Iran closes Tehran due to extreme heat and energy crisis
- Tehran's public offices, banks, and businesses were closed on July 23, 2025, due to temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
- The closure aimed to conserve energy as the intense heat strained the power grid and affected daily operations.
- This strategy reflects a recurring response by the Iranian government to extreme summer heat to protect public welfare.
Iran has been grappling with extreme heat, leading to significant impacts on both daily life and the government structure. As temperatures soared past 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), the Iranian government declared a shutdown of all public offices, banks, and businesses in the capital, Tehran, on July 23, 2025. This decision aimed to conserve energy during a time when the power grid is being heavily strained by the soaring temperatures. Citizens were advised to stay indoors, especially during peak heat hours. The intense heat wave has prompted government officials, such as government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani, to urge residents to minimize their electricity and water usage. This public holiday also divided the city into two distinct realities: a quiet, deserted government sector and bustling private shops continuing their operations, supported by heavy air conditioning. In stark contrast to the public sector's closure, many shopkeepers chose to stay open, allowing businesses to carry on despite the weather's challenges. This was not the first instance of government-mandated closures due to heat; in 2023, a two-day holiday was enacted, and again in July 2024, the authorities had taken similar actions to address the ongoing problem. During this latest closure, as many residents sought relief from the sweltering conditions, traffic surged on roads leading north to the milder climates of Mazandaran and Gilan provinces, marking an exodus from the capital as people fled for cooler temperatures. The southern city of Borazjan, known for its extreme climate, recorded a staggering maximum temperature of 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) which has been among the hottest in the region. The frequent need for government shutdowns highlights the severe impact of climate on Iran's infrastructure and everyday life, as the nation continues to struggle with balancing public health and safety, energy conservation, and the operations of business and government.