TEHRAN, Feb 20 (Alliance News): The Iranian government is considering relocating its capital from Tehran to the Makran region on the Gulf of Oman, citing worsening urban challenges such as gridlocked traffic, extreme air pollution, water shortages, and land subsidence.
Reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian has revived the long-debated proposal, emphasizing that Tehran’s problems have only escalated under existing policies. Government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani confirmed that authorities were seriously studying the relocation, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described Makran as Iran’s “future economic hub.”
However, critics argue that Tehran’s strategic and historic significance should not be overlooked.
Experts warn of Makran’s vulnerability to climate change and logistical hurdles, while former officials suggest that Tehran’s issues could be resolved through investment rather than relocation.
Despite skepticism, analysts see the move as part of Iran’s broader strategic ambitions to compete with regional seaports and strengthen its presence in the Persian Gulf.
The financial cost of the relocation is estimated to be around $100 billion, adding to Iran’s economic burdens amid international sanctions.
