The Iranian president has stated that the nation has no choice but to relocate its capital city from Tehran to the southern region due to the excessive growth of the city, insufficient water resources, and the increasing threat of subsidence.
Proposal Discussed with Country's Leader
Masoud Pezeshkian mentioned that he had submitted the proposal to the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the previous year. He admitted that it had received a lot of opposition, but argued that the growing environmental problems were so severe that Iran now had a duty to move the capital, with no alternative.
He made these comments during a visit to Hormozgan province, which is situated on the Gulf coast opposite Dubai.
"This region 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 different perspective on the potential of this area, we can build a very prosperous and advanced region. It is inadequate to tolerate the current situation and not design a scientific, accurate and local map for the years ahead," he said.
Water Shortage Affecting Key Urban Areas
"The problems the country is currently facing require us to steer the development path towards the Persian Gulf. Tehran, Karaj, and Qazvin are experiencing a severe water shortage, and this issue cannot be easily solved."
Tehran has grown to a city of over 10 million people, and consumes nearly a fourth of Iran's water resources.
Previous Leaders Also Proposed the Idea
Previous presidents have also brought up the issue of relocating the capital, such as Hassan Rouhani, who even proceeded to develop a proposal with alternatives.
Alarming Water Crisis Statistics
Pezeshkian has long warned about Iran's deteriorating water crisis. He said: "Last year, the precipitation was 140mm, while the standard is 260mm; that means rainfall has decreased by about 50 to 60%. This year, the situation is equally serious." Some latest figures place the rainfall in 2025 at just below 100mm.
He added: "The reduction in water in the dams, the depletion of some wells, and the expensive process of transporting water from different regions all point to the necessity for a change in approach. If we want to transport water from here to Tehran, the expense per cubic meter will be up to €4."
Resource Breakdown and Challenges
Tehran's dams normally supplied 70% of the capital's water, with the other 30% supplied by underground resources. However, low rainfall and increased evaporation have lowered the dams' contribution and increased pressure on underground water sources.
"Growth without considering the effect on resources and expenditures will lead to nothing but damage. If someone cannot establish this equilibrium, their progress 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 depleting."
