According to recent media reports, Iran is considering changing its capital from Tehran to the southern Makran region. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said the plan is in its early stages. Two committees are studying the idea with help from experts, including engineers, economists, and sociologists. Officials believe the Makran region near the Gulf of Oman could become the country’s new political and economic centre.
In a statement, Mohajerani said, “The new capital will definitely be in the south, in the Makran region, and we are currently working on this matter. We are seeking assistance from academics, elites and experts, including engineers, sociologists and economists.”
Notably, Tehran is facing serious problems, which is why the move is being considered. The ancient city is struggling with air pollution, water shortages, and overcrowding. These issues have made life difficult for its residents. Frequent power cuts have also been recorded in the city in the previous few months.
Strategically, it would also help the country to boost its trade and relieve pressure on Tehran. Makran is located on the coast near major trade routes, thus providing economic opportunities and access to the sea.
Late last week, the incumbent Iranian President Pezeshkian also highlighted, “One of the reasons that has led us to consider changing the capital is the imbalance between resources and expenditures in Tehran.
“Transporting raw materials from the south to the centre, processing them, and then returning them south for export drains our competitive capacity. We must shift the country’s economic and political centre to the south and closer to the sea.”
As per Tehran Times, Makran, which is near the Gulf of Oman, also offers strategic advantages. The proposed city has the potential to become a commercial and maritime hub in the future.
Iran’s Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said that the development of the region “is a priority for the current government.” Iran hopes to turn Makran into an international commerce corridor connecting Central Asia to the Indian Ocean, with approximately 1,000 kilometres of coastline and the Chabahar Free commerce-Industrial Zone under development since 2003.
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According to reports, changing Iran’s capital from Tehran was first proposed during Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s presidency in the early 2000s. Tehran has been Iran’s capital for over 200 years. Āghā Moḥammad Khān of the Qājār dynasty made it the capital. Over the years, it has become Iran’s political, economic, and cultural centre, but the rapid growth of its population has created many challenges.
Conservative Journalist Ali Gholhaki highlighted the high expenses involved, questioning if the country can afford such a major change. He wrote on X, “Rebuilding Azadi Stadium takes 18 months and costs 19 trillion rials ($23.75 million); how much time and money does relocating the capital require? Think over a century and hundreds of billions of dollars!”
The proposal to change the capital has sparked debate about whether it is practical. Supporters say the move could help fix Tehran’s problems and strengthen the country’s economy. Critics argue it would cost too much and take decades to complete. For now, the plan remains under review.
