Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that the country must relocate its capital from Tehran to the south due to severe water shortages and land subsidence. Speaking during a visit to Hormozgan province on the Persian Gulf, Pezeshkian argued that the current situation is unsustainable and that a shift is necessary for future development.
Tehran, home to over 10 million people, consumes nearly a quarter of Iran's water supplies. The president highlighted that rainfall has dropped significantly, with last year's 140mm far below the standard 260mm, and this year's levels even lower at under 100mm. He warned that the cost of transporting water to Tehran could reach €4 per cubic meter.
Pezeshkian noted that the proposal to move the capital was raised with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei last year and has faced criticism. However, he insisted that the accumulating resource crises leave no alternative. Previous presidents, including Hassan Rouhani, have also explored the idea, but no action was taken.
The president described land subsidence in some areas as a 'disaster,' with rates of up to 30cm per year, indicating that groundwater is being depleted. He called for a scientific and accurate plan to redirect development towards the Persian Gulf, citing its potential for trade and economic growth.
