The Khuzestan province was formerly referred to as ‘Arabistan’.

Recurrent electricity cuts in the predominantly Arab region of Iran’s Khuzestan has paralyzed life in its capital city of Ahwaz.

Despite producing 35 percent of the country’s water and electric energy, the oil and gas-rich province has struggled with water and electricity shortages over the past few years.

Khuzestan residents have often complained of marginalization, in addition to what they call Iranian politicians’ systemized efforts to evacuate their province.

The ongoing shortage resulted in the closure of schools, universities, banks and governmental offices in no less than 11 cities in Khuzestan, Iranian media reported on Saturday.

Many of Iran’s power-generating dams are based in Khuzestan.