A prolonged drought along with years of overconsumption, an inefficient agricultural sector and mismanagement have led to the problem, analysts say.

Iran is facing one of its most severe droughts in decades, prompting authorities to accelerate cloud-seeding operations and implement water rationing in Tehran and other major cities. Officials warn that without substantial rainfall before winter, parts of the capital could require partial evacuation.

Iran on Saturday confirmed the seizure of a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker as it traveled through the narrow Strait of Hormuz over violations, including carrying an illegal consignment, state media reported.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has confirmed it seized a tanker on Friday morning in the Strait of Hormuz. The Talara tanker, sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands, was travelling from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Singapore.

Newsweek has contacted Iran's Foreign Ministry for comment.

Iran’s foreign minister on Sunday said that Tehran is no longer enriching uranium at any site in the country. Answering a question from an Associated Press journalist visiting Iran, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi offered the most direct response yet from the Iranian government regarding its nuclear program following Israel and

The government of Ira has suspended visa-waiver facility available to ordinary Indian passport holders visiting Iran with effect from November 22. The Indian nationals with ordinary passports would be required to obtain a visa to enter or transit through Iran.

Most neighboring countries of Iran have built up, or are in the process of building up, air forces with more advanced fighter jets than in Tehran's antiquated arsenal.

Iran seized a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker as it traveled through the narrow Strait of Hormuz on Friday.