Insights

Iran was already on the edge of a water crisis when the conflict began Feb. 28, 2026. After five consecutive years of drought and years of unsustainable water use, Iran is moving toward what experts call “water bankruptcy.” Just last year, Tehran came close to running out of water. 

Conflict like the current war in Iran can worsen these water challenges — not only nationally but across the region. Research shows that conflict can amplify existing risks associated with water scarcity and transform them into larger security emergencies that threaten food security, energy and health. WRI water expert Liz Saccoccia explains Iran’s long-running water crisis, how conflict and water crises can reinforce each other, and what it means for the millions of people caught in between.