Iranian media reported that air pollution levels in Tehran and several other major cities, including Isfahan and Ahvaz, have risen sharply, reaching the “red alert” level.
The state-run IRIB news agency reported on Monday, November 10, that air quality in several cities across the provinces of Tehran, Alborz, Isfahan, and Khuzestan had reached levels classified as “unhealthy and very unhealthy for all groups.”
According to the report, the air pollution index in Mahshahr, Khuzestan, exceeded 200—classified as “very unhealthy” for all population groups.
Air Pollution In Khuzestan Caused More Than 1,600 Deaths In Past Year
Air quality was also reported as “red and unhealthy for all” in the cities of Eshtehard and Fardis in Alborz Province; Eslamshahr, Baghestan, and Baharestan in Tehran Province; Khomeinishahr and Qahjavarestan in Isfahan Province; and in Ahvaz, Aghajari, Andimeshk, Baghmalek, Behbahan, Khorramshahr, Dezful, Dasht-e Azadegan, Shadegan, Shushtar, Karun, and Hoveyzeh in Khuzestan Province.
The report added that in some areas of these provinces, the air quality index was at the “orange” level, meaning “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”
Ban on Issuing Traffic Permits in Tehran
The state-run Shargh daily reported on Monday that due to the continued unhealthy air conditions, Tehran’s Emergency Air Pollution Committee has announced a ban on issuing daily traffic zone permits until the situation improves.
As a result, Tehran residents will not be able to obtain daily permits to enter the city’s traffic-restricted zones until air quality improves.
In July, Mehdi Chamran, head of Tehran’s City Council, stated that the worsening air pollution in the capital was not solely due to traffic or temperature inversion but was partly caused by water shortages and drought.
He added: “We must combat pollution through green spaces and efficient water use.”
Air Pollution Covers “Half the Country”
The Tabnak news website quoted meteorologist Mohammad Asghari as saying that “air pollution has covered half the country,” noting that industrial and major cities such as Tehran, Alborz, Khuzestan, Isfahan, Markazi, East Azerbaijan, West Azerbaijan, and Semnan are currently struggling with severe air pollution.
On Sunday, November 9, Alireza Raeisi, the Deputy Health Minister, stated that around 58,975 people in Iran died due to air pollution in 2024.
He added: “This figure equals the death of 161 citizens per day, or about seven every hour.”
According to the Deputy Health Minister, estimates show that deaths attributed to air pollution in 2024 caused about 17.2 billion dollars in economic losses to the country.
