TEHRAN — Iran has begun developing domestically built drones designed for cloud seeding as part of efforts to boost rainfall, a senior water technology official said on the sidelines of the 21st Iran International Water Industry Exhibition on Sunday.
Muhammad-Mehdi Javadianzadeh, head of the country’s organization for the development and use of atmospheric water technologies, said studies show Iran has suitable climatic conditions for deploying cloud-seeding technology and could increase precipitation from appropriate weather systems by 15% to 20%.
He said the use of drones for cloud seeding is considered a modern method internationally and that Iran has now entered the production phase for its own specialized models.
According to Javadianzadeh, the cost of generating water through cloud seeding ranges between $15 and $22 per thousand cubic meters, making it one of the most economical water-supply options available to the country.
He added that Iran’s main requirement for expanding the program is access to updated meteorological radar systems. While some steps have been taken, he said further budget allocation and equipment upgrades remain essential.
Javadianzadeh also said scientific reviews have ruled out claims of “cloud theft” or deliberate prevention of cloud formation over Iran. He noted that natural high-pressure systems can act like a dome, limiting cloud development or passage across the region.