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FILE PHOTO: An Injured man after security forces cracked down on protests over the Zayandeh Rud River blockage in Isfahan, November 26, 2021
Tensions escalated in Isfahan province as angry farmers staged demonstrations over the continued closure of the Zayandeh Rud River, clashing with security forces and reportedly sabotaging a water pipeline to the neighboring province of Yazd.
On March 30, 2025, farmers from eastern Isfahan gathered in the cities of Varzaneh, Tarudashat, and other rural areas with tractors to protest the government’s failure to release water from the Zayandeh Rud River. The demonstrators, expressing frustration over unfulfilled promises, vowed to continue their protests until authorities release water for agricultural use.
Videos circulating on social media showed farmers chanting slogans and blocking roads with their tractors, while others addressed the crowd, demanding their water rights. In one speech, a protest leader warned: “We are here for our water rights. If authorities do not act by this afternoon, we will stage our Eid prayers outside the regional water management office and determine our fate once and for all.”
March 30—Isfahan, central Iran
Security forces attack peaceful protest rally of farmers who have been demanding access to the waters of Zayandeh Rud river to irrigate their lands.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/MW1fozyaoG
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) March 30, 2025
The protests come amid growing discontent over the chronic water shortages plaguing Isfahan, a region heavily dependent on agriculture. The crisis is exacerbated by water transfers to neighboring provinces, most notably Yazd, which has long been a source of resentment among Isfahan’s farmers.
On March 29, 2025, farmers staged a separate demonstration in the same region, accusing regime officials of deception. They claim that authorities had previously assured them water would be released, but failed to follow through. During these protests, some demonstrators reportedly established makeshift tents as part of a sit-in.
The situation took a violent turn when special anti-riot police units were deployed to disperse the protesters. Clashes broke out, with farmers successfully forcing the security forces to retreat. Local activists claim the government’s heavy-handed response has only deepened their resolve.
March 29—Isfahan, central Iran
Farmers resume protests as regime authorities engage in deceptive tactics and refuse to respond to their demands for access to the water of Zayandeh Rud river.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/1H8Q0QkGjW
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) March 29, 2025
As the protests intensified, some demonstrators reportedly attacked the water pipeline transferring water from Isfahan to Yazd, causing significant damage. This incident has led to severe water shortages in Yazd, where officials described the situation as critical.
On March 29, 2025, Mohammad-Javad Mahjoubi, the Managing Director of Yazd Regional Water Company, confirmed the pipeline’s destruction and stated: “Water transfer to the province is currently halted, and it is unclear how long it will take to repair the damage.”
Meanwhile, Jalal Alamdar, the Managing Director of Yazd Water and Wastewater Company, described the situation as dire, noting that Yazd now faces a deficit of 1,400 liters of water per second. To mitigate the crisis, authorities have deployed 13 water tankers throughout the province, including three in Yazd City and others in areas such as Meybod, Ardakan, Mehriz, Bafq, Bahabad, and Zarach.
Continued protests of Isfahan farmers amid broken promises by Iran’s regime https://t.co/ycyoUiRaw0
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) March 28, 2025
Protests over the diversion of water from Isfahan to Yazd have occurred intermittently over the past decade, with some of the most intense clashes occurring in 2012 when farmers first sabotaged the water pipeline. The government’s continued failure to address the water crisis has led to repeated protests and further incidents of pipeline destruction.
The city of Isfahan has been at the center of water-related protests for years, with local farmers accusing the regime of prioritizing industrial and urban water needs over their agricultural livelihoods. The Zayandeh Rud River, once the lifeline of the region, has dried up in many areas due to poor water management, drought, and diversion policies.
On November 19, 2021, tens of thousands in Isfahan rallied in support of farmers protesting the drying of the Zayandeh Rud River. After 12 days of sit-ins, chants like “Neither Gaza nor Lebanon, my life only for Iran” and “Our enemy is right here; they lie it’s America” echoed through the riverbed. The protests were met with a brutal crackdown by security forces, further intensifying public resentment against the regime.
Recently, Eskandar Momeni, the Interior Minister under Masoud Pezeshkian, acknowledged the severity of the water crisis during a speech on March 25, urging citizens to prioritize “water management” amid nationwide shortages.
The ongoing protests in Isfahan highlight the escalating water crisis in Iran, as well as the regime’s inability to resolve a conflict that has persisted for years. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further unrest if the government fails to address the grievances of Isfahan’s farmers.