Iranian water mafia

A record-breaking combination of heat and humidity last summer translated to an Iranian heat index value of more than 150 degrees, pushing the limits of human survival. Iran is grappling with water bankruptcy, where the consumption of renewable fresh water surpasses that available, leaving limited water reserves relegated to diminishing ground water. Aquifer replenishment is around 20 billion cubic meters, while withdrawal exceeds 51 billion cubic meters annually, resulting in a negative balance of underground fresh water. Amid criticism over the Iranian regime's environmental mismanagement that led to the disappearance of Lake Urmia, the regime is blaming foreigners. Lake Urmia, once the largest in the Middle East, has significantly shrunk over the years due to water mismanagement and climate change. In two decades the lake level has dropped more than 7 meters. (23 feet)

Following the Iran-Iraq war, the country’s development relied on aquifers, dams and hydropower production. Droughts and water shortages have led to soil erosion, desertification, and dust storms. Agriculture is sapping Iran’s surface water, stored in rivers, lakes, wetlands and reservoirs. The agricultural sector accounts for 90% of Iran’s water consumption, largely with practices rooted in tradition, not science.

Lake Oroumieh in March 2010.

Iranian authorities remain adamant about building more dams and redirecting water to address short term shortages. Tehran blames the Taliban, accusing it of violating a 1973 water treaty by restricting flow from the shared Helmand River from Afghanistan into Iran.

Lake Oroumieh in March 2023.