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The Iranian president has claimed that the country has no choice but to relocate its national capital from Tehran to the south of the country due to the excessive growth of the city, inadequate water supplies, and the increasing threat of land sinking.

Plan Raised with Country's Leader

Masoud Pezeshkian mentioned that he had presented the proposal to the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, last year. He admitted 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 spoke during a visit to Hormozgan province, which is located on the Persian Gulf opposite Dubai.

"Hormozgan is located on the shores of the Persian Gulf and provides easy entry to the sea and the expansion of trade and economic relations. If we adopt a new outlook on the potential of this region, we can build a highly successful and advanced region. It is not sufficient to tolerate the current situation and not create a well-researched and indigenous map for the years ahead," he stated.

Water Shortage Affecting Major Cities

"The problems the country is currently facing require us to steer the growth trajectory towards the Persian Gulf. Tehran, Karaj, and Qazvin are experiencing a severe water shortage, and this crisis cannot be easily solved."

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

Past Leaders Also Raised the Issue

Previous presidents have previously brought up the issue of moving the capital, including Hassan Rouhani, who even went so far as to develop a plan with alternatives.

Concerning Water Shortage Statistics

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

He continued: "The decline in water in the dams, the drying up of some wells, and the expensive process of moving water from other areas all point to the need for a new strategy. If we want to transport water from this area to Tehran, the cost per cubic meter will be up to €4."

Resource 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 increased evaporation have lowered the dams' contribution and increased stress on groundwater.

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

"In some areas, the land is subsiding by up to 30cm per year. This is a disaster and shows that the water beneath our feet is running out."