Cloud Seeding: Claims of ‘Weather Warfare’ and ‘Cloud Theft’ Spreading in the Middle East Amid Iran Conflict
False claims have circulated widely on social media that activities of ‘cloud theft’ in the Middle East have been disrupted due to the war between Iran, the US, and Israel.
About a week ago, Iranian parliamentarian Abdullah Al-Khaikani stated in an interview with Al-Rasheed Television that Turkey and Iran have filed complaints after the US attempted to “fragment and steal clouds.”
Without presenting any evidence, he claimed that since the US became preoccupied with the war, rainfall has resumed in Iraq after a period of dryness.
However, scientists state that technology capable of stealing clouds has not yet been developed.
Amir Al-Jabiri, spokesperson for the Iraqi Meteorological Authority, described the claims as “neither scientific nor logical.” He added that rainfall forecasts had already been made for Iraq months before the war began, last September.
When contacted, Al-Khaikani reiterated his allegations, accusing the use of “atmospheric modification weapons” aimed at causing planned drought in Iraq. Yet, he did not produce any proof.
Drought in Some Areas, Heavy Rain in Others
His statements echo claims that have been trending on social media for several weeks.
Some Turkish social media users suspect a connection between the heavy rainfall in their country and the ongoing Iran conflict.
According to data released by Turkey’s Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, February of this year recorded the highest rainfall to date.
In a post viewed by millions, some claimed that due to war-related airspace closures, the US was unable to steal clouds, resulting in unrelenting rain in Turkey.
Image source, Getty Images
Following attacks by Iran on US-owned sites in the Middle East, some users have falsely claimed that Iran’s drought “ended within five days.” However, Iran has been experiencing severe drought for decades.
Kaveh Madani, director of water, environment, and health at the United Nations, explains, “The root cause is distrust, ignorance of the water cycle, and climate systems.”
People sharing such baseless claims on social media also allege that the process called cloud seeding is being used for political purposes.
Cloud Seeding and Artificial Rainfall
Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique used to enhance rainfall or snowfall.
This method involves dispersing salt particles such as silver iodide into clouds via aircraft. These particles help form water droplets from the cloud moisture, facilitating precipitation.
Last year, due to extremely low rainfall, reservoirs in Iran were nearly empty, prompting officials to undertake cloud seeding efforts in the Urmia basin to encourage rainfall.
Although dozens of countries including the US, China, and Saudi Arabia use this technology, scientists say its impact is limited, increasing rainfall by approximately 15 percent.
Professor Diana Francis, who leads the Environmental and Geophysical Sciences Laboratory at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, notes, “It slightly influences existing clouds, but it does not control the weather.”
Claims About ‘Cloud Theft’
Believers in cloud theft argue that cloud seeding in one region reduces rainfall in neighboring areas. However, research shows the opposite effect, experts say.
Dr. Jeff French, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Wyoming, explains, “Available evidence indicates that this effect is very minor and does not significantly impact rainfall beyond normal fluctuations.”
Scientists confirm that no technology currently exists to directly control the path and density of weather systems. Rather, extreme weather events in the Middle East are increasing due to climate change.
Image source, Getty Images
The use of fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum, and gas continues to increase global temperatures.
In recent decades, temperatures in the Middle East have risen at twice the global average, according to the World Meteorological Organization.
The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that human-induced climate change has led to longer and more intense heatwaves, putting additional pressure on water resources.
Patterns of rainfall have also shifted: regular precipitation has generally decreased, while occasional heavy rainfall has increased flood risks.
Dr. Israa Tarne, who teaches water and environmental engineering at Mutah University in Jordan, notes, “This has heightened public concern about water security.”
Experts warn that as these pressures and challenges increase, false claims about controlling weather or water resources will continue to spread.
Dr. Sarah Smith, a climate physicist at the University of Oxford, comments, “For those seeking conspiracy theories, this subject is complex and plays into uncertainty.”
“People want simple and satisfying explanations, but these overlook the reality.”
Additional reporting by Nihaan Kale