Iran Faces Catastrophic Water Crisis as Heatwave Forces Capital Shutdown and Sparks Protests

Iran is grappling with an unprecedented water crisis, worsened by a record-breaking heatwave that has pushed temperatures above 50°C and depleted reservoirs to historic lows. Authorities have declared public holidays, shut down government offices in multiple provinces, and urged residents to drastically limit water use as supplies dwindle. Tehran, home to 15 million people, is at risk of running out of water entirely, prompting officials to consider relocating the capital. The crisis, fueled by decades of mismanagement and climate change, has triggered widespread power outages, business closures, and public protests, with some demonstrations met by government crackdowns. Experts warn that without immediate action, millions could be forced to flee the capital, and nationwide water rationing may soon become unavoidable.