Iran Smog alert in Tehran: environmental authority issues warning
In view of the drastic air pollution in Tehran, the capital's environmental authority has issued a warning.
23.11.2025, 01:47
SDA
The air quality index is currently at the critical level of 160, which means that the air is classified as heavily polluted for all population groups and particularly dangerous for the elderly.
A crisis meeting was held at the Ministry of Health, as the pollution is expected to continue, as reported by the web portal of the daily newspaper Shargh. According to ministry statistics, over 58,000 people died last year as a result of air pollution.
The main cause of the poor air quality is the millions of cars in the city. As there is a lack of public transportation, many Tehran residents have no alternative to their own car. In addition, the price of petrol - at 15 to 20 cents per liter - is low, as is the quality.
The situation is exacerbated in winter and summer in particular, when energy consumption increases due to heating and air conditioning. Many Iranians criticize the burning of heavy fuel oil in the power plants, which leads to high levels of pollution.
In addition to air pollution, residents are suffering from a water crisis
On days with particularly high levels of air pollution, the government is forced to close schools and universities. There are currently even discussions about closing banks and other authorities. At least 15 million people live in the Iranian capital, with the number rising to almost 19 million during the day due to commuters.
In addition to air pollution, the city's inhabitants are also suffering from a nationwide water crisis due to prolonged drought. Only recently, Iran's President Massud Peseschkian announced that water would have to be rationed if no rain fell before the end of November. In the event of an even longer drought, he also considered further drastic measures. "If it still doesn't rain, we will have to evacuate Tehran," he said.
