Abdolreza Golpayegani, Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development, announced that approximately 15 percent of Iran’s urban population resides in informal settlements.
According to a report by Dideban Iran, Golpayegani stated on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, during a meeting of the Salehieh Urban Regeneration Headquarters, that migration to cities surrounding Tehran is on the rise. He highlighted balanced regional development and proper land-use planning as the most vital measures for preventing the expansion of informal settlements.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that urban regeneration initiatives must be implemented with the primary goals of improving quality of life, reducing social harms, and expanding public services.
Golpayegani cited the lack of job opportunities and welfare amenities in provinces of origin as key drivers of mass migration toward areas surrounding Tehran, noting that job creation and balanced development across the country could halt the escalation of this trend.
He also announced the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development’s support for regeneration projects in the city of Salehieh. According to Golpayegani, this assistance includes supplying bitumen, implementing development projects, reviewing land-use changes, and organizing the “Ghaleh Hesar” area.
