Iran has announced plans to relocate its capital from Tehran, the nation’s largest city situated in the north, to the southern coastal region of Makran. The move, driven by economic and ecological concerns, as reported by the Persian-language satellite TV station Iran International.
During a press conference on Tuesday, government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani confirmed the plans, as reported by the Tehran Times. “The new capital will certainly be in the south, specifically in the Makran region,” Mohajerani said.
She further pointed out the collaborative nature of the project, saying, “We are seeking assistance from academics, elites, and experts, including engineers, sociologists, and economists.” Mohajerani clarified that the relocation remains in an exploratory phase, and not an immediate priority.
Mohajerani highlighted the establishment of two councils tasked with addressing the current capital’s issues and exploring the potential for leveraging the maritime economy through a move to the Makran coast.
The Makran region, located in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan Province, is strategically significant because of its proximity to the Gulf of Oman.
Why it matters?
Relocating Iran’s capital is expected to be a costly and time-consuming endeavour, potentially leading to major shifts in the country’s cultural identity.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has already faced criticism from politicians and others over the proposal.
The move comes at a challenging time for Iran, as the nation grapples with an economic downturn. Last month, the rial, Iran’s currency, plummeted to a historic low, as Newsweek reported.
From Tehran to Makran: What to know
Tehran has served as Iran’s capital for over 200 years, having been established during the reign of Agha Mohammad Khan, the first ruler of the Qajar dynasty.
However, the idea of relocating the capital is not new. It was first proposed during Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s presidency in the early 2000s and has been revisited by President Masoud Pezeshkian as a potential solution to Tehran’s chronic challenges, including overpopulation, water scarcity, power shortages, and more. Despite prior discussions, the plan has not been pursued before due to financial limitations and political disagreements.
Tehran, home to more than 9 million residents, continues to grapple with major issues. It is one of the most polluted cities globally, plagued by severe air pollution, water shortages often described as “water bankruptcy,” and recurring electricity and gas deficits.