Iran closes government offices amid extreme heat

Iranian authorities have ordered the closure of numerous government offices in an effort to reduce electricity consumption as the country’s power generation system faces severe strain amid soaring temperatures.

According to Report, citing Iranian media, the decision was initiated by the Ministry of Energy.

“At least 15 out of Iran’s 31 provinces will see government institutions either close or operate on reduced schedules,” the statement said.

Tehran’s governor, Mohammad Sadegh Motamedian, explained that these measures aim to manage energy use in the water and power supply sectors. Emergency and critical services will remain operational, he emphasized.

The extreme heat, which began in mid-July, has placed additional pressure on Iran’s energy grid, causing rolling blackouts across the country. In the southern regions, temperatures have exceeded 50°C.

Affected provinces include West Azerbaijan and Ardabil in the northwest, Hormozgan in the south, Alborz in the north, and the capital, Tehran.

In addition, Tehran authorities have reduced water pressure in the city’s network to address declining reservoir levels, as the country faces what media describe as its most severe drought in a century.