Iran has officially taken the relocation of its capital off the agenda, opting instead to address Tehran's water scarcity through a major desalination project, according to Ali Abdolalizadeh, the Iranian president's representative for maritime development policies.
“The capital relocation issue has been removed from the agenda. The definitive plan now involves solving Tehran's water and environmental problems through new technologies and resource management within the city itself,” Abdolalizadeh stated, as reported by Tasnim Agency.
He revealed that domestic experts have developed an ambitious water transfer project from the Persian Gulf, which is considered Tehran's only reliable future water source.
The water crisis extends beyond Iran, Abdolalizadeh noted, affecting many regional countries. “Given climate change and diminishing freshwater reserves, developing desalination technologies and utilizing saltwater resources has become an unavoidable necessity,” he added.
Recent data from Iran's Meteorological Service shows alarming precipitation trends — nationwide rainfall has decreased by 86.5% over the past month and a half compared to historical averages, while Tehran has experienced a 96.2% reduction.
Earlier warnings from Iranian authorities highlighted Tehran's impending water crisis, attributed to reduced precipitation, prolonged drought that has depleted reservoirs, and excessive consumption. Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi had advised residents to install water storage tanks and prepare for potential supply disruptions, noting that temporary water restrictions might soon become necessary.
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Photo: official website of the Rais RT
Based on materials from TASS