Iranian President Warns: Water Crisis Could Force Tehran's Residents to Leave

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a stark warning about the escalating water crisis in the capital, Tehran, suggesting that the situation could reach a point where approximately 15 million residents are forced to leave the city. This is considered one of the most serious official statements to date regarding the deteriorating environmental situation in the country.

In remarks reported by the newspaper "Asr Iran" on Thursday, Pezeshkian emphasized that "the situation is serious, and Tehran already has no water." He added that relocating the capital to another location is now being considered as an emergency solution. Iran is facing a worsening water crisis in more than 20 out of its 31 provinces, with indications that some vital water sources are on the verge of depletion. The official Iranian news agency (IRNA) reported that one of the country's largest water reservoirs could completely dry up within the next four weeks.

Water Reserves at an All-Time Low: Blame on the Previous Government

Official data reveals that water levels have fallen below 10% in seven major reservoirs across Iran, while 80% of reservoirs are nearly empty. These figures increase the likelihood of an environmental and humanitarian catastrophe.

The Iranian president attributed the worsening crisis to a long-lasting drought that has persisted for years, but he also directed sharp criticism at the previous government, accusing it of "ignoring the problem and failing to take appropriate preventive measures."

Climate Experts' Warnings and Pressure on the New Government

Meanwhile, climate experts assert that a return to normal water supply levels over the next two months is unlikely, given the lack of sufficient rainfall at this time of year. The experts believe that any signs of improvement, if they occur, would only begin to appear in the fall.

This crisis comes at a time when Iran is grappling with escalating economic and political challenges, placing additional pressure on Pezeshkian's government at the start of its term and making the water issue a top priority.