Minister warns Iran’s birth rate to plummet to all-time low
Iran’s Health Minister Mohammad-Reza Zafarqandi issued a stark warning that the country’s birth rate is expected to drop below one million for the first time in history by the end of the current Iranian year (March 20, 2025).
This alarming trend has sparked concerns about a demographic crisis, with the minister emphasizing the need for a national effort to address the issue, IRNA reported.
According to Zafarqandi, the total fertility rate (TFR) declined from 2.01 in 2016 to 1.66, and if it drops to 1.1, the country will be trapped in a demographic crisis.
He stressed that the current situation is a national crisis that requires a scientific approach and collective effort from all sectors.
The minister pointed out that many Western countries, as well as some Asian nations like South Korea and Japan, have fallen into a demographic trap, making it challenging for them to recover. He warned that if Iran falls into this trap, it will be difficult to escape.
Zafarqandi emphasized that addressing the demographic crisis requires a comprehensive approach, encompassing cultural, economic, social, and health aspects.
He called for a national movement to reverse the declining trend, which should involve all sectors of society.
The minister’s warning comes as the country grapples with a rapidly aging population and a shrinking workforce. The demographic crisis has significant implications for Iran’s economic growth, social security, and overall development.
In light of these concerns, Zafarqandi urged all relevant authorities to take their responsibilities seriously and work together to address the demographic crisis.
He emphasized that superficial measures will not suffice, and a fundamental shift in cultural and social attitudes is necessary to reverse the trend.