Iranian capital relocation
In 2025 Iranian regime began discussing changing capital city to Makran and Chabahar from Tehran. [1] This decision, aimed at addressing Tehran’s overpopulation, water scarcity, power shortages, and other ecological pressures, was officially declared by government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani on January 8, 2025. The government has formed two councils to examine the feasibility of the move and develop a sea-based economy in the Makran region.
The idea of moving the capital has been discussed periodically since the Islamic Revolution in 1979 but was previously abandoned due to economic constraints and logistical challenges. The current administration under President Masoud Pezeshkian is revisiting the proposal, citing strategic and economic benefits for the move. However, critics have raised concerns about the enormous financial and logistical demands associated with such a relocation.
The move is intended to shift the country’s economic and political center closer to the sea, enhancing Iran’s trade capabilities and reducing the burden on Tehran.[2]
Makran is a largely undeveloped region. Name Makran means palm tree.[3][4]
In the post-Islamic era before Tehran, Safavid had picked Isfahan to be their capital.[5]
Timeline
In November 2009 Khamenei proposed moving the capital from Tehran. In 2017 Expediency Discernment Council approve to change the capital.[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]
In summer 2024 Pezeshkian proposed to move the capital to resolve various issues. He made a trip to southern cities in January 2025.[14]
References
- ^ "پزشکیان: چابهار و مکران، منطقهای استراتژیک است؛ همه چیزش طلاست / مصمم به از بین بردن تبعیض هستیم". اعتمادآنلاین. January 9, 2025.
- ^ "انتقال پایتخت ایران به "مکران"، جنجال بر سر بحثی چهلساله – DW – ۱۴۰۳/۱۰/۱۹". dw.com.
- ^ https://www.ettelaat.com/news/77541/%D9%BE%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%AA%D8%AE%D8%AA-%D8%AC%D8%AF%DB%8C%D8%AF-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%B1%D8%A7-%D8%A8%DB%8C%D8%B4%D8%AA%D8%B1-%D8%A8%D8%B4%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B3%DB%8C%D8%AF
- ^ https://www.sharghdaily.com/%D8%A8%D8%AE%D8%B4-%D8%B3%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA-6/958591-%D8%B7%D9%86%D8%B2-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%BE%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%AA%D8%AE%D8%AA-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D9%85%DA%A9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86
- ^ https://iranicaonline.org/articles/capital-cities#pt2
- ^ Tait, Robert; Hoseiny, Noushin (November 1, 2009). "Tehran set to lose status as Iran capital" – via The Guardian.
- ^ "Iran to have new capital". November 2, 2009 – via www.thehindu.com.
- ^ https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/why-does-iran-plan-to-relocate-its-capital/3400532
- ^ "انتقال پایتخت ایران؛ «منطقه مکران مد نظر است»". BBC News فارسی. January 7, 2025.
- ^ "Iran mulls relocating capital from Tehran to southern coast". January 8, 2025 – via www.ynetnews.com.
- ^ "Iran is moving the capital closer to Persian Gulf — Pezeshkian". EADaily. September 7, 2024.
- ^ "Iran Guards Offer 'To Move The Capital' From Tehran Free Of Charge". Iran International. September 22, 2020.
- ^ "Iran says capital will move to Makran on southern coast". iranintl.com. January 7, 2025.
- ^ Sinaiee, Maryam (September 19, 2024). "Pezeshkian draws ire for suggesting relocation of Iran's capital". iranintl.com.