Iran Reports 35 Million People Facing Severe Water Shortages
On May 11, 2026, Iranian water industry officials reported that 35 million people across 11 provinces, including Tehran, are facing critical water shortages. Despite some improvements in dam reserves, rainfall remains significantly below normal. The crisis is exacerbated by the ongoing conflict and economic sanctions, which have disrupted infrastructure maintenance. Authorities have warned that water management must be handled locally to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe as tensions with the West continue to drain resources.