The story: Iran has recently been in the grip of water-related protests. Residents of Chahar-Mahal and Bakhtiari Province have rallied to oppose water transfer projects to neighboring Isfahan. On the other hand, people in Isfahan have been protesting shortages that have dried out the Zayandeh River, which originates in Chahar-Mahal and Bakhtiari. While water protests are not novel, what is new is how state media initially covered the recent rallies. 

But the apparent shift ended as security forces cracked down...