Iran to Change Capital City to Southern Mekran Region

iran - Iranian Government Spokesperson announced that the country's new capital will be located in the southern Mekran region due to the rapid population growth and environmental challenges faced by Tehran.

Iranian Government Spokesperson Fatma Muhacerani revealed in a weekly press conference that the new capital of Iran will be in the southern Mekran region. She emphasized that the decision to change the capital is not a new issue and various governments have previously considered relocating the capital due to inadequate basic infrastructure services in Tehran, which is struggling with rapid population growth and environmental problems.

Muhacerani stated that two separate committees have been formed to address the relocation of the capital. While one team focuses on solving current issues in Tehran, the other team is working on sea trade. She highlighted the strategic location of Mekran, describing it as a vital area for these plans.

Mekran, located in the southeastern part of Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan province, is a coastal region that opens into the Gulf of Oman and serves as an important port city, including the Chabahar port, which is a crucial hub for Iran's south-north corridor.

In July, Iranian President Mesud Pezeshkian, who took office, asserted the necessity of moving the capital from Tehran to another city. He instructed his First Vice President, Muhammed Rıza Arif, to work on this decision, stating that maintaining Tehran as the capital is unsustainable. Pezeshkian emphasized the urgency of moving the country's new economic and political center to a location closer to the sea and further south.

Tehran, with an approximate population of 20 million, has been the capital of Iran since 1788. However, the increasing population and urban sprawl have brought about infrastructure challenges and environmental difficulties. Issues like air pollution and water scarcity have prompted discussions on alternative solutions, including the relocation of the capital.

The proposal to move the capital was initially raised during the presidency of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from 2005 to 2013. During his tenure, a special council was established in parliament to explore alternative locations for the capital, but no final decision was made regarding the relocation.