Iran is once again considering relocating its capital from Tehran to the Makran region on the Gulf of Oman, as the nation’s largest city struggles with mounting urban challenges. This idea, which has been discussed sporadically since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, is gaining traction under President Masoud Pezeshkian’s reformist government, which took office in July 2024.
Tehran’s issues—ranging from extreme air pollution and traffic congestion to water shortages and subsidence—have spurred discussions about a potential move. In January 2025, a government spokeswoman confirmed that the possibility was being seriously reviewed, with the Makran region emerging as a top candidate for the capital’s new location. The coastal Makran area spans the underdeveloped provinces of Sistan-Baluchistan and Hormozgan.
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President Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have highlighted Makran’s potential as Iran’s future economic hub, citing its proximity to the sea and its strategic location for trade and development. The move could shift the nation’s political and economic centre to the south, offering a solution to Tehran’s urban woes.
However, critics argue that moving the capital could be both financially and environmentally daunting. With a projected cost of $100 billion, the relocation would require massive investment in infrastructure and urban development. Additionally, Makran’s susceptibility to climate change and natural disasters, such as storms and floods, poses significant risks.
Public opinion remains divided. Supporters see the move as a way to ease Tehran’s overburdened infrastructure and promote regional growth, while others believe Tehran’s cultural and historical importance, along with its central location, make it irreplaceable. Urban planners suggest that targeted investment in Tehran’s infrastructure could resolve its issues without the need for such a costly move.
The debate reflects not only Tehran’s ongoing struggles but also Iran’s broader strategic ambitions. A new capital in Makran could bolster Iran’s influence in the Persian Gulf, positioning it as a competitor to ports like Dubai and Gwadar. As the discussion continues, the decision will likely depend on balancing the economic, environmental, and geopolitical factors at play.
