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15% Increase in Prostitutes in Tehran - 2003-11-02

Feb 9, 2026 February 9, 2026 2 min read 📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway

There has been a 15% increase in the number of prostitutes and runaway girls in Tehran in the first half of the year, with the average age dropping to 15-20 years. Dr. Hadi Mo'tamedi attributes this rise to population growth, addiction, and unemployment, while public concern grows over the government's handling of the issue.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: The rise in prostitution among young women in Tehran underscores significant social and economic challenges facing Iran.

👥 Key Players

Dr. Hadi Mo'tamedi MENTIONED
Head of the Victims Office of Iran's Welfare Organization
"He provides official insights into social issues affecting vulnerable populations in Iran, particularly regarding the rise of prostitution."
Baztab MENTIONED
News website reporting on social issues
"Provides a platform for discussing sensitive social issues in Iran, reflecting public opinion and government responses."

📰 What Happened

In the first six months of the year, Tehran saw a 15% increase in the number of prostitutes and runaway girls, with the average age of these individuals decreasing to between 15 and 20 years. This rise is attributed to factors such as population growth, addiction, and unemployment.

  • The average age of runaway girls has dropped to 15-20 years.
  • Public concern is growing over the government's approach to managing the issue.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: The increase in prostitution reflects deeper societal issues such as poverty and addiction, raising concerns about the welfare of vulnerable populations.
🌍 Regional: This trend may indicate broader social instability in Iran, which could have implications for regional security and public health.
🌐 International: International observers may view this issue as indicative of Iran's social challenges, potentially affecting diplomatic relations and humanitarian considerations.

📚 Background

Prostitution in Iran is often linked to economic hardship and social issues, with many women resorting to it as a means of survival. The government traditionally suppresses discussions on this topic, complicating efforts to address the root causes.

Economic challenges in Iran Social issues and women's rights in Iran
📡 Source: STATE MEDIA
📊 Confidence: 70%
Baztab is a state-affiliated news source, which may influence its framing of social issues and the portrayal of government responses.

The number of runaway girls and prostitutes in Tehran has increased by 15% in the first six months of this year. According to the Baztab website, Dr. Hadi Mo'tamedi, head of the Victims Office of Iran's Welfare Organization, announced this news and stated that the number of prostitutes is still on the rise, adding: 'Currently, the average age of runaway and street girls has decreased by one year to 15 to 20 years.' This website also quotes Mo'tamedi, noting that the main reasons for the increase in street women are population growth, widespread addiction, and unemployment in Iranian society. At the same time, it acknowledges: 'Currently, there are no accurate statistics on the actual number of prostitutes in Tehran.' Baztab continues its report by referring to public opinion on this issue, writing: 'The people of Tehran express concern about the increasing number of street women. According to the people, the main reason for corruption in society is that officials try to suppress this phenomenon instead of controlling and monitoring it.' The site also points to the alarming increase in the number of girls and women engaging in prostitution in Iran, noting: 'According to sociologists, ninety percent of prostitutes in Iran resort to selling themselves solely due to financial problems... The rising trend of prostitution, AIDS, and other social issues in Tehran has led some officials to refrain from announcing accurate statistics.'

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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