Lake Urmia, renowned as the azure jewel of Iran, stands in ruins—an environmental tragedy emblematic of the Iranian regime’s colossal betrayal to the country’s natural heritage. This devastation extends beyond Lake Urmia, permeating many other wetlands across Iran, victim to the destructive actions of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as it exploited mineral mines, particularly evident in the Khuzestan province.
The current assault on Lake Urmia is perpetrated by both domestic and foreign plunderers, a consequence of the deceptive politics of governance that manipulates and distorts issues for ulterior motives. The narrative unfolds in a disheartening pattern: the issue is distorted first, paving the way for clandestine pursuits of vested interests.
Regrettably, despite warnings from experts and environmental activists, coupled with media reports from within the regime, there has been a blatant lack of effort to rehabilitate Lake Urmia. The demise of the lake commenced during Ahmadinejad’s presidency, and today, its traces are non-existent. Speculations abound, linking the lake’s desiccation to a potential quest for the valuable mineral, lithium.
The state-run news agency ILNA highlights the disturbing images circulating on social media, depicting trucks on Lake Urmia’s bed transporting soil, reigniting rumors about the extraction of strategic lithium from the remaining saltwater. The state-run news agency Fars echoes these concerns, emphasizing the deteriorating condition of Lake Urmia and the growing speculations surrounding deliberate water area desiccation for various purposes, including titanium and lithium extraction.
Images shared on social networks in recent days serve as tangible evidence of ongoing actions, actions shrouded in secrecy, fueling suspicions about the regime’s dubious intentions. Lake Urmia has become a focal point for opportunistic interests, particularly from China, a nation with a track record of exploiting Iran’s resources and capital. Experts assert that Lake Urmia is a mineral-rich reservoir, emphasizing the financial gains that could be realized through lithium extraction.
Fars investigates the nexus between lithium’s global market value and the potential financial windfall tied to its extraction from Lake Urmia. The report underscores the global demand for lithium, with prices soaring to approximately $160 per kilogram. Notably, lithium concentrate, categorized as ‘battery manufacturing quality grade,’ ‘lithium carbonate,’ and ‘concentrate,’ commands prices of around $20,000, $7,000, and $5,000 per ton, respectively. The Shanghai market witnessed a staggering 400% surge in lithium prices over the last eight months.
Concerns about the regime’s intentions intensify due to its historical opacity regarding specific policies. Despite substantial investments through the Urmia Lake Restoration Headquarters, tangible results remain elusive. The impending demise of Iran’s blue gem, Lake Urmia, appears inevitable, leaving behind nothing but memories and archival images.
As Lake Urmia faces complete destruction, the implications are dire—it signifies the obliteration of three percent of Iran’s soil. Furthermore, the drying up of the lake poses an additional threat in the form of salt storms. The salt dust, a consequence of Lake Urmia’s desiccation, not only inflicts environmental damage on agriculture and the economy but also triggers widespread health issues, impacting the social and political landscape of the affected region.
The ramifications extend beyond Lake Urmia’s immediate vicinity, affecting neighboring provinces and potentially forcing around 6 million people living on its edge to abandon their homes. The urgency to address this environmental crisis cannot be overstated, as the loss of Lake Urmia transcends its geographical boundaries, reverberating as a stark symbol of environmental negligence and exploitation.
