Iran Is Required to Relocate Its Capital from Tehran, Says President as Water Crisis Worsens

The Iranian president has claimed that the nation has no alternative but to transfer its capital city from Tehran to the southern region due to the excessive growth of the city, inadequate water supplies, and the growing danger of subsidence.

Proposal Raised with Supreme Leader

Masoud Pezeshkian revealed that he had presented the proposal to the leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, last year. He acknowledged that it had faced significant criticism, but maintained that the accumulating resource crises were so critical that Iran now had a duty to move the capital, with no other option.

He made these comments during a visit to Hormozgan province, which is situated on the Persian Gulf opposite Dubai.

"This region is located on the shores of the Persian Gulf and offers easy entry to open waters and the development of trade and economic relations. If we have a new outlook on the potential of this region, we can create a very prosperous and developed region. It is inadequate to accept the current situation and not design a scientific, accurate and local map for the future," he said.

Water Shortage Affecting Key Urban Areas

"The problems the nation is currently experiencing necessitate us to steer the growth trajectory towards the Persian Gulf. Tehran, Karaj, and Qazvin are currently facing a severe water shortage, and this crisis cannot be resolved quickly."

Tehran has grown to a metropolis of over 10 million people, and consumes nearly a fourth of Iran's water resources.

Past Presidents Also Raised the Idea

Former presidents have previously raised the topic of moving the capital, such as Hassan Rouhani, who even proceeded to draw up a proposal with alternatives.

Alarming Water Crisis Statistics

Pezeshkian has long sounded the alarm about Iran's deteriorating water crisis. He stated: "Last year, the rainfall was 140mm, while the average is 260mm; that means rainfall has decreased by about 50 to 60%. This year, the situation is equally serious." Some latest figures put the rainfall in 2025 at just below 100mm.

He continued: "The reduction in water behind the dams, the drying up of some wells, and the expensive process of transporting water from different regions all point to the need for a change in approach. If we want to transport water from this area to Tehran, the expense per cubic meter will be up to €4."

Water Supply Breakdown and Challenges

Tehran's dams typically supplied 70% of the capital's water, with the other 30% provided by groundwater. However, reduced precipitation and higher evaporation rates have lowered the dams' contribution and increased stress on underground water sources.

"Development without considering the impact on supplies and costs will lead to nothing but destruction. If someone cannot establish this balance, their development is doomed to failure.

"In some regions, the ground is subsiding by up to 30cm per year. This is a catastrophe and indicates that the water beneath our feet is running out."