Iran wants to relocate its capital to the Makran region

The government of Iran has announced its plans to relocate Iran’s capital to the southern part of the country, specifically in the Makran region, considering Tehran’s growing population and environmental challenges.

"The new capital will certainly be in the south, specifically in the Makran region," said Fatemeh Mohajerani, a spokesperson of the Iranian government, at a press conference recently.

“Relocating the capital is not an urgent issue; an in-depth expert evaluation is crucial due to Tehran's growing population and environmental challenges, the Tehran Times quoted Fatemeh Mohajerani as saying.

The spokesperson said the authorities concerned have formed two councils to address the current capital's problems and to explore the maritime economy, including the potential relocation to the Makran coast.

Iran’s Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref earlier this week announced that their government has a priority on the development of Makran, alongside sea-oriented development.

“The Makran region, located in Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan Province, offers strategic advantages due to its proximity to the Gulf of Oman,” Tehran Times says.

The report says this area is an untapped treasure for Iran, with the potential to transform into a significant commercial and maritime hub, enhancing Iran's trade capabilities and reducing the economic burden on Tehran.

“The Makran coast, historically significant since the Achaemenid Empire, presents an opportunity for economic diversification,” it says.

“The region boasts over 1,000 kilometres of coastline, with the Chabahar Free Trade-Industrial Zone being developed since 2003, aiming to become an international trade corridor connecting Central Asia to the Indian Ocean,” the report adds.

The move could also promote equitable growth across the nation.