Tasnim – The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force voiced readiness to help Iran’s Energy Ministry carry out cloud-seeding operations as part of programs to fight drought.

In comments on Saturday, Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh said his forces are prepared for cooperation in cloud seeding.

He also underlined that the IRGC Aerospace Force is at the Iranian nation’s service and would mobilize all equipment to help the administration.

It came after frequent droughts and low rainfall in Iran over the past autumn forced the administration to opt for cloud seeding in the hope of squeezing more precipitation out of the atmosphere.

The energy minister has announced plans to get assistance from the IRGC Aerospace Force and other aviation forces in cloud seeding.

Cloud seeding originated in the US in the 1940's. The method generally used in the winter involves ground-based generators set at high elevations that are literally fired up to release plumes containing silver iodide crystals into storm clouds. When water vapor or droplets attach to the silver iodide crystal, latent heat is also released, and it increases cloud size and the duration of storms.

Global warming has forced many arid and semi-arid areas around the world, including Iran, to suffer from drought.