On 13/8, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his "deceitful" and "pretentious concern" for the Iranian people. Netanyahu had called on Iranians to protest against their government due to severe water and power shortages.
In a video posted on social media the day before, Netanyahu said that "Israel's top water management experts are ready to go to every city in Iran, bringing advanced technology and know-how" to solve the water shortage caused by drought, on the condition that "your country is free."
Netanyahu highlighted the lack of clean water in Iran amidst the harsh summer heat and blamed the Iranian government. He urged the Iranian people to "take risks for freedom," take to the streets, and "build a better future" for themselves.
"A government that deprives innocent people in the Gaza Strip of water and food claims it will bring water to Iran? It's all an illusion, nothing more," President Pezeshkian responded on X.
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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran on 18/6. Photo: AFP |
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran on 18/6. Photo: AFP
During a cabinet meeting on the same day, Pezeshkian continued to condemn Israeli leaders for causing the crisis in Gaza while attempting to deceive the Iranian people.
"Look at the plight of Gaza and the innocent people, especially children, struggling with hunger, thirst, lack of clean water, and medicine due to the Israeli blockade," he stressed.
President Pezeshkian's administration is seeking solutions to the dual energy and water crisis. Iran is experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures reaching 50 degrees Celsius in some areas.
The heatwave and years of drought have depleted water reservoirs, leading to rolling blackouts in major cities. Iran has also suspended operations in some government agencies to conserve electricity.
This month, Pezeshkian admitted that Iran is experiencing an "unimaginable and severe water shortage crisis."
"We have no additional water sources, no groundwater, and the dams are dry. I need someone to come up with a solution immediately," he said in a cabinet meeting last week.
In June, Iran and Israel engaged in 12 days of conflict, with intense airstrikes and missile attacks targeting each other, resulting in nearly 1,000 deaths on both sides. On 24/6, a ceasefire was accepted, with both countries claiming victory.
Thanh Danh (TRT, AFP)
