Iran’s Water Bankruptcy
Iran is experiencing a critical state of “water bankruptcy,” where the demand for water significantly surpasses the available renewable supply, as highlighted in a recent report by the Middle East Forum think tank.
The report criticizes Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for establishing a “water mafia” that benefits from environmentally harmful megaprojects, including the Gotvand Dam, one of Iran’s largest dams completed in 2012. This dam was constructed over the Karun River, which is the only navigable river in the country.
The construction of the Gotvand Dam has resulted in devastating ecological consequences, leading to the death of approximately 400,000 palm trees due to increased salinity levels in the Karun River. Analysts from the Middle East Forum describe this situation as transforming the river into a “permanent brine factory.”
The report warns that if current trends continue, Iran could face 1.35 million excess deaths and up to 18 million internal refugees within the next decade.
Water reserves at Tehran’s critical Karaj Dam have decreased by 75% year-over-year, now holding only 28 million cubic meters. Additionally, national electricity shortages have led to widespread blackouts that further hinder water pumping systems.
Gregg Roman, executive director of the Middle East Forum, stated that this report reveals how authoritarian mismanagement can lead to severe degradation of a nation’s ability to sustain life. He emphasized that rather than managing water resources effectively, the Iranian regime has systematically undermined centuries of Persian water management practices for profit.
Winfield Myers, managing editor at the Middle East Forum, pointed out that while countries like Israel and Saudi Arabia are achieving water security through innovative strategies such as desalination and recycling, Iran continues its corrupt practices that have led to this crisis. He criticized a proposed $100 billion capital relocation project as merely an extension of these predatory business models.
The report suggests forming an international consortium focused on water recovery that would bring together expertise from various nations including Israel, Australia, Singapore, and Gulf states. However, it notes that such recovery efforts would necessitate significant political changes within Iran since the current regime relies on corruption perpetuating this crisis.
