Bushehr closes government offices on Wednesday and Khuzestan switches to remote work as heat drives power demand

With the heatwave persisting and electricity consumption rising, two southern Iranian provinces decided on Sunday 2 August 2026 (11 Mordad 1405) how government offices will operate on Wednesday 5 August (14 Mordad).

Fardin Eslami Rad, deputy governor of Bushehr for management and resource development, said the province's offices will be closed on Wednesday 5 August. The decision was taken under a ruling by the provincial working group on optimising energy consumption and with the governor's agreement, with the stated aims of managing energy consumption, providing public comfort and easing the movement of Arbaeen pilgrims. Operational units of service agencies, municipal executive departments, health centres, hospitals, military and police posts and shift workers are exempt, and banking hours will be announced on a rota basis.

The Khuzestan governor's office, citing a red level weather warning, said provincial offices will operate until 11:00 on Monday 3 August (12 Mordad) and that staff will work remotely on Wednesday 5 August. Relief and medical centres, fire services, emergency services, hospitals and municipal services are exempt, and school final examinations will go ahead as scheduled.