Why Iran is considering moving capital from Tehran
What's the story
Iran is mulling shifting its capital from Tehran to the Makran region on the Gulf of Oman.
The proposal was revived by Reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, who assumed office in July last year.
"The Makran region is being seriously considered," government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani said, without specifying a timeline.
The idea of transferring the capital has been floated on several occasions since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, but the plans were dismissed as impractical due to immense financial and logistical obstacles.
Capital woes
Tehran's challenges: A catalyst for potential relocation
Tehran, Iran's capital since 1786, has been dealing with several problems such as traffic jams, water shortages, extreme air pollution, and subsidence—a slow sinking of the land surface.
These increasing problems have led the government to think about moving the capital.
The proposed new site, Makran, is a coastal region in southern Iran famous for its fishing villages and sandy beaches.
New hub
Makran: A 'lost paradise' and potential capital
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called Makran a "lost paradise" that should turn into an economic hub for Iran and the region.
President Pezeshkian reiterated this, stressing the need to shift Iran's economic and political center southward near the sea.
However, despite these opinions, some are against shifting the capital as Tehran symbolizes modernity and urban life, and is strategically located during emergencies.
Capital controversy
The debate over Tehran's relocation
The debate over the capital's relocation is further fueled by concerns over the financial burden and disruption to lives.
Former Tehran mayor Pirouz Hanachi suggested that investment could solve Tehran's problems without relocation.
In this regard, estimates suggest a budget requirement of around $100 billion for the move.
The ISNA news agency acknowledged Makran's potential as a commercial hub but also noted financial challenges due to international sanctions.
Pros and cons
Makran's advantages and environmental concerns
Similarly, the Etemad newspaper emphasized the benefits of relocating to Makran like regional development, access to open water, and lesser earthquake vulnerability than in Tehran.
However, it also noted logistical challenges and possible life disruptions from such a move.
Another outlet Khabar Online reported on Makran's environmental fragility due to climate change effects such as rising temperatures and decreasing rainfall.
Capital strategy
Strategic ambitions behind choosing Makran
But for Banafsheh Keynoush, a fellow from the International Institute for Iranian Studies, Iran's consideration of Makran as a potential capital site could be part of broader strategic ambitions.
She observed that Iran aims to compete with seaports like Dubai and Gwadar in Pakistan.
This move could give a boost to the nearby coastal city of Chabahar "despite sanctions" and, crucially, "reassert [Iran's] role in the Persian Gulf waterway."