Severe Water Crisis in Iran Could Erode Regime Control and Hurt Nuclear Goals, UN Specialist Says

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Iran is currently grappling with what is being called its worst drought in many years. This crisis is raising alarms not just over potential evacuations in Tehran, but it’s also seen as a direct threat to the government’s stability and its nuclear ambitions.

Kaveh Madani, who heads the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health, stated that this escalating crisis is essentially a form of “water bankruptcy,” which undermines Iran’s operational capabilities and its status internationally.

According to Madani, “This state of water bankruptcy diminishes Iran’s position on the global platform.” He added, “If the country aims to uphold its ideological stance against the West, it will need to exploit its natural resources. A lack of water means less resilience and reduced ability to resist. “

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Madani has continuously warned about the significant mismanagement of the environment in Iran, mentioning that the current situation was foreseeable. “The situation of water bankruptcy didn’t emerge out of thin air,” he emphasized. “The danger signals have been around, and experts like me have been sounding alarms about this risk for years.”

President Masoud Pezeshkian voiced concerns that without substantial rainfall before winter, parts of Tehran might have to face evacuation, as reported by The Associated Press.

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Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian addresses the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the U.N. headquarters in New York, U.S., September 24, 2025.
Pezeshkian accused the United States of a “significant betrayal” during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 24, 2025, in New York City. Reuters

Out of the five major dams providing water to the capital, one has already completely dried up, with another’s operation hovering below 8% capacity, according to AP.

Adding to the alarming situation, Energy Minister Abbas Alibadi revealed that residents would experience evening water cuts to replenish reservoirs, urging people to cut their usage by 20% to stave off potential rationing.

Madani stated, “We’re talking about a ‘Day Zero,’ where taps may run dry not only in Tehran but also in other cities that have been shielded from shortages until now.”

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Portrait of Iran-aligned leaders seen in Tehran
In this image, people walk by a large banner featuring the pictures of revered fired leaders from Iranian-relevant armed factions, including Hamas’ Yahya Sinwar, Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah, and Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in central Tehran, Iran, on May 1, 2025. Getty Images

Madani elaborated, stating, “Iran faces this critical water bankruptcy due to decades of mismanagement, exacerbated by ongoing drought and climate change.” He added that the degradation of basic infrastructure could trigger broader unrest.

“When the public lacks access to water and power, significant security issues can arise, which might concern even enemy nations like the U.S. or Israel more than anybody could have wished,” Madani noted.

The specialist cautioned that such a critical situation threatens not just the populace, but also Iran’s energy and nuclear capabilities.

Despite claims from the U.S. suggesting that air strikes have negated Iran’s nuclear quest, fresh intelligence reported by The New York Times indicates that uranium enrichment is still ongoing at a hardened site termed Pickaxe Mountain.

“Should water and power shortages continue, the nuclear program will also face setbacks,” asserted Madani.

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Natanz facility
FILE – This satellite image from Planet Labs PBC depicts the Natanz nuclear facility in Iran captured on May 20, 2025. AP Images

“A lack of rainfall translates to diminished hydropower output, which subsequently leads to both water shortages and power failures,” Madani explained.

The re-imposition of sweeping sanctions by the U.S. on Iran’s oil exports and banking sector, combined with the collapse of the 2015 nuclear agreement, have intensified penalties against the nation.

Madani further shared, “They’re burdened by existing sanctions, reintroduced by the United States and through Security Council actions.”

“Iran operates under a resistance-tactic approach, which consistently ramped up pressures on the ecosystem, natural resources, and water supply, posing remarkable concerns connected to food security and excessive reliance on food imports,” he expounded.

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While a scenario involving the evacuation of Tehran might seem unlikely, Madani stated, “People are tied to their jobs and schools, so change won’t occur overnight. Although the government is hoping for some rainfall, anxiety among the population has already increased.”

Madani concluded, “Iran is notably under pressure, and persisting within this framework leads to increased strain on the natural resources and water supplies that the nation heavily relies on.”

Original article source:Iran’s ‘water bankruptcy’ will weaken regime and nuclear program, UN expert warns

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