Increased Rainfall Will Restore Iran Wetlands
Heavy seasonal precipitation and conservation projects are expected to improve ecological conditions for local habitats.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Environmental
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Forecasts for fall and winter 2026 suggest significant rainfall will aid in the recovery of wetlands across Iran, including the critical Hour al-Azim site. This follows a period of severe water scarcity that triggered dust hotspots and wildfire risks in Khuzestan province.
Why it matters
Restoring these wetlands is essential for moderating the environment, preventing air pollution, and maintaining habitats for migratory birds. Ongoing water inflow and international cooperation remain vital for sustaining these ecological functions over the long term.
Average rainfall increased by 3.7 percent compared to the prior year, while the Quri Gol wetland water level rose by 27 centimeters. Restoration efforts for the Bamdej wetland currently require 2 trillion rials in additional funding.
The players
Hour al-Azim wetland
This critical marshland spans the border between Iran and Iraq and is fed by the Karkheh and Tigris rivers.
Bamdej wetland
This ecological site has undergone restoration efforts for the past two years to improve its water capacity.
Miqan wetland
Located in Markazi province, this wetland serves as a significant water body covering 12,000 hectares.
The details
Heavy rainfall and dedicated restoration projects have successfully increased water flow into multiple wetlands throughout the spring. These efforts are crucial to mitigating environmental damage, as the drying of the Hour al-Azim wetland previously caused dangerous air pollution and spontaneous combustion in the surrounding region.
Timeline
In 2019, the Miqan wetland received more than 100 million cubic meters of water.
The water year from September 23, 2024, to September 23, 2025, saw severe scarcity at Hour al-Azim.
Increased precipitation helped refill parts of the wetland from September 23, 2025, to September 23, 2026.
Considerable rain is forecast for Iran during the fall and winter of 2026.
The Big Picture
The current restoration of multiple wetlands follows a pattern set by the 2019 Miqan wetland water inflow event. These recoveries indicate a shift toward using consistent water management to bridge gaps in ecological health across arid regions.
Increased water levels in these wetlands help moderate regional temperatures and reduce the prevalence of dangerous dust hotspots. This improvement directly impacts air quality for residents in surrounding provinces by mitigating wildfire risks and curbing local air pollution.
The takeaway
Reliable water management is critical for the long-term survival of wetland ecosystems against the threats of drought and climate volatility. Sustained investment in restoration projects and transboundary cooperation provides the best defense against environmental degradation.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest conservation science in our Environmental section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tehran Times.
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