Iran faces a severe surge in air pollution as part of the ongoing Iran smog crisis. Smog blankets Tehran, Urmia, Karaj, and smaller towns, causing serious respiratory issues. Authorities closed schools in multiple provinces and issued health warnings to residents.
In Urmia, officials shut schools for two days to combat worsening air quality. A local resident said the closures left families homebound and stressed. In Karaj, an Iran-Iraq war veteran with lung injuries continues working despite the smog. He called the pollution “poison” but noted missing work would have major financial consequences.
Tehran residents describe the air as unbreathable. One said the city feels like a “gas chamber.” Others report gray haze in the mornings and struggle to breathe, especially those with pre-existing conditions. Parents reported that their children experience respiratory problems, while adults with chronic illnesses feel breathless even while talking or working.
Residents attribute the Iran smog crisis to industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and heavy fuel use. They cited low-quality gasoline, diesel, and mazut used in power plants and factories, which release thousands of tons of toxic pollutants daily. Smaller towns and industrial regions, such as Zanjan province, also experience smoke from workshops affecting local health.
The crisis also affects mental health and finances. People report tense moods, anxiety about illness, and rising medical costs. Families spend heavily on treatment for asthma-like symptoms and long-term respiratory problems.
Officials issued orange alerts in major cities, but temporary closures and short-term restrictions failed to resolve the problem. Experts warn that without lasting policy changes and stricter environmental regulations, pollution will continue to harm health, productivity, and quality of life.
Authorities must adopt cleaner fuels, reduce industrial emissions, and improve monitoring. Residents insist that consistent action is necessary to prevent repeated exposure. Without these measures, the Iran smog crisis will likely return each winter, straining vulnerable populations and urban infrastructure.