Tehran Shuts Public Toilets Amid Worsening Water Crisis

Authorities in Tehran have closed many public toilets across the city as part of emergency government measures to address Iran’s deepening water crisis, according to local media reports.

The closure, which includes facilities in metro stations, has drawn public criticism. Iran watchdog outlet Didban slammed the government for cutting off access to what it called a basic human need. 

While Tehran's city administration has not officially commented, eyewitnesses confirm that numerous public restrooms are no longer accessible.

There are an estimated 20,000 public toilets in the greater Tehran area, many of which have reportedly been shut down.

Iran is currently facing a growing energy and water shortage, with water cuts lasting up to 48 hours in parts of the capital and at least 50 other cities. 

The crisis has been worsened by long electricity outages that prevent residents from using air conditioning, even as temperatures soar to between 40 and 50 degrees Celsius.

President Masoud Pezeshkian recently warned that the country is on the brink of a severe water shortage. He urged citizens to reduce consumption, warning that excessive use could push Iran into a critical shortage by September or October, according to the Tasnim News Agency.