Iran is facing a severe water and electricity crisis just weeks after a deadly war with Israel brought the country to a standstill. Although the extreme heat has eased, reservoirs are running dry, daily blackouts continue and economists say years of poor planning and corruption have left the country dangerously exposed.

The defense council will be chaired by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and consists of the heads of the three government branches, senior armed forces commanders, and relevant ministries. Iran's top security body approved the establishment of a National Defense Council on Sunday,