While Iran may blame the West's sanctions for their struggles with the climate, it is Tehran's mismanagement of resources that has exacerbated heat waves into a protracted and severe crisis. Iran's leaders have broadly ignored the climate crisis, and are now reaping the consequences. These holidays are a cover to prepare Iranians for a "new normal" of water and electricity shortages.
US punitive sanctions placed on Iran have constrained any attempt Tehran makes to transition to a greener, climate-resilient country. By being excluded from the world's economy, Iran is forced to continue its use of inefficient and polluting technology. This will prevent the nation from lessening its emissions and will sadly lead to more suffering internally. The US must ease its cruel sanctions.