TEHRAN -- A sensitive debate is unfolding in this historic city over the proposed route of Metro Line 2, which is planned to pass near the Jāmeh Mosque, one of Iran’s most significant architectural treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2012.
Amir Karamzadeh, the director general of Isfahan’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department, announced on Thursday that a qualified independent consultant will be appointed to review and verify a study conducted by Iran University of Science and Technology. 
The study assesses the potential effects of the metro’s construction on the mosque’s structural integrity, particularly concerns about vibrations caused by tunneling in close proximity to the ancient building.
“The data provided by the university will undergo rigorous evaluation,” Karamzadeh said in an interview with the Iranian news agency IRNA. 
“We have invited experts from the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, the Railway Research Center, and international consultants to ensure that this process is thorough and transparent.”
The decision to bring in outside experts comes amid mounting concerns from preservationists and international observers, including UNESCO, which has asked Iran to assess and report on the possible impacts of the metro line’s route on the mosque’s protected area.
The planned metro tunnel would run about 25 meters underground beneath Imam Ali Square and Alameh Majlesi Street. Some experts suggest that at this depth, archaeological layers are unlikely to be disturbed, and risks to the mosque may be minimal. However, long-term vibrations remain a concern, with potential effects on the centuries-old structure’s stability.
The Jāmeh Mosque of Isfahan, dating back over a thousand years, is renowned for its exemplary Islamic architecture, reflecting the artistic and cultural evolution through several Iranian dynasties, including the Seljuks and Safavids. Its preservation is regarded as vital to both Iran’s heritage and the world’s cultural patrimony.
Karamzadeh emphasized that the authorities will follow scientific protocols strictly and will not allow the project to proceed unless it is certain that the mosque will remain unharmed. “If the assessments show any risk, the metro route will be changed,” he said.
The outcome of this review will be closely watched by both local citizens and the international community, as Isfahan seeks to balance the demands of urban development with the preservation of its priceless historical legacy.