Fact check: What are the most populous cities in Iran?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, Tehran consistently emerges as Iran's most populous city, though sources present different population figures. The most recent source from June 2025 reports Tehran's population at 9.6 million ^[1], while an earlier 2025 source lists it at 7,153,309 ^[2]. This discrepancy likely reflects different methodologies for measuring urban populations - whether counting city proper, metropolitan area, or urban agglomeration.

The top Iranian cities by population include:

• Tehran - Consistently ranked #1 (7.1-9.6 million depending on source)
• Mashhad - Second largest city (3.4 million according to p1_s2)
• Isfahan - Third largest (2.3 million per p1_s2)
• Karaj - Listed as fourth in one source ^[2] but sixth in another (1.6 million per p1_s2)
• Shiraz - 1.7 million ^[1]
• Tabriz - 1.7 million ^[1]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks important context about how urban populations are measured and defined. The significant variation in Tehran's reported population (7.1 million vs 9.6 million) suggests different counting methodologies that aren't explained in the analyses ^{[2] [1]}.

Missing demographic context includes Iran's ethnic and linguistic diversity, which one source mentions but doesn't elaborate on in relation to urban populations ^[3]. This diversity could significantly impact how populations are counted and categorized in different cities.

The analyses also lack temporal context - population figures change rapidly, and without knowing the exact survey dates or projection methods, it's difficult to determine which figures are most accurate. Urban planners, government officials, and international organizations may benefit from presenting different population figures to support various policy or funding arguments.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself contains no apparent misinformation or bias - it's a straightforward factual inquiry about Iranian city populations. However, the conflicting data in the sources ^{[2] [1]} highlights potential issues with how population data is collected, reported, and disseminated.

The lack of methodological transparency in the analyses could lead to misinformation if users don't understand that urban population figures can vary dramatically based on whether they include suburbs, metropolitan areas, or just city centers. Government agencies, urban development companies, and international organizations all have financial incentives to present population figures that support their particular agendas - whether for infrastructure investment, political representation, or international aid allocation.