Iran's atomic energy agency said on Saturday (December 3) the nation has started the construction of a new nuclear plant in the southwestern province of Khuzestan.&nbsp;

In a televised remark, Mohammad Eslami, who is the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, announced that the construction has been started.&nbsp;

The announcement regarding the construction of a 300-megawatt Karun power plant in the Darkhovin district of Khuzestan came when the United Nations nuclear chief said that Iran ties are needed to get back on track.&nbsp;

Eslami added that the construction of the plant will take around seven years. He further mentioned that project is expected to cost between $1.5 billion and $2 billion.&nbsp;

He said that the power plant was "first set to be constructed by a French company." However, the company refused and backed out of its "commitments" after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.&nbsp;

He said: "Later, other countries avoided cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran, because of the sanctions."&nbsp;

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Meanwhile, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said on Friday that Iran appears to be at odds with the UN nuclear watchdog over information it should be provided regarding its atomic programme.&nbsp;

Rafael Grossi told a conference in Rome, "We don't seem to be seeing eye-to-eye with Iran over their obligations to the IAEA. We need to put our relationship back on track."&nbsp;

He also raised concerns over a recent announcement by Tehran that it was boosting its enrichment capacity.&nbsp;

The nuclear deal was signed in 2015 and Iran agreed to a pact with six major powers to limit its nuclear program. It was harder for Iran to obtain a weapon in return for relief from economic sanctions.&nbsp;

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But former US President Donald Trump reneged on the deal in 2018 and reimposed harsh sanctions on Iran. Trump's decision led Tehran to start violating the agreement's nuclear limits about a year later.&nbsp;

As part of the deal, restrictions aimed at preventing Iran from covertly developing a nuclear weapon. But Tehran has repeatedly denied that it seeks to develop an atomic bomb.&nbsp;

However, after the deal crumbled, Iran has since reopened its Fordo plant. Last month Tehran said it had begun producing uranium enriched to 60 per cent there.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Iran's atomic energy agency said on Saturday (December 3) the nation has started the construction of a new nuclear plant in the southwestern province of Khuzestan.

Iran's atomic energy agency said on Saturday (December 3) the nation has started the construction of a new nuclear plant in the southwestern province of Khuzestan. In a televised remark, Mohammad Eslami, who is the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, announced that the construction has been started. The announcement regarding the construction of a 300-megawatt Karun power plant in the Darkhovin district of Khuzestan came when the United Nations nuclear chief said that Iran ties are needed to get back on track. Eslami added that the construction of the plant will take around seven years. He further mentioned that project is expected to cost between $1.5 billion and $2 billion. He said that the power plant was "first set to be constructed by a French company." However, the company refused and backed out of its "commitments" after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. He said: "Later, other countries avoided cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran, because of the sanctions." ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow says Vladimir Putin will visit east Ukraine 'in due time' Meanwhile, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said on Friday that Iran appears to be at odds with the UN nuclear watchdog over information it should be provided regarding its atomic programme. Rafael Grossi told a conference in Rome, "We don't seem to be seeing eye-to-eye with Iran over their obligations to the IAEA. We need to put our relationship back on track." He also raised concerns over a recent announcement by Tehran that it was boosting its enrichment capacity. The nuclear deal was signed in 2015 and Iran agreed to a pact with six major powers to limit its nuclear program. It was harder for Iran to obtain a weapon in return for relief from economic sanctions. ALSO READ | G7 and Australia follow EU, agree to $60 a barrel price cap on Russian crude oil But former US President Donald Trump reneged on the deal in 2018 and reimposed harsh sanctions on Iran. Trump's decision led Tehran to start violating the agreement's nuclear limits about a year later. As part of the deal, restrictions aimed at preventing Iran from covertly developing a nuclear weapon. But Tehran has repeatedly denied that it seeks to develop an atomic bomb. However, after the deal crumbled, Iran has since reopened its Fordo plant. Last month Tehran said it had begun producing uranium enriched to 60 per cent there. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iran starts construction of new nuclear power plant in the southwestern province of Khuzestan

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali&nbsp;Khamenei has said that people cannot be blamed for expressing their displeasure after&nbsp;Iranians protesting over water shortages.

Asking&nbsp;officials to deal with the water problem,&nbsp;Khamenei&nbsp;said, ''we cannot really blame the people because the issue of water is not a small one especially in Khuzestan's hot climate.''

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Khuzestan is&nbsp;Iran's main oil-producing region and one of its wealthiest but has been gripped by drought since March, triggering protests in several towns and cities over the past week.

However,&nbsp;Khamenei warned residents of the drought-hit southwest&nbsp;not to give ammunition to the enemy after a week of protests that has seen at least three deaths.

Iranian media and officials have said at least three people have been killed, including a police officer and a protester, accusing "opportunists" and "rioters" of shooting at protesters and security forces.

But Amnesty International said Friday it had confirmed the deaths of at least eight protesters and bystanders, including a teenage boy, as the authorities resorted to live ammunition in a bid to quell the protests.

President Hassan Rouhani said in a televised speech on Thursday that the people have "the right to speak, express themselves, protest and even take to the streets, within the framework of the regulations".

Admiral Ali Shamkhani, secretary general of the Supreme National Security Council, said "the security forces had been ordered to immediately release those detained during the recent incidents in Khuzestan, who had not have committed a criminal act".

Khuzestan is home to a large Arab minority, and its people regularly complain of being marginalised by the authorities.

In 2019, the province was a hotspot of anti-government protests that also shook other areas of&nbsp;Iran.

(With inputs from agencies)

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said that people cannot be blamed for expressing their displeasure after Iranians protesting over water shortages. Asking officials to deal with the water problem, Khamenei said, ''we cannot really blame the people because the issue of water is not a small one especially in Khuzestan's hot climate.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said that people cannot be blamed for expressing their displeasure after Iranians protesting over water shortages. Asking officials to deal with the water problem, Khamenei said, ''we cannot really blame the people because the issue of water is not a small one especially in Khuzestan's hot climate.'' Khuzestan is Iran's main oil-producing region and one of its wealthiest but has been gripped by drought since March, triggering protests in several towns and cities over the past week. However, Khamenei warned residents of the drought-hit southwest not to give ammunition to the enemy after a week of protests that has seen at least three deaths. Iranian media and officials have said at least three people have been killed, including a police officer and a protester, accusing "opportunists" and "rioters" of shooting at protesters and security forces. But Amnesty International said Friday it had confirmed the deaths of at least eight protesters and bystanders, including a teenage boy, as the authorities resorted to live ammunition in a bid to quell the protests. President Hassan Rouhani said in a televised speech on Thursday that the people have "the right to speak, express themselves, protest and even take to the streets, within the framework of the regulations". Admiral Ali Shamkhani, secretary general of the Supreme National Security Council, said "the security forces had been ordered to immediately release those detained during the recent incidents in Khuzestan, who had not have committed a criminal act". Khuzestan is home to a large Arab minority, and its people regularly complain of being marginalised by the authorities. In 2019, the province was a hotspot of anti-government protests that also shook other areas of Iran. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran: Supreme Leader Khamenei says water crisis protesters cannot be blamed

Three people including a police officer were reportedly killed as&nbsp;protests erupted in Iran's southwestern province of Khuzestan over water shortages.

There were reports of anti-government protests in Tehran&nbsp;as the country faces the worst drought in 50 years accelerating&nbsp;the water crisis with the economy already hit by US sanctions and the coronavirus pandemic.

Reports said the protests have been going on for the past six days amid reports of Internet slowdown and backouts in the country.

Last week Iran's state media had reported a protester was shot in Shadegan town with protests taking place in other parts including in Ahvaz, Hamidiyeh, Izeh and&nbsp;Mahshahr.

The country's social media has witnessed heightened activity over the water crisis with #KhuzestanIsThirsty and #KhuzestanHasNoWater trending on various platforms.

Khuzestan has been hit with persistent drought leading to protests in towns since last week. Two years ago the province was hit by mass anti-government protests.

The country has faced repeated droughts in the last 10 years with severe situation in the south.

Reports had claimed the government had sent a delegation comprising of ministers to Khuzestan to tackle the water shortage&nbsp;problem last week amid protests.

Local media had reported last week a youth was shot during the second night of protests during a rally as rioters reportedly shot in the air which allegedly hit the protester even as people chanted slogans against the government.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Three people including a police officer were reportedly killed as protests erupted in Iran's southwestern province of Khuzestan over water shortages. There were reports of anti-government protests in Tehran as the country faces the worst drought in 50 years accelerating the water crisis with the economy already hit by US sanctions and the coronavirus pandemic.

Three people including a police officer were reportedly killed as protests erupted in Iran's southwestern province of Khuzestan over water shortages. There were reports of anti-government protests in Tehran as the country faces the worst drought in 50 years accelerating the water crisis with the economy already hit by US sanctions and the coronavirus pandemic. Reports said the protests have been going on for the past six days amid reports of Internet slowdown and backouts in the country. Last week Iran's state media had reported a protester was shot in Shadegan town with protests taking place in other parts including in Ahvaz, Hamidiyeh, Izeh and Mahshahr. The country's social media has witnessed heightened activity over the water crisis with #KhuzestanIsThirsty and #KhuzestanHasNoWater trending on various platforms. Khuzestan has been hit with persistent drought leading to protests in towns since last week. Two years ago the province was hit by mass anti-government protests. The country has faced repeated droughts in the last 10 years with severe situation in the south. Reports had claimed the government had sent a delegation comprising of ministers to Khuzestan to tackle the water shortage problem last week amid protests. Local media had reported last week a youth was shot during the second night of protests during a rally as rioters reportedly shot in the air which allegedly hit the protester even as people chanted slogans against the government. (With inputs from Agencies)

Protests erupt in Iran over water crisis; at least three killed

A demonstrator was shot dead during&nbsp;protests&nbsp;against&nbsp;water&nbsp;shortages in drought-hit Khuzestan in southwestern&nbsp;Iran,&nbsp;state&nbsp;media&nbsp;reported Saturday, with an official blaming the death on "opportunists and rioters".

The demonstrator was&nbsp;killed&nbsp;in the Khuzestan province town of Shadegan, the official IRNA news agency said.

The province is&nbsp;Iran's main oil-producing region and one of its wealthiest, but it has been hit by a persistent drought that has led to tensions since late March.

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"Last night (Friday), a number of Shadegan's people had gathered to protest&nbsp;water&nbsp;shortages due to the drought, during which opportunists and rioters shot dead one of the demonstrators," the county's acting governor, Omid Sabripour, told IRNA.

Sabripour said the perpetrators "sought to agitate the people by shooting in the air", and a "young Shadegan resident" was shot in the process.

In separate comments to the ISNA news agency, Sabripour said&nbsp;the shooting was directed at both the demonstrators and security forces.

He added that the victim was a "30-year-old passer-by" and that those responsible were identified.

Some were arrested on Friday night, with a manhunt launched for the others.

Iran&nbsp;has endured repeated droughts over the past&nbsp;decade, particularly in the south.

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Earlier this month, President Hassan Rouhani said the drought was "unprecedented", with average rainfall down 52 per cent compared to the previous year.

The Islamic republic has also experienced regular floods in recent years, made worse when torrential rain falls on sun-baked earth.

In other parts of the country, floods over the past three days have&nbsp;killed&nbsp;at least four people, with two others missing, Iranian Red Crescent Society spokesman Mohammad-Hassan Qosian told IRNA on Saturday.

Another person was&nbsp;killed&nbsp;by lightning.

'Insecurity'&nbsp;

Khuzestan's governor on Friday dismissed videos of&nbsp;protests&nbsp;as false.

"Some seek to agitate the people and publish fake videos," Qasem Soleimani-Dashtaki told IRNA.

Videos on social&nbsp;media&nbsp;apparently showed&nbsp;protests&nbsp;in several Khuzestan towns, including Susangerd, Mahshahr and Hamidiyeh as well as Shadegan.

Farsi-language&nbsp;media&nbsp;based abroad said security forces had cracked down on protesters demonstrating against severe&nbsp;water&nbsp;shortages&nbsp;on Thursday, but domestic&nbsp;media&nbsp;played down the reports.

Khuzestan MP Abdollah Izadpanah warned on Friday that "Khuzestan's insecurity means a lack of security for the whole country."

He blamed the&nbsp;water&nbsp;shortages on "mistakes and unjustified decisions" such as the extraction of&nbsp;water&nbsp;from Khuzestan's rivers to other provinces, ISNA reported.

On Friday, the government sent a delegation to Khuzestan to address the problem.

This month, rolling blackouts began in the capital Tehran and several other large cities, which officials blamed on the impact of the drought on hydroelectric power generation, as well as surging demand.

Power cuts in the peak summer months are not uncommon in&nbsp;Iran, but the ongoing drought has intensified the situation.

Khuzestan is home to a largely Sunni Arab minority, which has frequently complained of marginalisation in mainly Shiite&nbsp;Iran.

In 2019, the province was a hotspot of anti-government&nbsp;protests&nbsp;that had shaken other areas of the Islamic republic.

Over the years, blistering summer heatwaves and seasonal sandstorms blowing in from Saudi Arabia and neighbouring Iraq have dried up Khuzestan's once-fertile plains.

Scientists say climate change amplifies droughts, and their intensity and frequency, in turn, threaten food security.

A demonstrator was shot dead during protests against water shortages in drought-hit Khuzestan in southwestern Iran, state media reported Saturday, with an official blaming the death on "opportunists and rioters".

A demonstrator was shot dead during protests against water shortages in drought-hit Khuzestan in southwestern Iran, state media reported Saturday, with an official blaming the death on "opportunists and rioters". The demonstrator was killed in the Khuzestan province town of Shadegan, the official IRNA news agency said. The province is Iran's main oil-producing region and one of its wealthiest, but it has been hit by a persistent drought that has led to tensions since late March. Also read | Iran President Hassan Rouhani issues rare apology for power cuts "Last night (Friday), a number of Shadegan's people had gathered to protest water shortages due to the drought, during which opportunists and rioters shot dead one of the demonstrators," the county's acting governor, Omid Sabripour, told IRNA. Sabripour said the perpetrators "sought to agitate the people by shooting in the air", and a "young Shadegan resident" was shot in the process. In separate comments to the ISNA news agency, Sabripour said the shooting was directed at both the demonstrators and security forces. He added that the victim was a "30-year-old passer-by" and that those responsible were identified. Some were arrested on Friday night, with a manhunt launched for the others. Iran has endured repeated droughts over the past decade, particularly in the south. Also read | Iran detects 'technical fault' in Bushehr nuclear power plant Earlier this month, President Hassan Rouhani said the drought was "unprecedented", with average rainfall down 52 per cent compared to the previous year. The Islamic republic has also experienced regular floods in recent years, made worse when torrential rain falls on sun-baked earth. In other parts of the country, floods over the past three days have killed at least four people, with two others missing, Iranian Red Crescent Society spokesman Mohammad-Hassan Qosian told IRNA on Saturday. Another person was killed by lightning. 'Insecurity' Khuzestan's governor on Friday dismissed videos of protests as false. "Some seek to agitate the people and publish fake videos," Qasem Soleimani-Dashtaki told IRNA. Videos on social media apparently showed protests in several Khuzestan towns, including Susangerd, Mahshahr and Hamidiyeh as well as Shadegan. Farsi-language media based abroad said security forces had cracked down on protesters demonstrating against severe water shortages on Thursday, but domestic media played down the reports. Khuzestan MP Abdollah Izadpanah warned on Friday that "Khuzestan's insecurity means a lack of security for the whole country." He blamed the water shortages on "mistakes and unjustified decisions" such as the extraction of water from Khuzestan's rivers to other provinces, ISNA reported. On Friday, the government sent a delegation to Khuzestan to address the problem. This month, rolling blackouts began in the capital Tehran and several other large cities, which officials blamed on the impact of the drought on hydroelectric power generation, as well as surging demand. Power cuts in the peak summer months are not uncommon in Iran, but the ongoing drought has intensified the situation. Khuzestan is home to a largely Sunni Arab minority, which has frequently complained of marginalisation in mainly Shiite Iran. In 2019, the province was a hotspot of anti-government protests that had shaken other areas of the Islamic republic. Over the years, blistering summer heatwaves and seasonal sandstorms blowing in from Saudi Arabia and neighbouring Iraq have dried up Khuzestan's once-fertile plains. Scientists say climate change amplifies droughts, and their intensity and frequency, in turn, threaten food security.

One shot dead in Iran water shortage protests: State media

With over 100 passengers on board, a plane skidded off the runway as it landed at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-not-lift-sanctions-to-negotiate-with-iran-donald-trump-276694">Iran</a>'s Mahshahr airport on Monday. However, no harm was caused to any passenger on board.

The Caspian Airliner Flight 6936 had left Tehran for Mahshahr with 135 passengers and seven crew members on board.

A technical issue delayed the plane's landing which caused the accident, Khuzestan province's aviation authority told local media.

"Arriving at Mahshahr airport, the pilot landed the aircraft too late and this caused him to miss the runway," local media reported.&nbsp;

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The aviation authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

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On Saturday, an Iranian airplane en route from Tehran to Istanbul made an emergency landing at a Tehran airport because of a technical problem.

The Islamic republic had been planning to upgrade its decrepit fleet after long-standing US sanctions were lifted following the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers.

But when US President Donald Trump pulled out of the accord in 2018 and reimposed crippling economic sanctions, the treasury department revoked licenses for Boeing and Airbus to sell passenger jets to Iran.

(With inputs from agencies)

With over 100 passengers on board, a plane skidded off the runway as it landed at Iran's Mahshahr airport on Monday. However, no harm was caused to any passenger on board.

With over 100 passengers on board, a plane skidded off the runway as it landed at Iran's Mahshahr airport on Monday. However, no harm was caused to any passenger on board. The Caspian Airliner Flight 6936 had left Tehran for Mahshahr with 135 passengers and seven crew members on board. A technical issue delayed the plane's landing which caused the accident, Khuzestan province's aviation authority told local media. "Arriving at Mahshahr airport, the pilot landed the aircraft too late and this caused him to miss the runway," local media reported. Also read: Iran's Hassan Rouhani sounds alarm for 'democracy' after candidates barred The aviation authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. × On Saturday, an Iranian airplane en route from Tehran to Istanbul made an emergency landing at a Tehran airport because of a technical problem. The Islamic republic had been planning to upgrade its decrepit fleet after long-standing US sanctions were lifted following the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers. But when US President Donald Trump pulled out of the accord in 2018 and reimposed crippling economic sanctions, the treasury department revoked licenses for Boeing and Airbus to sell passenger jets to Iran. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran: Plane skids off runway with 135 onboard; all passengers safe

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/floods-force-evacuation-of-hospital-in-southwest-iran-208785&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwirruqQrs_hAhVML48KHZgbAuwQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1tH0TlYAuUtomUMbuChjaz">Floods</a> in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-flood-death-toll-rises-to-70-several-towns-and-villages-evacuated-208288&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwirruqQrs_hAhVML48KHZgbAuwQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0PMwtYEy7IEZznhJZP3boM">Iran</a> have killed 76 people and caused more than $2.2 billion in damages in recent weeks, officials said Sunday, with warnings still in place for large swathes of the country.

"With the death of five people in the Khuzestan province flood and another person in Ilam province the death toll has now reached 76" since March 19, according to a statement published online by the coroner's office.

The two southwestern provinces are the latest overwhelmed by floods that first hit the northeast of the usually arid country, forcing hundreds of thousands to evacuate from cities and villages.

Officials have again issued flood warnings for the east of Iran with heavy rains that began on Saturday forecasted to continue.

The floods have caused immense damage with homes, roads, infrastructure and agriculture all hit.

"Twenty-five provinces and more than 4,400 villages across the country were affected by the floods," Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani-Fazli told parliament, according to the official IRNA news agency.

He said the damages amount to between 300 and 350 trillion rials -- between $2.2 and $2.6 billion at the free market rate.

Transport minister Mohammad Eslami meanwhile told lawmakers "725 bridges have been totally destroyed."

"More than 14,000 kilometres (8,700 miles) of roads have been damaged," he said, according to IRNA.

The head of Iran's meteorology service told the same parliamentary session that the floods do not necessarily mean that a decades-long drought has ended.

"The recent floods were due to climate change and global warming," Sahar Tajbakhsh said according to the semi-official ISNA news agency.

The Islamic Republic has received aid from neighbouring countries and further afield, with France on Saturday donating 210 tents and 114 pumps.

Floods in Iran have killed 76 people and caused more than $2.2 billion in damages in recent weeks, officials said Sunday, with warnings still in place for large swathes of the country.

Floods in Iran have killed 76 people and caused more than $2.2 billion in damages in recent weeks, officials said Sunday, with warnings still in place for large swathes of the country. "With the death of five people in the Khuzestan province flood and another person in Ilam province the death toll has now reached 76" since March 19, according to a statement published online by the coroner's office. The two southwestern provinces are the latest overwhelmed by floods that first hit the northeast of the usually arid country, forcing hundreds of thousands to evacuate from cities and villages. Officials have again issued flood warnings for the east of Iran with heavy rains that began on Saturday forecasted to continue. The floods have caused immense damage with homes, roads, infrastructure and agriculture all hit. "Twenty-five provinces and more than 4,400 villages across the country were affected by the floods," Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani-Fazli told parliament, according to the official IRNA news agency. He said the damages amount to between 300 and 350 trillion rials -- between $2.2 and $2.6 billion at the free market rate. Transport minister Mohammad Eslami meanwhile told lawmakers "725 bridges have been totally destroyed." "More than 14,000 kilometres (8,700 miles) of roads have been damaged," he said, according to IRNA. The head of Iran's meteorology service told the same parliamentary session that the floods do not necessarily mean that a decades-long drought has ended. "The recent floods were due to climate change and global warming," Sahar Tajbakhsh said according to the semi-official ISNA news agency. The Islamic Republic has received aid from neighbouring countries and further afield, with France on Saturday donating 210 tents and 114 pumps.

76 dead in Iran floods as Tehran weighs costs

Iranian authorities on Monday evacuated patients from a hospital threatened by <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-flood-death-toll-rises-to-70-several-towns-and-villages-evacuated-208288&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiIubXfssDhAhWU6XMBHWGIC0QQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2LZ45ykIjn-mR0Jl2fAUsY">floodwaters</a> in the southwestern city of Ahvaz, the semi-official news agency ISNA reported.

Iran has been hit by several weeks of unprecedented <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-evacuates-flood-threatened-villages-after-heavy-rains-kill-dozens-206805&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiIubXfssDhAhWU6XMBHWGIC0QQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3zvr-goGaHO0ouxi4E4SXT">flooding</a> across most of the usually arid country that has <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-18-dead-70-injured-as-iran-faces-unprecedented-floods-205604&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiIubXfssDhAhWU6XMBHWGIC0QQFggOMAM&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw04H3rTpv7RV-ZStBDEWm3O">killed 70 people</a>, according to the emergency services.

On Monday, authorities were battling to prevent floods reaching Ahvaz, which is the capital of Khuzestan province and home to about 1.3 million people.

The advancing waters sparked fears that a hospital on the city's northern outskirts would be submerged after the nearby Karkheh river burst its banks.

"Salamat hospital has been evacuated and all patients transferred to Golestan hospital on the orders of the crisis management authorities due to the risk of the hospital being flooded," the head of Golestan hospital, Meysam Moazi, told ISNA.

The huge floods have forced authorities to release water from one of the largest dams in the area, which has left some of the cities downstream under threat.

A "significant amount" of floodwater from Karkheh started moving toward Ahvaz on Sunday, according to city mayor Mansour Katanbaf.

"We've been trying to manage the water ... most of it has been diverted toward other channels and what's left is being handled," Katanbaf told ISNA.

Authorities ordered the evacuation of six new cities along the Karkheh river on Saturday as the situation neared "critical" status.

According to ISNA, a total of 210 villages along the river have been evacuated, 61 of which are now flooded.

Flooding swamped northeast Iran in mid-March before spreading to the west and southwest of the country later in the month.

Heavy rains brought more floods to the west and southwest at the start of April.

The flooding has caused damage worth 150 trillion Iranian rials -- more than $1 billion at the free market rate, according to an official estimate given by lawmaker Mehrdad Lahooti.

Iranian authorities on Monday evacuated patients from a hospital threatened by floodwaters in the southwestern city of Ahvaz, the semi-official news agency ISNA reported.

Iranian authorities on Monday evacuated patients from a hospital threatened by floodwaters in the southwestern city of Ahvaz, the semi-official news agency ISNA reported. Iran has been hit by several weeks of unprecedented flooding across most of the usually arid country that has killed 70 people, according to the emergency services. On Monday, authorities were battling to prevent floods reaching Ahvaz, which is the capital of Khuzestan province and home to about 1.3 million people. The advancing waters sparked fears that a hospital on the city's northern outskirts would be submerged after the nearby Karkheh river burst its banks. "Salamat hospital has been evacuated and all patients transferred to Golestan hospital on the orders of the crisis management authorities due to the risk of the hospital being flooded," the head of Golestan hospital, Meysam Moazi, told ISNA. The huge floods have forced authorities to release water from one of the largest dams in the area, which has left some of the cities downstream under threat. A "significant amount" of floodwater from Karkheh started moving toward Ahvaz on Sunday, according to city mayor Mansour Katanbaf. "We've been trying to manage the water ... most of it has been diverted toward other channels and what's left is being handled," Katanbaf told ISNA. Authorities ordered the evacuation of six new cities along the Karkheh river on Saturday as the situation neared "critical" status. According to ISNA, a total of 210 villages along the river have been evacuated, 61 of which are now flooded. Flooding swamped northeast Iran in mid-March before spreading to the west and southwest of the country later in the month. Heavy rains brought more floods to the west and southwest at the start of April. The flooding has caused damage worth 150 trillion Iranian rials -- more than $1 billion at the free market rate, according to an official estimate given by lawmaker Mehrdad Lahooti.

Floods force evacuation of hospital in southwest Iran

A number of protests have broken out in Iran since the beginning of the year over water, a growing political concern due to a drought which residents of parched areas and analysts say has been exacerbated by mismanagement.

The demonstrations have been relatively small, sporadic and limited to towns around the central city of Isfahan and Khuzestan province in the west. But they have highlighted an issue that played a role in earlier unrest and the authorities have cracked down, while recognising the need for change.

In early March, the turnout was light in a town near Isfahan, with dozens of farmers chanting the tongue-in-cheek slogan "Death to farmers, long live oppressors!", according to online videos. A week later the protests became more tense.

Dozens of riot police on motorcycles faced off against farmers in the same town, Varzaneh, another video showed. Smoke swirled around the protesters and the person filming said tear gas was being fired. A second person reported clashes. Police in the city of Isfahan were not immediately available to comment.

“What’s called drought is more often the mismanagement of water,” said a journalist in Varzaneh, who asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the subject.

“And this lack of water has disrupted people's income.”

Farmers accuse local politicians of allowing water to be diverted from their areas in return for bribes.

While the nationwide protests in December and January stemmed from anger over high prices and alleged corruption, in rural areas, lack of access to water was also a major cause, analysts say.

At least 25 people were killed and, according to one parliamentarian, up to 3,700 people were arrested, the biggest challenge yet for the government of president Hassan Rouhani, who was reelected last year.

Displaced

In Syria, drought was one of the causes of anti-government protests which broke out in 2011 and led to civil war, making the Iranian drought particularly sensitive.

Approximately 97 percent of the country is experiencing drought to some degree, according to the Islamic Republic of Iran Meteorological Organization. Rights groups say it has driven many people from their homes.

“Towns and villages around Isfahan have been hit so hard by drought and water diversion that they have emptied out and people who lived there have moved,” said Hadi Ghaemi, the executive director for the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI), a New York-based advocacy group.

“Nobody pays any attention to them. And people close to Rouhani told me the government didn’t even know such a situation existed and there were so many grievances.”

Rouhani and Iran`s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei mentioned drought as a problem that needs to be addressed in the country during their speech last week commemorating Nowruz, the Iranian new year, while condemning "lawlessness and violence".

An ad running on state TV which encourages Iranian citizens to conserve water shows a man sitting in a chair in the middle of a desert with the slogan, "Drought is closer than you think".

A United Nations report last year noted, "Water shortages are acute agricultural livelihoods no longer sufficient. With few other options, many people have left, choosing uncertain futures as migrants in search of work."

In early January, protests in the town of Qahderijan, some 10 km (6 miles) west of Isfahan, quickly turned violent as security forces opened fire on crowds, killing at least five people, according to activists. One of the dead was a farmer, CHRI said, and locals said water rights were the main grievance.

Videos posted on social media show protesters chanting outside a police station and throwing Molotov cocktails at the building, one of the most violent incidents documented during the nationwide protests.

A journalist in Qahderijan who asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the issue said the attack on the police station was not the right thing to do but that water mismanagement had deprived farmers of their livelihoods.

Security

Hassan Kamran, a parliamentarian from Isfahan, publicly criticised energy minister Reza Ardakanian this month, accusing him of not properly implementing a water distribution law.

"The security and intelligence forces shouldn’t investigate our farmers. The water rights are theirs," he told a parliamentary session.

In early March, Ardakanian set up a working group comprising four ministers and two presidential deputies to deal with the crisis.

Since the January protests, Rouhani has repeatedly said the government will do what it can to address grievances. But there is no quick fix for deeply rooted environmental issues like drought, observers say.&nbsp

“These are local grievances but the solutions are with the national government,” said Tara Sepehri Far, Iran researcher for Human Rights Watch, adding that the government had limited power and widespread corruption.

Rouhani`s office was not immediately available to comment.

Iranian security forces are aware of the potential for water issues to cause instability. A senior Revolutionary Guards commander, Yahya Rahim Safavi, noted in a public speech in late February that water will play a key role for both the Islamic Republic’s national and regional security.

Environmentalists have found themselves in the firing line.

In late January, Kavous Seyed-Emami, the director of the Persian Wildlife Heritage Foundation, and six other environmentalists were arrested.

Two weeks later, authorities said Seyed-Emami had committed suicide in jail after confessing to being a spy for the United States and Israel. His family has denied the allegation.

State TV later aired a report saying Seyed-Emami and his colleagues were telling Iran`s enemies the country could no longer maintain domestic agriculture production because of a water shortage and needed to import food.

In late February, three more environmentalists were arrested and three weeks ago, Seyed-Emami’s wife was prevented from leaving Iran, according to family members.

“Public opinion has become sensitised to environmental issues,” said Saeed Leylaz, a Tehran-based economist and political analyst. “So the government may see the organizations and institutions who work on environmental issues as problematic.”&nbsp

A number of protests have broken out in Iran since the beginning of the year over water, a growing political concern due to a drought which residents of parched areas and analysts say has been exacerbated by mismanagement

A number of protests have broken out in Iran since the beginning of the year over water, a growing political concern due to a drought which residents of parched areas and analysts say has been exacerbated by mismanagement. The demonstrations have been relatively small, sporadic and limited to towns around the central city of Isfahan and Khuzestan province in the west. But they have highlighted an issue that played a role in earlier unrest and the authorities have cracked down, while recognising the need for change. In early March, the turnout was light in a town near Isfahan, with dozens of farmers chanting the tongue-in-cheek slogan "Death to farmers, long live oppressors!", according to online videos. A week later the protests became more tense. Dozens of riot police on motorcycles faced off against farmers in the same town, Varzaneh, another video showed. Smoke swirled around the protesters and the person filming said tear gas was being fired. A second person reported clashes. Police in the city of Isfahan were not immediately available to comment. “What’s called drought is more often the mismanagement of water,” said a journalist in Varzaneh, who asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the subject. “And this lack of water has disrupted people's income.” Farmers accuse local politicians of allowing water to be diverted from their areas in return for bribes. While the nationwide protests in December and January stemmed from anger over high prices and alleged corruption, in rural areas, lack of access to water was also a major cause, analysts say. At least 25 people were killed and, according to one parliamentarian, up to 3,700 people were arrested, the biggest challenge yet for the government of president Hassan Rouhani, who was reelected last year. Displaced In Syria, drought was one of the causes of anti-government protests which broke out in 2011 and led to civil war, making the Iranian drought particularly sensitive. Approximately 97 percent of the country is experiencing drought to some degree, according to the Islamic Republic of Iran Meteorological Organization. Rights groups say it has driven many people from their homes. “Towns and villages around Isfahan have been hit so hard by drought and water diversion that they have emptied out and people who lived there have moved,” said Hadi Ghaemi, the executive director for the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI), a New York-based advocacy group. “Nobody pays any attention to them. And people close to Rouhani told me the government didn’t even know such a situation existed and there were so many grievances.” Rouhani and Iran`s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei mentioned drought as a problem that needs to be addressed in the country during their speech last week commemorating Nowruz, the Iranian new year, while condemning "lawlessness and violence". An ad running on state TV which encourages Iranian citizens to conserve water shows a man sitting in a chair in the middle of a desert with the slogan, "Drought is closer than you think". A United Nations report last year noted, "Water shortages are acute agricultural livelihoods no longer sufficient. With few other options, many people have left, choosing uncertain futures as migrants in search of work." In early January, protests in the town of Qahderijan, some 10 km (6 miles) west of Isfahan, quickly turned violent as security forces opened fire on crowds, killing at least five people, according to activists. One of the dead was a farmer, CHRI said, and locals said water rights were the main grievance. Videos posted on social media show protesters chanting outside a police station and throwing Molotov cocktails at the building, one of the most violent incidents documented during the nationwide protests. A journalist in Qahderijan who asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the issue said the attack on the police station was not the right thing to do but that water mismanagement had deprived farmers of their livelihoods. Security Hassan Kamran, a parliamentarian from Isfahan, publicly criticised energy minister Reza Ardakanian this month, accusing him of not properly implementing a water distribution law. "The security and intelligence forces shouldn’t investigate our farmers. The water rights are theirs," he told a parliamentary session. In early March, Ardakanian set up a working group comprising four ministers and two presidential deputies to deal with the crisis. Since the January protests, Rouhani has repeatedly said the government will do what it can to address grievances. But there is no quick fix for deeply rooted environmental issues like drought, observers say. “These are local grievances but the solutions are with the national government,” said Tara Sepehri Far, Iran researcher for Human Rights Watch, adding that the government had limited power and widespread corruption. Rouhani`s office was not immediately available to comment. Iranian security forces are aware of the potential for water issues to cause instability. A senior Revolutionary Guards commander, Yahya Rahim Safavi, noted in a public speech in late February that water will play a key role for both the Islamic Republic’s national and regional security. Environmentalists have found themselves in the firing line. In late January, Kavous Seyed-Emami, the director of the Persian Wildlife Heritage Foundation, and six other environmentalists were arrested. Two weeks later, authorities said Seyed-Emami had committed suicide in jail after confessing to being a spy for the United States and Israel. His family has denied the allegation. State TV later aired a report saying Seyed-Emami and his colleagues were telling Iran`s enemies the country could no longer maintain domestic agriculture production because of a water shortage and needed to import food. In late February, three more environmentalists were arrested and three weeks ago, Seyed-Emami’s wife was prevented from leaving Iran, according to family members. “Public opinion has become sensitised to environmental issues,” said Saeed Leylaz, a Tehran-based economist and political analyst. “So the government may see the organizations and institutions who work on environmental issues as problematic.”

Water crisis spurs protests in Iran

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