Overview
- The national weather service reports rainfall roughly 85–89% below average, with at least 19 reservoirs described as practically dry and major rivers severely depleted.
- State media say aircraft sprayed salts over clouds above the desiccated Lake Urmia, though scientists note cloud seeding’s effectiveness remains disputed and no immediate relief has been reported.
- Authorities have begun rationing and are cutting water overnight in Tehran and other areas, with businesses reporting temporary shutoffs tied to consumption limits.
- President Massud Peseschkian cautioned that Tehran might need to be evacuated if year-end rains fail, a scenario some officials view as unlikely but that underscores the gravity of the crisis.
- Environmental experts and critics blame decades of mismanagement and infrastructure losses, citing leakage rates of 20–35% in Tehran’s network, as public frustration grows and rain prayers are held.