Iran's water industry spokesman says 12 provinces had below normal rainfall and about 35 million people face water stress

Iran's water industry spokesman said on Sunday, 26 July 2026, that 12 provinces have received less than normal rainfall in the current water year and that about 35 million people remain exposed to low precipitation and drinking water stress.

According to the statement, the national average rainfall reaching normal levels does not mean the drought is over, because precipitation has been unevenly distributed and part of the country still faces a shortfall. He said the situation makes managing water consumption twice as necessary, particularly in cities under drinking water stress and during the hot months of the year.

Water scarcity is an economic variable for Iran's markets, not only an environmental issue. Agriculture is the country's largest water consumer, so restrictions feed through to crop output and food prices. Water intensive industries such as steel, copper, cement and petrochemicals also depend on it, and water limits arriving alongside the summer power shortfall can cut output at these listed industrial producers.