Hussain Hazbavi 
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that Tehran is facing a severe water crisis so dire that the city’s 15 million residents may eventually be forced to leave.
Speaking on Thursday to Asr Iran newspaper, Pezeshkian stated, “The situation is critical—Tehran essentially has no water left.” He added that relocating the capital could become a necessary emergency measure.
More than 20 of Iran’s 31 provinces are currently experiencing serious water shortages. According to the state news agency IRNA, one of the country’s largest reservoirs could completely dry up within the next four weeks.
Water levels have already dropped below 10% in seven major reservoirs across the country, and 80% of the nation’s reservoirs are nearly empty.
Climate experts warn that a return to normal water supplies is unlikely over the next two months. Relief may only come later in the year, depending on rainfall. Pezeshkian attributed part of the crisis to years of drought but also criticized the former government for neglecting the issue.
