Iran has ordered the evacuation of about 70 villages in the south-western province of Khuzestan due to a growing risk of floods, state media report.
At least 45 people have died in the past two weeks after heavy rains, with flooding affecting at least 23 of the country’s 31 provinces.
The orders come as Foreign Minister Javad Zarif accused US sanctions of impeding aid efforts to affected areas.
“This isn’t just economic warfare; it’s economic terrorism,” Mr Zarif tweeted.
US sanctions imposed after President Donald Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal last year have caused a shortage of rescue helicopters.
The Iranian authorities have requested military help, including helicopters and amphibious armoured personnel carriers, for the rescue efforts.
