The Iranian president has declared that the country must move its capital away from Tehran, citing a severe water crisis and dangerous land subsidence as critical factors. He emphasized that the city’s rapid expansion and unsustainable resource consumption have made the situation untenable.
During a recent visit to Hormozgan province, located along the Persian Gulf, the president stated that he had presented the proposal to the country’s top leadership last year. While acknowledging the plan has faced opposition, he insisted that escalating environmental challenges leave no alternative.
“This region offers direct access to international waters and significant potential for trade and economic growth,” he remarked. “We cannot remain passive; a strategic, scientifically grounded plan for the future is essential.”
Tehran, home to over 10 million residents, consumes nearly a quarter of Iran’s water supply. The president highlighted that rainfall has dropped dramatically—from a standard average of 260mm to just 140mm last year, with projections for the current year even lower.
He also pointed to the steep costs of transporting water to the capital, estimating expenses could reach €4 per cubic meter. Additionally, he warned that land in some areas is sinking by as much as 30cm annually—a clear sign of depleted groundwater reserves.
Past administrations have also considered relocating the capital, though no action has been taken. The current president stressed that development must be balanced with resource management, stating, “Without this balance, any progress is destined to fail.”
