Iran is facing one of its worst droughts in recorded history, escalating into a severe national crisis throughout 2025. Rainfall during the 2024-25 season was about 45% below the long-term average, and nineteen provinces are experiencing significant drought—some with up to 77% less rainfall than normal. Reservoirs and lakes, such as the once-massive Lake Urmia, have dried up, leaving vast salt flats and causing farmers to report the complete loss of rivers, lakes, and wells in their regions.[1][2]
Water storage in key dams around the country has dropped dramatically. In early 2025, Tehran’s main reservoirs held only about 13-14% of their total capacity, with the crucial Lar Dam nearly empty (just 1% full), and the Karaj Dam at 6-7% capacity. The national inflow to reservoirs fell by 28% compared to last year, and the Amir Kabir (Karaj) Dam lost more than two-thirds of its water in just one year. Tehran, home to nearly 20 million people, is at particular risk: officials have warned that unless consumption is dramatically reduced, the capital could run out of water within weeks. Water rationing measures have already been implemented, with authorities enforcing 12-hour cutoffs for the city’s highest-use households.[3][4][2][5][6]
The drought is compounded by excessive groundwater withdrawal, government mismanagement, and inefficient infrastructure. Over-extraction from aquifers has led to land subsidence—some urban areas are sinking as much as 30 cm per year. As much as 66% of Iran’s wetlands have become sources of dust storms, worsening air quality and reducing agricultural output further.[2][5]
The crisis is having knock-on effects on energy generation, agriculture, public health, and daily life. In July and August 2025, the government ordered the closure of offices in Tehran and more than 20 other cities to conserve water and electricity. Protest activity is growing alongside public frustration, with many blaming decades of poor management and climate inaction for the emergency. Some officials have suggested people “go on vacation” to reduce usage, and there are ongoing talks to import water from neighboring countries.[7][8][6]
In summary, Iran’s drought in 2025 has reached critical levels, with Tehran and other major cities at risk of imminent water shortages. The situation is described by experts as “water bankruptcy,” with both natural and man-made factors driving the crisis and no quick fixes in sight.[9][10]
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- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_scarcity_in_Iran
- https://globalvoices.org/2025/08/10/as-summer-temperatures-soar-irans-water-crisis-worsens/
- https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/26/world/middleeast/iran-water-crisis-drought.html
- https://www.newsweek.com/iran-tehran-water-crisis-satellite-image-2112832
- https://www.iranintl.com/en/202508126054
- https://www.theglobalist.com/iran-water-scarcity-heatwaves-drought-climate-change/
- https://www.newsweek.com/iran-water-crisis-lake-urmia-energy-2116203
- https://www.ncr-iran.org/en/news/economy/why-iran-is-running-out-of-water-power-and-patience/
- https://www.npr.org/2025/08/18/nx-s1-5506266/a-devastating-drought-in-iran
- https://www.northernpublicradio.org/2025-08-17/iranian-officials-warn-tehran-could-run-out-of-water-in-weeks-amidst-massive-drought
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