How ‘day zero’ water shortages in Iran are fuelling protests

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 5 min read 100% complete by James MeadwayJanuary 15, 2026 at 12:00 PM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

Iran is facing a severe water crisis, with cities like Mashhad, Tabriz, and Tehran nearing "day zero," where water supply systems fail. Protests erupted over the summer due to water shortages, exacerbated by government inaction and nightly water cuts in the capital. The crisis stems from climate change, with temperatures rising faster than the global average, compounded by decades of water mismanagement under successive governments. The lack of water security, combined with economic woes like austerity measures and currency devaluation, contributed to widespread demonstrations against the government. Evacuation of Tehran, home to 10 million people, was even considered as a drastic measure if rainfall didn't improve by December.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

India 40% Masoud Pezeshkian 50% Chennai 50% Tabriz 60% Mashhad 60% Juan Cole ×260% Islamic Republic ×275% Tehran ×685% Iran ×895%

Keywords

water shortages 100% iran 90% protests 80% drought 70% water management 60% climate change 60% currency crisis 50% government austerity 50% day zero 40%