Iran Orders Widespread Government Closures Amid Heatwave Energy Crisis

Iran has ordered the closure of government offices, banks, and public institutions across many provinces to reduce electricity consumption amid a severe heatwave and worsening water crisis straining the power grid. Temperatures have soared above 50 degrees Celsius in southern cities like Abadan, while the capital Tehran experiences frequent power cuts and water shortages due to drought. The country’s energy infrastructure struggles to meet demand, generating about 62,000 megawatts at peak while needing around 80,000 megawatts, leading to scheduled blackouts and calls for conservation. Years of U.S. sanctions and difficulties obtaining repair parts have hindered maintenance and upgrades of the inefficient grid, with nuclear power contributing only a small portion of energy. Authorities have implemented closures and online work arrangements in 17 provinces, with some offices shutting for two consecutive days to cope with the energy crisis. Emergency services remain operational, and officials emphasize these measures aim to manage consumption in the water and electricity sectors during what is described as Iran’s worst drought in a century.