Protests erupt in southwest Iran over water shortages
A shortage of drinking water in southwest Iran has resulted in protests and conspiracy theories.
Iran’s southwest region has experienced a shortage of drinking water in the last few days. Residents of the Khuzestan province, particularly in the cities of Khorramshahr and Abadan, have staged protests, with some protests turning violent.
Video clips of clashes between protesters and police were shared online. Deputy Interior Minister Hossein Zolfaghari said that as a result of the clashes in Khorramshahr, 10 police officers and one protester were injured. Contrary to claims on social media, Zolfaghari said there were no deaths.
According to Zolfaghari, one of the protesters was armed, but has not yet been identified. He said the original protesters dispersed once the Khuzestan governor addressed them, but approximately 100 individuals remained and destroyed and set fire to property, which resulted in clashes with the police and the use of tear gas.
Zolfaghari said that two dozen tankers containing water have been sent to the city, and the issue, which was caused by damaged pipes, would be resolved by July 6.
