By Abbas Nazil
As Tehran faces a deepening water crisis, the Iranian government is considering a temporary closure of schools, universities, and government offices for at least one week, while reintroducing remote work protocols in an urgent effort to reduce water and electricity consumption across the capital.
Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani announced the possible shutdown, warning that the water situation in Tehran has reached a critical stage.
She labeled the crisis a “national problem” and emphasized the need to explore unconventional emergency responses before the situation escalates into a full-scale environmental catastrophe.
According to Iran’s official news agency (IRNA), among the proposed measures is a reduction of the government workweek from five to four days—Saturday through Tuesday—as a way to minimize resource usage.
The return to remote work, reminiscent of COVID-19 measures, is also expected to play a crucial role in curbing daily utility consumption in the densely populated city.
The alarming developments follow a stark warning from President Masoud Pezeshkian, who cautioned that Tehran’s worsening water shortage could eventually displace up to 15 million residents.
In an interview with Asr-e Iran, Pezeshkian stated bluntly, “The situation is critical. Tehran essentially has no water left.”
He further revealed that the relocation of Iran’s capital is now being considered as a serious emergency option, marking one of the most dramatic official acknowledgements of the country’s deteriorating environmental condition to date.
Iran’s water crisis is not limited to Tehran.
Over 20 out of the nation’s 31 provinces are currently experiencing varying degrees of water scarcity.
IRNA reports that one of the country’s largest water reservoirs may be completely depleted within the next four weeks if immediate conservation efforts are not implemented.
The crisis has been fueled by decades of poor water management, over-extraction of groundwater, rapid urbanization, climate change, and prolonged droughts.
Experts warn that unless large-scale infrastructural changes and sustainable water policies are adopted, Iran could face long-term consequences that include mass displacement, agricultural collapse, and economic instability.
While government officials deliberate on emergency measures, citizens have been urged to conserve water at the household level and prepare for possible service interruptions.
Environmental activists and civil society organizations are also calling for increased transparency and public engagement in shaping long-term solutions to the water crisis.
They emphasize that temporary shutdowns and remote work are only stopgap measures and must be followed by deeper reforms, including investment in sustainable water technologies, enforcement of environmental regulations, and regional cooperation on water resource management.
As the capital teeters on the brink of environmental disaster, the coming weeks may determine whether Tehran can adapt and survive, or whether the crisis will force millions to flee a city that can no longer sustain itself.
