The article by Nik Kowsar discusses Iran’s escalating water crisis and the role of the so-called “water mafia,” a corrupt network that enriches itself while mismanaging the nation’s water resources. Despite hopes that sanctions relief could ease the situation, previous experiences show that without profound structural reform, additional funds will worsen the crisis rather than alleviate it.
US President Donald Trump’s remarks on the “water mafia” expose the regime’s failure to address environmental degradation, such as failed megaprojects and overextraction of groundwater, which have led to widespread ecological destruction. Past influxes of cash post-JCPOA did not lead to meaningful reforms but rather accelerated environmental harm.
The article emphasizes the entrenched corruption within Iran’s water governance, dominated by bodies that prioritize profit over sustainability. It highlights the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) control over construction projects related to water management, which has exacerbated the crisis instead of resolving it. Without strict oversight and independent assessments, future investments are likely to further enrich corrupt actors while neglecting environmental safeguards.
Kowsar urges Iran to adopt transparent governance and participatory models from other countries. He emphasizes the necessity for immediate action to halt environmentally harmful projects, promote public transparency, and develop a sustainable national water plan to manage resources effectively. Ultimately, the piece argues that without genuine reform and inclusive decision-making, financial resources will only deepen Iran’s water crisis.
