While localized mismanagement and population growth certainly exacerbate the situation, the persistent drought is widely seen as being amplified by the global phenomenon of climate change. Scientific models predict that the Middle East, including Iran, will become increasingly hotter and drier, making these multi-year drought cycles more frequent and intense. This long-term trend necessitates a fundamental shift in Iran's water management philosophy, moving away from relying on rainfall and dam construction towards comprehensive strategies like wastewater recycling, desalinization (particularly in coastal areas), and the widespread adoption of smart, pressurized irrigation techniques to ensure every drop is used as efficiently as possible.
