Tehran designates 82 metro stations as shelters amid rising US tensions

Authorities in Tehran are actively preparing civilian shelters across the Iranian capital, designating dozens of metro stations and hundreds of underground spaces as emergency refuges. This preparedness drive comes amid heightened military tensions with the United States, following announcements of U.S. naval movements toward the region.

Extensive Survey and Shelter Designation

Ali Nasiri, Head of the Tehran Crisis Management Organization, stated that a comprehensive survey by the Passive Defense Committee identified potential shelter sites. While many older school shelters were found to be in disrepair, the focus has shifted to the metro network and other subterranean spaces. According to Nasiri, 82 metro stations throughout Tehran are now officially designated as shelters and are being equipped with essential facilities like restrooms, water, and food storage. Signage for these shelters is being installed.

Capacity for Millions in the Capital

Beyond the metro system, the survey identified more than 300 additional underground locations, including public parking lots and complexes, suitable for conversion into shelters. Once fully prepared and permitted, this network is projected to provide emergency capacity for approximately 2.5 million people. This planning is crucial for a city whose population ranges from 10 to 12 million, swelling to nearly 16 million when including the greater metropolitan area.

Lessons from Past Confrontations and Current Tensions

The shelter initiative is informed by recent experience. During the direct military confrontation between Iran and Israel in June 2025, many Tehran residents sought safety in metro stations. Since that 12-day war, crisis officials have worked to systematically upgrade such facilities. The current urgency is fueled by recent geopolitical developments, notably U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a naval "armada" moving toward Iran, which has sparked widespread speculation about potential conflict. The Iranian government has vowed a forceful response to any attack, prompting civil defense preparations in the capital.ond forcefully to any attack.