The Iranian President, Masuud Pezeshkian, who answers to “Supreme Leader” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, spoke on Thursday about the pressing need to move the capital from Tehran. He cited ongoing water shortages and a burgeoning population as urgent reasons for this potential shift.
Pezeshkian has highlighted the deteriorating state of Tehran’s infrastructure and water supply, referencing past deficiencies in rainfall. Yet, this week he emphasized that sustaining the city’s status as the capital is no longer feasible.
“I mentioned to the revolutionary leader that relocating the capital to the Persian Gulf is necessary,” Pezeshkian reportedly said. “There aren’t any alternatives left. If we continue as we are, we will encounter more challenges.”
As noted by Iran International, Pezeshkian made his remarks during a television address, where he also discussed the alarmingly low rainfall affecting the city, which has left an estimated 10 million residents without sufficient water.
“Last year, we received only 140 mm of rainfall, while the average should be around 260 mm. That’s a decline of roughly 50-60%. This year, it’s not looking any better,” Pezeshkian stated emphatically, claiming that moving the capital is “a duty, not a choice.”
Water scarcity has been a persistent issue for Iran’s governments over the decades, particularly with a socialist influence. Iran International pointed out that “19 major reservoirs in the country are functioning at below 20% capacity, with some non-Tehran water reserves only holding 6% of their capacity.” This worrying situation has even strained relations with Afghanistan over shared water resources from the Helmand River, leading to threats from the Taliban amidst border disputes regarding water access.
Discussions about relocating the capital have been ongoing for years, but Pezeshkian is reportedly the first to propose it as a practical project. During a meeting with officials from an engineering firm tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, he reiterated that a move is necessary.
“Whatever we do now seems like a waste of time,” he lamented. “We have no choice but to shift southward towards the economic and political heart of the country, closer to the coast.”
On top of water issues, Iranian authorities have also signaled concerns over seismic threats to urban areas. A Turkish media outlet reported that “60% of buildings in cities don’t meet earthquake safety standards.” Given Turkey’s recent tragic earthquake that claimed over 50,000 lives due to shoddy construction oversight, such warnings carry weight.
In January, Pezeshkian reiterated the need for a new capital due to both earthquake risks and water shortages. He also argued that “the unequal distribution of resources and expenditures” in Tehran has created an unsustainable environment for the nation’s capital.
“By transporting raw materials from the south, processing them, and then sending them back for export, we are losing our competitive edge,” he explained. “We must move towards the country’s economic and political centre, closer to the sea.”
However, initiating such a vast and costly endeavor comes at an inopportune time, especially after the United Nations recently reinstated sanctions following concerns about Iran’s nuclear developments. The UN Security Council enacted “snapback” sanctions, revisiting restrictions that had been relaxed under the 2015 nuclear deal. These actions were prompted by findings from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which cited Iran for failing to comply with international regulations.
In response, Iran’s leadership has made vague threats about consequences for nations adhering to the new sanctions, although officials have not elaborated on potential actions. Notably, Russia signaled it would disregard these reinstated sanctions.
On the same day, Pezeshkian expressed confidence that the state would maintain financial stability amidst the sanctions.
“We must uphold our national aspirations, dignity, and pride. We need to proceed united, under a single leadership,” he said, as reported by an Iranian outlet. “This signifies unity. If we don’t have unity, we risk becoming just an empty framework.”
“Those who allow fear of sanctions to hold them back are missing the importance of relying on faith and communal strength,” he added.
