Water Scarcity and Its Discontents: Conflict, Migration, and Inequality in Iran with a Focus on Urmia and Ahvaz

Iran has had significant water scarcity for more than twenty years, positioning it among the nations with the greatest degrees of water stress. This dire scenario has led to macroeconomic, social, and political issues, such as heightened urban and rural migration, economic instability, and environmental deterioration. The document examines significant occurrences and public demonstrations about water difficulties across various regions of Iran, specifically from the south to the north, up to 2023. The document directs particular attention to the protests related to the desiccation of Lake Urmia and the unrest in Khuzestan, which illustrate the overarching national dilemma. We examine the effects of water shortage on urbanization, agriculture, and public security, highlighting notable regional disparities and the influence of climate change in intensifying the situation. The paper continues by highlighting the imperative for sustainable water management strategies and the acknowledgment of water as a fundamental human right to alleviate future socio-political and economic problems.