Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian said on Thursday the water crisis in Tehran may become increasingly dire and the capital's reservoirs might run out of water by the end of the summer.
"In Tehran, if we cannot manage and people do not cooperate in controlling consumption, there won't be any water in reservoirs by September or October,” Pezeshkian said in a speech in the Western city of Zanjan.
The government had previously considered adding an extra day off during the week or introducing long weekends to reduce demand, but ultimately did not pursue those plans.
Iran is currently grappling with water shortages and widespread power outages amid high summer temperatures, while also dealing with recovery efforts following the 12-day war with Israel and its aftermath.
Officials in Tehran blame the country’s worst water crisis in living memory on drought and excessive public consumption.
The US State Department took aim at Tehran over the water crisis on its Persian language account on X on Tuesday, describing it as consequences of corruption and mismanagement.
Pezeshkian said his government would persevere in the face of adversity.
“Since we took over the government, troubles keep pouring in; one ends, another begins. Yet, we stand firm and will stay until the end,” Pezeshkian said.
“Despite these hardships, the enthusiasm sparked among the people is a great asset and must be preserved."
