Water crisis deepens in Iran

An Iranian lawmaker has warned the deepening water crisis in southwestern Iran's Khuzestan province may turn into a security issue if it is not resolved soon.

The remarks came after 230 people were poisoned after drinking polluted water in the province.

"If water shortage continues in Iran's southwestern Khuzestan province, it will turn into a security issue," Ahvaz deputy Jawad Kazem Nasab told the parliament in Tehran, according to the semi-official Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA) Monday.

"The temperature is about 55 degrees [Celsius], there is no water. A security problem is emerging in the cities of Abadan and Khorramshahr in Khuzestan where unemployment merges with unplanned urban regeneration and lack of restoration works," Nasab said.

He added: "People in Khuzestan were patient for eight years during Iran-Iraq war (1980-1988). But they have no more tolerance for mercilessness.

"Sandstorms resulting from drying the reeds are among the biggest problems," he said, adding: "Today's biggest problem is not having enough drinking water.

"Most of the water in Khuzestan is salty."

Speaking to news portal Mizan Online, Ramhormoz county attorney Qasem Nejad on Sunday said 230 people had been poisoned in his county and the Al-Fars region in southwestern Khuzestan province.

Iran is facing drought due to lack of rainfall. People have to buy water from tankers as tap water is high in salt content.

Recently, a protest was held against the water crisis in the cities of Abadan and Khorramshahr in Khuzestan.