Latest news Drought in Iran: President considers water rationing
Iran's president has sounded the alarm in the wake of the nationwide water crisis. If no rain falls by the end of November, water will have to be rationed, Massud Peseshkian said on Thursday, as reported by Iranian state media.
07.11.2025, 11:19
SDA
In the event of an even longer drought, he is considering more drastic measures. "If it still doesn't rain, we will have to evacuate Tehran," he continued.
The news came as a shock to the approximately 15 million inhabitants of the capital. Politicians and authorities have been warning of the consequences of the ongoing drought for months and have called on the population to save money. Tenants of larger residential complexes received dramatic news. "Due to the sharp drop in water pressure and low water reserves, valued residents are asked to save water for their own consumption," one warning read.
Relocation of the capital seems unrealistic to many
Residents of the capital reported new water-saving measures ordered by the authorities. For example, the water was completely turned off in some neighborhoods in the late evening and at night.
Peseschkian had already discussed relocating the capital in the past. In addition to the water crisis, Tehran's residents are also suffering from massive air pollution, rising prices and high rents. However, moving the seat of government and relocating important authorities and companies to other parts of the country seems completely unrealistic to many people in the city of millions.
Experts have been warning of a water crisis for years
Iran is one of the driest countries in the world. In recent years, experts have noted a significant decrease in rainfall, while at the same time periods of drought and other extreme weather events are on the increase.
Experts have been warning for years that agriculture in Iran is suffering from false incentives: instead of adapting to the arid conditions, particularly thirsty crops have been subsidized. Traditional farming methods have been displaced - with fatal long-term consequences for the soil and reserves. Thousands of families have left rural regions. Many are moving to the capital - and are encountering an already overburdened system.
