The Role of the Media in the Policymaking of Inter-basin Water Transfer: A Case Study of the Zab River to Lake Urmia

Inter-basin water transfer projects, owing to their complex economic, social, and environmental consequences, elicit diverse reactions from both source and destination communities. In this context, the media play a pivotal role in shaping these reactions by influencing public perception. The present study aims to investigate the impact of media on the outcomes of the water transfer from the Zab River to Lake Urmia. This research is qualitative in nature and employs a grounded theory approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 26 experts, elites, and officials, all of whom are key informants with direct knowledge of media coverage on the subject. Purposive sampling was employed, and the interview content was analyzed using a three-stage coding process. The findings underscore the dual role of the media in this project. On the one hand, some media outlets contribute to national divergence and exacerbate potential tensions by politicizing and securitizing the discourse, framing criticism as a threat. On the other hand, the absence of a constructive media role in persuading public opinion, ensuring transparency, and fostering a culture of awareness has impeded the development of effective participation and the enhancement of social trust. The main conclusion of the research is that the success of large-scale water transfer projects extends beyond technical and engineering dimensions; it critically depends on purposeful, strategic, and intelligent media management, trust-building, and the active engagement of local communities to prevent the issue from escalating into a security challenge.