The president of Iran has asserted that the nation has no option but to move its national capital from Tehran to the south of the country due to the city's over-expansion, insufficient water resources, and the increasing threat of land sinking.
Plan Discussed with Supreme Leader
Masoud Pezeshkian revealed that he had presented the suggestion to the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, last year. He acknowledged that it had received a lot of opposition, but maintained that the accumulating resource crises were so critical that Iran now had a responsibility to move the capital, with no alternative.
He made these comments during a visit to Hormozgan province, which is situated on the Gulf coast across from Dubai.
"Hormozgan is located on the shores of the Persian Gulf and provides direct access to the sea and the expansion of economic ties. If we have a new outlook on the potential of this area, we can create a very prosperous and developed region. It is inadequate to tolerate the current situation and not create a scientific, accurate and local map for the years ahead," he said.
Water Shortage Affecting Key Urban Areas
"The problems the country is currently experiencing necessitate us to steer the growth trajectory towards the Persian Gulf. Tehran, Karaj, and Qazvin are currently facing a severe water shortage, and this crisis cannot be easily solved."
Tehran has expanded to a metropolis of over 10 million residents, and consumes almost a fourth of Iran's water resources.
Previous Leaders Also Raised the Issue
Former presidents have previously raised the topic of relocating the capital, including Hassan Rouhani, who even proceeded to develop a proposal with alternatives.
Concerning Water Shortage Data
Pezeshkian has consistently sounded the alarm about Iran's worsening water crisis. He stated: "Last year, the precipitation was 140mm, while the standard is 260mm; that means rainfall has fallen by about 50 to 60%. This year, the situation is just as critical." Some recent estimates place the rainfall in 2025 at under 100mm.
He added: "The reduction in water behind the dams, the drying up of some wells, and the high costs of moving water from different regions all point to the necessity for a change in approach. If we want to move water from this area to Tehran, the cost per cubic meter will be up to €4."
Resource Breakdown and Challenges
Tehran's dams typically supplied 70% of the capital's water, with the other 30% supplied by groundwater. However, reduced precipitation and increased evaporation have reduced the dams' share and raised pressure on underground water sources.
"Growth without considering the effect on resources and expenditures will lead to nothing but destruction. If someone cannot maintain this balance, their development is doomed to failure.
"In some areas, the ground is subsiding by up to 30cm per year. This is a disaster and shows that the water beneath our feet is running out."
