electricity generation, as hydropower capacity declines.
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Underlying Causes: The crisis is not solely due to climate change but also decades of poor water management, including overbuilding dams, illegal wells, and inefficient agricultural practices consuming 80% of freshwater.
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Government Response and Challenges: Authorities have begun rationing water, including periodic night-time shutoffs in Tehran, and warned of possible evacuation if rains fail. However, infrastructure damage from recent conflicts and political mismanagement complicate solutions.
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Social and Economic Impact: Water scarcity is fueling local tensions and protests, with economic hardships like inflation and unemployment worsening public resilience. The crisis threatens urban and rural populations alike, with major cities like Mashhad also facing critical shortages.
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Environmental Consequences: The drying of Lake Urmia and increased dust storms highlight ecological degradation, which further impacts public health and agriculture.
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Outlook: Without substantial rainfall soon, Iran will face severe social, economic, and environmental consequences. Modernizing water use, shifting industrial locations, and improving infrastructure are urgent but politically and economically challenging.
This crisis will shape Iran's domestic stability and regional dynamics, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable water management and climate adaptation strategies.
What the papers say
The New Arab highlights the government's warnings and the unprecedented drought, noting President Masoud Pezeshkian's stark caution about possible evacuation if rain does not come soon. Al Jazeera provides detailed context on the drought's severity, linking it to climate change, mismanagement, and infrastructure damage, quoting experts like Farshid Vahedifard and Kaveh Madani who describe Iran as "water bankrupt." Reuters offers a critical view of government accountability, citing public frustration over mismanagement and the economic strain on citizens, with firsthand accounts of water shortages in Tehran and Mashhad. The Times of Israel and France 24 corroborate the low reservoir levels and government rationing plans, while The Independent and AP News report on the political backlash and skepticism surrounding evacuation plans. The New York Times adds a cultural dimension, noting conspiracy theories about rain cloud diversion and the public's desperate situation. Together, these sources paint a comprehensive picture of a nation grappling with a multifaceted water crisis that threatens its population, economy, and environment.
How we got here
Iran has faced six consecutive years of drought, exacerbated by climate change and decades of water mismanagement. Overuse of water resources, inefficient agriculture, and damaged infrastructure have depleted reservoirs. Tehran, home to over 10 million people, relies on five major dams now at critically low levels, threatening water and energy supplies.
Go deeper
- What are the main causes of Iran's water shortage?
- How is the government managing water rationing in Tehran?
- What are the social and economic impacts of the drought in Iran?
Common question
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Why Is Iran Facing Its Worst Water Crisis in Decades?
Iran is currently experiencing a severe water crisis, with reservoirs at historic lows and the threat of water rationing looming. This crisis is driven by a combination of prolonged drought, mismanagement, and climate change. Many wonder what has led to this situation and what the future holds for Iran's water supply. Below, we explore the key questions about Iran's water crisis and what steps are being taken to address it.
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What’s the Big Picture in Today’s Global News?
With so many major stories unfolding worldwide, it’s natural to wonder how they connect and what they mean for the future. From diplomatic shifts to humanitarian crises, understanding the bigger picture helps us make sense of today’s headlines. Below, we explore key questions about the latest international developments and what to watch for next.
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Why is Iran facing its worst water crisis in decades?
Iran is currently experiencing a severe water crisis, with reservoirs at critically low levels and the threat of evacuations looming. This crisis is driven by a combination of climate change, mismanagement, and overexploitation of water resources. Many are wondering what caused this crisis, how authorities are responding, and what the future holds for Iran’s water supply. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about this urgent situation.
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Why Are Countries Facing Energy, Water, and Climate Crises Today?
Across the globe, nations are grappling with urgent crises in energy, water, and climate. From Ukraine's energy scandal to Iran's severe drought, these issues threaten stability and future sustainability. Curious about what's driving these emergencies and how countries are responding? Below, we explore the key questions shaping today's environmental and geopolitical landscape.
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What Are the Latest Major Cases in Financial Crime and Cybercrime?
Recent headlines reveal a surge in high-profile financial crimes, cyber fraud, and legal rulings that are shaping the global financial landscape. From record Bitcoin seizures to severe water crises and urban violence, these stories raise important questions about law enforcement, economic stability, and societal impacts. Below, we explore some of the most pressing questions related to these developments and what they mean for the world today.
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Why Is Iran Facing Its Worst Water Shortage in Decades?
Iran is currently experiencing a severe water crisis, with reservoirs at historic lows and the government warning of potential evacuations. This crisis is driven by a combination of climate change, mismanagement, and infrastructure issues. Many are asking: what caused this crisis, and what does it mean for Iran's future? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding Iran's water shortage and its broader implications.
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Why Is Iran Facing Its Worst Water Crisis in Decades?
Iran is currently experiencing a severe water crisis, the worst in over sixty years. Drought, climate change, and mismanagement have all played a role in depleting reservoirs and threatening daily life. Curious about what’s causing this crisis and what it means for Iran’s future? Below, we answer common questions about Iran’s water shortages and their broader implications.
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Why is Iran facing its worst drought in 60 years?
Iran is currently experiencing its most severe drought in six decades, leading to critical water shortages across the country. This crisis is driven by a combination of climate change, mismanagement, and infrastructure issues. Many residents and experts are concerned about the future of Iran's water supply and the potential consequences if the situation worsens. Below, we explore the causes, impacts, and possible solutions to Iran's historic water crisis.
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How Is Climate Change Causing Water Shortages Worldwide?
Climate change is significantly impacting global water resources, leading to shortages in many regions. Rising temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and increased evaporation rates are depleting water supplies faster than they can be replenished. This has serious implications for agriculture, drinking water, and ecosystems. Curious about which countries are most affected and what can be done to prevent future crises? Keep reading to find out.
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What caused Iran's water crisis and how can it be fixed?
Iran is currently facing its worst water crisis in decades, with severe drought, infrastructure failures, and mismanagement playing key roles. Many wonder what led to this situation and what can be done to prevent similar crises elsewhere. Below, we explore the main causes, potential solutions, and lessons from Iran's water emergency.
More on these topics
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Masoud Pezeshkian is an Iranian heart surgeon and reformist politician of Azerbaijani and Kurdish descent who is currently President-elect of Iran.
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Tehran is the capital of Iran and Tehran Province. With a population of around 8.7 million in the city and 15 million in the larger metropolitan area of Greater Tehran, Tehran is the most populous city in Iran and Western Asia, and has the third-largest m
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Iran, also called Persia, and officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered to the northwest by Armenia and Azerbaijan, to the north by the Caspian Sea, to the northeast by Turkmenistan, to the east by Afghanistan a
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Kaveh Madani is a scientist, activist, and former Iranian politician. He previously served as the Deputy Head of Iran's Department of Environment. He also served as the Vice President of the United Nations Environmental Assembly Bureau from 2017 to 2018.