On October 19, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei delivered a speech emphasizing the connection between national strength and population. According to him, a country wishing to maintain its superpower status needs sufficient human resources, and a decline in population would weaken Iran's influence on the international stage.
The statement comes amid a significant drop in Iran's birth rates in recent years, raising concerns about an aging population and future labor shortages. The Iranian government has implemented various policies to encourage childbirth, including financial support packages and new housing regulations, but the effectiveness has been limited.
Analysts say that the economic crisis, high inflation, and lack of employment are the main reasons why people are reluctant to have children. Meanwhile, Iranian officials view the population issue as central to the strategy for ensuring the country's long-term security and influence.
