Why are Iran's largest cities rarely by the coast?

Iran has chosen it's capitals based on political strategy and development. It's current capital, Tehran, was chosen because the government (then under the Qajars) wanted to remain close to the then Iranian-occupied, rebellious Caucasus region. read more

I think large cities in Iran grew not because of trade by sea, but for other significance. For example Shiraz has historical significance and good weather. On the other hand Iran does not have much sea borders (compared to land), so on the matter of trade it relies on land more than sea. read more

Comprising a land area of 1,648,195 km 2 (636,372 sq mi), it is the second-largest country in the Middle East and the 17th-largest in the world. Tehran is the country's capital and largest city, as well as its leading economic and cultural center. read more