President Pezeshkian Proposes Controversial Move of Iran's Capital from Tehran to the Gulf
In a bold statement that has ignited significant debate, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has suggested relocating the capital from Tehran to the Gulf waters. This proposal comes in light of the numerous challenges Tehran faces, including severe air pollution, overcrowding, and a crippling water crisis. Pezeshkian's remarks were made during a speech at the Khatam al-Anbia headquarters, where he criticized the inefficiencies of transporting raw materials from southern coasts to Tehran for export, arguing that such practices undermine the country's economic competitiveness. He emphasized that the current trajectory is unsustainable and that efforts to develop Tehran are futile without a change in the capital's location.
Historically, Tehran has been the capital of Persia since 1795, when King Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar made the move from Shiraz. Over the centuries, the city has grown exponentially, now housing approximately 14.5 million residents, with daily numbers swelling to 20 million due to commuters from neighboring areas. Despite the longstanding discussions about relocating the capital—dating back over a century—previous attempts have failed to materialize, often stymied by political opposition and practical challenges.
The Challenges of Relocating Iran's Capital
While Pezeshkian argues for a necessary shift, critics point to the logistical and financial hurdles involved in such a monumental change. Former Tehran mayor Gholamhossein Karbaschi has labeled the idea
emphasizing the difficulty of moving 160 government institutions out of Tehran, which would significantly impact its population. He believes that Tehran's problems can be addressed through better governance and decentralized management rather than relocating the capital.
Furthermore, experts like Pirouz Hanachi highlight that relocating political centers often does not alleviate existing issues, as officials continue to commute between the old and new capitals. The estimated cost for moving the capital could reach $78 billion, raising concerns about the feasibility given Iran's current economic struggles.
Political researcher Reza Bardestani also cautions against the timing of this proposal, suggesting that while the idea may have merit, it is not a priority for the nation at this moment. He warns that frequent discussions about moving the capital might diminish Tehran's appeal for residents and investors alike. In contrast, some experts advocate for improving conditions within Tehran, such as managing air quality and traffic congestion, rather than relocating the capital altogether.
