Urban Development Policy Making

Urban Development Policy Making

Examining the Consequences of Moving the Capital to Makran with Hydropolitical Approaches and Hydro-Hegemonic Structures

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Ramtin Tavoosi Rad 1
Mohammad Ansari Ghojghar 2
Arash Malekian 3
1 Master Candidate, Department of Reclamation of Arid and Mountainous regions Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Reclamation of Arid and Mountainous regions Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
3 Professor, Department of Reclamation of Arid and Mountainous regions Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
10.22034/judpm.2026.581957.1105
Abstract
This study examines the strategic implications and challenges of the proposed relocation of Iran’s capital from Tehran to the Makran region, with a particular focus on hydropolitical dimensions and water resource sustainability. Drawing on a comprehensive review of the literature and an analysis of responses collected through a researcher-designed questionnaire administered to experts in water resources management and hydropolitics, the study evaluates the multifaceted consequences of this proposed transition. The questionnaire consisted of three quantitative sections containing ten closed-ended items measured on a five-point Likert scale and was designed to provide an in-depth assessment across three key dimensions: water security, geopolitical implications, and national sustainability. The findings indicate that the current water resource management model in Tehran suffers from significant hydropolitical instability. The relocation of the capital could potentially contribute to a redistribution of power and a shift in the hydropolitical balance toward southeastern Iran. However, expert opinions reveal a critical gap between strategic necessity and infrastructural preparedness. In particular, the inadequacy of existing infrastructure in the Makran region was identified as the primary challenge, receiving agreement from 90% of respondents, while the risk of local conflicts over water resources was recognized as another major concern, supported by 40% of respondents. The study further emphasizes that, given the multidimensional nature of this decision and the strong consensus among respondents—90% of whom expressed support for the proposal—the successful implementation of the capital relocation plan requires a transition from a centralized management framework toward an integrated and coordinated governance model involving multiple sectors. Without substantial investment in water infrastructure and effective management of geopolitical risks, the project may exacerbate environmental and social challenges within the region.
Keywords
Capital Relocation
Hydropolitics
Makran Region
Water Resource Sustainability
Crisis Management
Subjects
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Urban Development Policy Making
Volume 3, Issue 3 - Serial Number 8
Autumn 2026
Pages 381-392

  • Receive Date 27 February 2026
  • Revise Date 09 April 2026
  • Accept Date 26 May 2026
  • Publish Date 23 September 2026