Tehran
In the wake of the devastating earthquake that leveled the ancient city of Bam last month, Iran is considering moving its capital from Tehran to another city. Like Bam, Tehran is located along a major seismological fault. Bam lost as many as 40,000 people, or more than one-third of its population, in the 6.8 magnitude quake. Tehran has 12 million residents, and engineers estimate that 70 percent of its buildings would be destroyed in a similar tremor. Geophysicists have proposed moving the capital to the central city of Isfahan, which was Persia’s capital before the government moved to Tehran in 1788. The Supreme National Security Council, which is debating the pros and cons of a move, said it would announce its decision in March.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Gavin Newsom mulls California redistricting to counter Texas gerrymanderingTALKING POINTS A controversial plan has become a major flashpoint among Democrats struggling for traction in the Trump era
-
6 perfect gifts for travel loversThe Week Recommends The best trip is the one that lives on and on
-
How can you get the maximum Social Security retirement benefit?the explainer These steps can help boost the Social Security amount you receive
