TEHRAN, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian inaugurated a major pipeline project on Saturday to transport desalinated seawater from the Gulf of Oman to Isfahan province in central Iran, aiming to alleviate water shortages in local industries.

According to a statement by Pezeshkian's office, the 800-km pipeline project was implemented with an investment of 291.6 million U.S. dollars over two years, with significant support from Isfahan-based privately owned Mobarakeh Steel Company.

The project, completed in early July, is expected to reduce reliance on the Zayandehrud, a famed, once-flourishing river running through central Iran, which has become largely dry.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Pezeshkian voiced confidence in solving the country's water stress, noting that industrial development should shift toward southern coastal regions with direct sea access.

According to a 2023 report by the World Resources Institute, a global research non-profit organization, Iran was among the 25 countries being "exposed to extremely high water stress annually."

Experts have cited severe drought, mismanagement, and unsustainable water use for agriculture, among others, for the country's water stress. Enditem