Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
Biggest drought in decades a ‘threat to national security’

IRAN is suffering its biggest drought for almost 50 years, with water shortages affecting around 35 million people, the government has announced.

In a statement on Saturday, a Yazd state spokesman said that 350 villages in the province were suffering water shortages as the crisis deepens.

At least 334 cities across the country have been hit by the shortages, according to Energy Minister Reza Ardakanian, who told the Iranian parliament last week that nearly half the country will be affected by the water crisis.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
F Lead: Iran hit by unclaimed air strikes after US finished its attack
Middle East / 10 July 2026
10 July 2026
Girls walking in Tajrish Square, Tehran, this week
Features / 17 June 2026
17 June 2026

The ceasefire may have halted the fighting for now, but years of economic warfare and recent military attacks have left millions of Iranians facing hardship and uncertainty, says Codir’s RUBEN BRETT