Artist: Behnam Mohammadi
By: Kayhan Life Staff
Masoud Pezeshkian’s government has unveiled its boldest energy-saving strategy yet: “Close Shop and Call it a Holiday!” With Iran gasping under a deepening water and electricity crisis, officials announced that, in addition to Wednesdays, Saturdays will now also be off in many provinces.
Tehran’s governor declared that banks and all government offices will be shut on Saturday, August 22. Nineteen other provinces will follow suit. The state has discovered that the easiest way to cut electricity use is to unplug the country.
The plan isn’t only about blackouts; it also revived the Islamic Republic’s favorite weekend obsession. Business leaders have been arguing for Saturdays off to sync with global markets. However hardliners, suspicious of a Zionist conspiracy behind the Jewish Sabbath, had resisted by insisting that resting on Saturdays was tantamount to serving Tel Aviv. In true IRI fashion, the weekend calendar was turned into a national security issue.
Meanwhile, Shiraz residents report power cuts lasting up to six hours a day, despite official promises of only 4.5 hours. The Energy Minister reassured citizens that while the peak is “over,” the drought, the collapsing grid, and the blackouts will continue indefinitely, so really, nothing to worry about.
Experts say Iran needs $20 billion in new investment, but since that’s harder than handing out surprise holidays, the government is pushing forward with its “nap your way out of crisis” plan. Critics say it’s just a temporary fix. Supporters counter that Iranians can now enjoy the longest weekends in the region—even if they’re spent sweating in the dark.
