Action Plan to Strengthen Tobacco Control in Iran: A Narrative Study

Despite some progress, tobacco control in Iran continues to face significant challenges, with a persistently high national smoking prevalence of approximately 14.1% and stagnation in reduction efforts. The Iranian government has adopted several policies inspired by the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control’s MPOWER framework, including monitoring tobacco use, protecting people from second-hand smoke, and enforcing advertising bans. However, the effectiveness of these measures is hampered by weak enforcement, low public compliance, legislative gaps, and evolving consumption patterns. In addition, ongoing tobacco industry interference complicates control efforts. This narrative review strategically evaluates existing tobacco control policies and identifies critical barriers from a systemic viewpoint. It underscores the urgency of strengthening enforcement mechanisms, increasing tobacco taxation, expanding cessation services, and fostering intersectoral collaboration. The key message is that sustainable success requires a coordinated, evidence-based, and culturally tailored action plan to effectively diminish tobacco use and alleviate its health and economic burdens in Iran.