What in the World - Why Iran is running out of water

Download Why Iran is running out of water

Iran is facing its worst drought in decades, with rainfall hitting a record low. Several of the reservoirs that supply water to the capital Tehran are almost empty: one of them, the Latian Dam, is currently holding less than 10% of its capacity. The government is encouraging people in Tehran to use less water and putting heavy restrictions on water supplies, especially at night.

But Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has also suggested another solution - relocating the capital.

BBC journalist Ghoncheh Habibiazad outlines these plans and explains what other solutions Iran is using to tackle the problem. We hear from someone living in Tehran about what it’s like living with extreme water shortages. And the BBC’s climate and science correspondent Georgina Rannard explains how climate change is contributing to this drought - and what solutions Iran could use to mitigate water shortages.

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Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Julia Ross-Roy and Chelsea Coates
Editor: Verity Wilde

Published on Thursday, 18th December 2025.

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