A rather new element of Iran’s paradoxical society is visible in some homes: cohabitation of unmarried couples. A small group of young and a smaller group of elder avant-garde intellectuals and artists had chosen this lifestyle in the past 30 years, but according to Iranian officials, it is on the rise. 

Couples living together without being married is still quite uncommon, and in some circles even unheard of, particularly for the traditional and religious types who would deem this lifestyle unacceptable. However, that this trend has caused authorities to speak out against it is an indication that it is a serious issue for a country that espouses traditional Islamic values and is facing a declining birth rate.

Cohabitation seems almost exclusive to Iran's bigger and busier cities, which traditionally have been progressive and have continued to be more progressive despite cultural and religious pressure. Tehran holds the highest numbers in this category, although not surprisingly, no official statistics exist regarding one of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s worst nightmares, particularly at a time when one of the most significant priorities of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei seems to be to double the population and counter Iran's worrisome declining birth rate.

In an interview with Iran’s ILNA news agency, Morteza Talaee, chairman of the sociocultural commission of the Tehran City Council and previously the commander of the greater Tehran police force, has expressed concern over what he describes as the increasing phenomenon of cohabitation among unmarried young couples, most of whom he says are college students. Cases of cohabitation sans nuptials are said to be mostly seen in wealthier parts of Tehran, especially northern Tehran, he added.