Beyond human consumption, the drought is inflicting catastrophic damage on Iran's already fragile environment. The drying up of major wetlands, lakes, and rivers, such as the once-mighty Zayanderud in Isfahan and Lake Urmia in the northwest, is a stark visual testament to the crisis. This environmental collapse leads to a domino effect: the loss of biodiversity, the creation of immense dust and salt storms that threaten air quality and public health, and the permanent alteration of local microclimates. The environmental repercussions of this multi-year drought are deep and long-lasting, turning fertile lands into barren deserts and accelerating desertification across the country.
