Good morning to readers; #Kyiv remains in #Ukrainian hands.

[timkmak@journa.host]

Mehdi left Iran decades ago, but is now witnessing his country at a boiling point. As someone who has studied the space deeply, he believes water and agriculture are at the center of it all.

#iran #agriculture #water

[timkmak@journa.host]

Since late December, massive #protests have surged across Iran’s 31 provinces.
Iranians poured onto the streets after the Iranian rial hit its lowest-ever value against the U.S. dollar.
#Iran

[timkmak@journa.host]

But even before runaway inflation, water was already running short in Iran. Years of mismanagement and drought have driven up food prices and made everyday life harder for Iranians nationwide.
#war #iran #inflation

[timkmak@journa.host]

The rising #cost of food in #Iran is a multi-faceted problem that includes #export policies, sanctions and the depreciating currency — but Iran’s water shortage has only accelerated the crisis.

[timkmak@journa.host]

Scarcity has made #water significantly more expensive for #farmers and has reduced their crop yields, contributing to the rising food inflation which has now reached about 64 percent, according to Fanack Water.

[timkmak@journa.host]

To find out more about the situation in #Iran now and hear Mehdi's story, click the link https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/how-a-drought-drives-irans-protests

[timkmak@journa.host]

#NEWS OF THE DAY:

#TRUMP THREATENS NEW TARIFFS ON COUNTRIES TRADING WITH IRAN: Trump announced an immediate 25% tariff on any country doing business with Iran, a move that could sharply raise costs for imports into the United States. https://edition.cnn.com/2026/01/12/business/tariffs-trump-iran

[timkmak@journa.host]

NORTH KOREA DEFENDS #RUSSIA AT UN AFTER STRIKE ON #UKRAINE: #North #Korea criticized a #UN Security Council meeting convened to discuss Russia’s recent missile strike on Ukraine, calling it prejudiced and unfair. https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2026/01/13/Kim-Song-North-Korea-statement-condemning-UNSC-meeting-Russia-Ukraine/1131768297845/

[timkmak@journa.host]

#GERMANY TO FUND DELIVERY OF RHEINMETALL LYNX VEHICLES TO #UKRAINE: Rheinmetall will supply Ukraine with its first Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicles, with deliveries expected to begin in first half of 2026. https://www.rheinmetall.com/en/media/news-watch/news/2026/01/2026-01-12-rheinmetall-supplies-lynx-to-ukraine

[timkmak@journa.host]

#US #VETERANS GROUP MOBILIZES SUPPORT FOR #UKRAINE:

American Veterans for Ukraine works to unite and empower U.S. veterans in support of Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression. https://americanveteransforukraine.org/

[timkmak@journa.host]

Missed our latest story about Venezuela's oil refineries? Read it via the link https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/inside-venezuelas-oil-refineries

[timkmak@journa.host]

#DOG OF WAR:

Today’s dog of war is this cutie that Liza met when she was working in the cafe during a long power outrage in her district. The puppy was patiently waiting for its owner to finish her work.

[timkmak@journa.host]

Captivated by this story?

Without your support, these stories can’t be told!

Engage with us through the link https://www.counteroffensive.news

[applewoi@mastodon.social]

@timkmak

Not only in Iran.

Most wars are fought about resources, not religions, this is most often pretended.

The mullah regime was even ready to delocate its capital Teheran due to lack of water and exhausting heat in summer.

Ruzzia wants to occupy the fertile black soil terrains in Ukraine.

[curtadams@urbanists.social]

@timkmak My key example of the incredible incompetence of the Iranian regime WRT water is the Gotvand Dam, which was built primarily for irrigation - on a massive salt deposit. Downstream agriculture has been almost completely destroyed, and the impounded water isn't suitable for agriculture. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upper_Gotvand_Dam