Iran’s policy of neglect water contamination leads to mass poisoning in Al-Ahwaz

Amid ongoing policies of neglect and systematic marginalization by the Iranian authorities, the city of Baghmalek in northern Al-Ahwaz witnessed a mass poisoning incident that sparked widespread concern among residents. A total of 179 cases were recorded, with symptoms ranging from diarrhea and vomiting to fever, in what is suspected to be a result of contaminated drinking water in the area.

Local sources confirmed that patients received first aid and field monitoring at their homes, while water test results are still pending from Tehran, amid the absence of swift and effective solutions from the relevant authorities.

In this context, an emergency meeting was held with the participation of the public prosecutor, the deputy health official from Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences in Al-Ahwaz, and the director of the health and treatment network in Baghmalek, to review the dimensions of the incident and discuss preventive measures. A plan was announced to dig a new water well and improve the region’s health infrastructure, though no timeline was provided for implementation.

This incident comes within the broader context of a worsening water crisis that has plagued areas of Al-Ahwaz for years, as a result of Iran’s systematic policies of diverting river flows, monopolizing water resources, and neglecting infrastructure in predominantly Arab regions.

The problems of water salinity and contamination are among the most severe environmental disasters in Al-Ahwaz, especially in areas downstream of the Dez and Karun rivers. Residents have repeatedly expressed their frustration through public protests some even covered by pro-regime Iranian media without receiving any real response or sustainable solutions.

The Baghmalek incident is seen as a direct outcome of Iran’s discriminatory and marginalizing policies against the Ahwazi people, who continue to suffer from a lack of healthcare services, deteriorating infrastructure, and the absence of environmental oversight.

Human rights activists warn that the continued disregard by the authorities for these recurring crises will lead to even greater health and environmental disasters. They call on the international community and humanitarian organizations to intervene and pressure Tehran to end its discriminatory policies and assume its legal and humanitarian responsibilities toward the people of occupied Al-Ahwaz.