9.5% of the adult population are current smokers
There are approximately 6.0 million current smokers in Iran
17.8% of men are current smokers but only 1.1% of women
Country profile
Data sourced:
2025.
Page updated:
2025-04-24
Smoking in Iran
There has been a downwards trend in current smoking prevalence in the general population in Iran. Smoking prevalence was 15% in 2000 and declined to 11% in 2015, with a further drop to 9.5% projected by 2025. For men the prevalence decreased from 26.5% in 2000 to 21% in 2015, with a further decrease to 19% projected by 2025. For women a prevalence of 4% in 2000 dropped to less than 1% in 2015, and is projected to decrease further to around 0.3% by 2025. The WHO published prevalence trend estimates in tobacco smoking, as shown here, in their 2018 2nd edition report, which show slightly different smoking prevalence to the WHO country profiles. Data for the estimates are not age standardised, and were obtained from WHO databases. The trend lines are projections, not predictions, of future attainment. A projection indicates a likely endpoint if the country maintains its tobacco control efforts at the same level that it has implemented them to date. Therefore the impact of recent interventions could alter the expected endpoint shown in the projection. While the methods of estimation used in the first and second editions of the WHO report are the same, the volume of data available for the second edition is larger i.e. 200 more national surveys. The results presented are therefore more robust.
34,676
Deaths
34676 people in Iran die from tobacco smoking-related diseases each year.
9.5%
tobacco smoking
Adult tobacco smoking prevalence is 9.5%.
Nicotine Vaping Devices
in Iran
In Iran, there are strict regulations for e-cigarettes and vaping products. E-cigarettes advertising is regulated, and the sale, trade, and import of both vaping devices and nicotine are banned. Vapes are classified as tobacco products, and their use is prohibited in public places. Since vaping is banned, there is no applicable age limit for purchase or use. However, bringing vapes for personal use is not explicitly forbidden. Most airlines allow passengers to carry them, but it is advised to check with the airline before traveling to avoid any issues. In Iran is illegal to purchase E-cigarettes without prescription.
Heated Tobacco Products
in Iran
Iran has banned Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs). Consequently, the commercial sale, purchase, import, marketing, and advertising of these products are not allowed. Also, the use of HTPs is not permitted in public places. You can't advertise HTP in Iran.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
in Iran
NRT are available in Pharmacy.
Snus
in Iran
There is currently no available information on the existence of specific laws governing Snus in Iran, including its importation, sale, purchase, and use. If you have any accurate and relevant firsthand information, please share it with the GSTHR team.
The GSTHR database is updated regularly by our team.
However, please be aware that the information we provide does not constitute legal advice.
We cannot guarantee that the information is up to date or accurate, as the regulatory status of different product
categories can change at short notice and with little publicity.
If you wish to check the legal status of use or possession of any safer nicotine product in a specific country or region,
you should verify the information independently.
If you have reason to think that the information supplied on the GSTHR is inaccurate, please contact us with details
and any references and we will rectify any errors.