Iran plans to relocate its capital from Tehran to the southern Makran region due to economic and ecological issues. The move, still in its exploratory phase, aims to decentralise Tehran's dominance.

The move echoes both Egypt, which is in the process of building a new capital city, and the lightning fall of Damascus in Syria.

By bne Tehran bureau Moving Iran's capital from Tehran is not feasible, but the country could relocate its economic centre to the Makran coastal region if proper infrastructure is developed, the head of Iran's Supreme Council of Provinces said on January 9 in response the presidency’s plan to move the bulk of the country’s economy to the coast.