The president of Iran revealed in remarks that Iran has no choice but to move its capital from Tehran to the south of the country due to the city’s over-expansion, lack of adequate water supplies and the growing threat of land subsidence.

Massoud Pezzeskian said Thursday that he had submitted the proposal last year to the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

He admitted the proposal was much criticized, as reported by the Guardian, but argued that the build-up of crises over critical resources was so severe that Iran had no choice but to move the capital to the south.

“The problems facing the country today require us to direct the path of development towards the Persian Gulf. Tehran, Karaj and Qazvin are currently facing a water crisis that cannot be easily solved.”

Tehran now has more than 10 million people and consumes nearly a quarter of Iran’s water resources.

Other presidents have raised the issue of moving the capital in the past, including Hassan Rouhani, who even went so far as to draw up a plan with options.

As the president said, last year the rainfall was 140 mm, while the normal is 260, so the rainfall has decreased by about 50 to 60 percent. According to estimates, rainfall in 2025 will be just under 100mm.

Dams normally provide 70% of the capital’s water, with the remaining 30% coming from underground sources. However, reduced rainfall and increased evaporation have reduced the water share and increased pressure on groundwater.