In recent discussions regarding Iran’s pressing water crisis, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proposed an offer for the Iranian populace to overthrow their government in exchange for water technology assistance from Israel. This aligns with the significant vulnerabilities of the Iranian administration, particularly in resource management. Iran is currently grappling with a multifaceted resource crisis exacerbated by climate change, international sanctions, and governmental mismanagement, manifesting in frequent blackouts even in major urban areas like Tehran.
Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has openly acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating the country faces shortages in water, electricity, and gas. Experts indicate that a prolonged drought, influenced by climate change, coupled with unsustainable agricultural practices and inefficient management, has resulted in severe water shortages. For instance, Tehran experienced only 158 mm of rainfall last year, significantly lower than historical averages, while many reservoirs are alarmingly low, with some holding only a fraction of their capacity.
The rapid deterioration of water resources in Iran has led to severe land subsidence, particularly in cities like Isfahan, where infrastructure is at risk. Overextraction of groundwater for agricultural purposes is a critical issue, with excessive demands on water sources leading to significant environmental challenges, including the near extinction of Lake Urmia, once a major freshwater body.
Efforts to mitigate the crisis have included calls for agricultural reforms aimed at reducing water consumption, as irrigation practices currently utilize a disproportionate amount of water relative to their economic output. Government officials acknowledge the need for a shift in agricultural methods to less water-intensive crops.
As Iran navigates these challenges, it faces international pressures, including sanctions, which complicate its ability to adopt sustainable practices and modernize its water management systems. The potential for structural change exists, with a focus on renewable energy development, although the urgency of addressing the ongoing drought may outpace these efforts.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/sep/21/we-must-change-how-drought-and-overextraction-of-water-has-run-iran-dry