Deadly Water Protests in Iran Challenge Its Distracted Leaders

  • At least three people have been killed in days of unrest
  • Inhabitants of Khuzestan province complain of historic neglect

President Hassan Rouhani

Photographer: Ali Mohammadi/Bloomberg
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Anger over water shortages in Iran’s key oil region radiated nationwide Thursday as a recording of a protester assailing security forces as they attempted to stifle demonstrations spread on social media, aided by a top official.

Thousands have been protesting this week across mostly southern areas of Khuzestan province over a lack of water, an issue worsened by record summer temperatures but rooted in historic neglect of a largely Arab region.