Pezeshkian said in an official speech, “Limited budgets delayed this decision for many years, but today’s reality forces us to acknowledge that Tehran can no longer tolerate further expansion,” noting that the water crisis in the capital has become “out of control” with the continued unprecedented drought hitting the country.
The Iranian President warned that the deteriorating water situation may push the government to take exceptional measures, pointing out that some areas in Tehran may face the risk of evacuation if rain does not fall during the coming period.
Pezeshkian revealed that the project to transport water from the Gulf to the capital costs approximately “500 thousand tomans per cubic meter,” which is equivalent to about 10 dollars. He wondered: “What economic logic accepts this spending? The map of development in Iran must be radically redrawn.”
The Iranian President called for broader popular participation in confronting the economic and service crises, saying: “It is difficult for me to see people’s suffering and not be able to help them… Solutions will not be achieved without the presence and trust of the people.”
Tehran, with a population of more than 10 million people, is facing a series of accumulated crises that include water scarcity, declining infrastructure, traffic congestion, and pollution, while local reports describe the city’s development approach as “unsustainable.”
