Iranian lawmaker Nasrollah Pezeshmanfar has called on Afghanistan to release water from upstream dams to address a severe drinking water shortage in Mashhad, Iran's second-largest city.

Pezeshmanfar told state news agency IRNA that he had discussed the matter with Iran's First Vice President to coordinate the release of at least 200 million cubic meters of water from the Harirud River dams during the winter season.

The request comes as water levels at the Doosti Dam, Mashhad's main drinking water source, have fallen to just 34 million cubic meters, representing less than three percent of the reservoir's capacity. Officials warn the dam could reach a non-extractable stage by December.

Authorities are urging swift coordination with Afghanistan to mitigate the looming crisis, stressing that prolonged low water levels could severely affect households and local industries in Mashhad.

Experts say the situation highlights broader regional water challenges, including cross-border management of shared rivers and climate-driven reductions in inflows, which have increasingly strained Iran's water infrastructure.

Observers note that unless urgent measures are taken, Mashhad may face widespread water rationing, with the potential for social and economic disruptions, underscoring the need for long-term transboundary water agreements with neighboring countries.

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