Iran has one of the highest urbanisation rates, with over 77% of the country’s population living in urban areas.
The country has one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with some cities predating the documented Persian empires.
The list below analyses the largest cities in Iran, their respective specialisations, and their economic and cultural significance to the country. Just so you know, population considered below are for the city proper, not the metropolitan. The population of metro areas may be higher.
Largest Cities in Iran in 2026
10. Urmia — (Population: 871,000)
Located in northwest Iran, close to Turkey, the city is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the region. The city is near Lake Urmia one of the world’s largest salt water lakes. However, the lake has been drying out of recent, surface area reducing.
The economy of the city relies on Agriculture especially apples, food processing and trade.
9. Kermanshah — (Population: 1,131,900)
Located in Western Iran near the border with Iraq, Kermanshah is an ancient city with history stretching through Persian empires. The city has the famed Behistun Inscription which was curved into a cliff by Darius the Great, emperor of the Greco-Macedonian empire in the 6th century BCE.
The city’s economy is supported by agriculture, trade and light industries.
8. Ahvaz — (Population: 1,339,800)
Ahvaz is located in southwest Iran on Karun River. The city grew rapidly in early 20th century after the discovery of oil in the region.
The city’s economy heavily relies on Oil & Gas, steel and heavy industries. The city also offers river port transport services as River Karun is the only navigable river in the whole of Iran.
7. Qom — (Population: 1,409,600)
Located in the South of Tehran, the city has been a major center of Shi’a scholarship since medieval times. The shrine of Fatima Masumeh is one of the Iran’s most revered religious sites.
Religious education, publishing and pilgrimage services are some of the major economic activities in the city.
6. Tabriz — (Population: 1,713,390)
Located in northwest, Iran near Turkey and Armenia border, Tabriz is one of the ancient silk road cities. It has been a commercial hub and a strategic city for various empires in Central Asia. The city is a home to the ancient Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex a UNESCO – listed bazaar.
Automotive parts, manufacturing, petrochemicals, carpet weaving and trade are the major economic activities of Tabriz.
5. Shiraz — (Population: 1,784,300)
Located in Mid southern part of Iran, Shiraz is a cultural and artistic heritage of Iran since ancient times. It is the birthplace of famous Persian poets Hafez and Saadi.
Read also: Largest Cities in Nigeria by Population Now
The city’s economy is supported by agriculture especially citrus fruits and grapes, petrochemicals, education and tourism.
4 .Karaj — (Population: 1,973,500)
Located in West of Tehran in the part or greater Tehran Region, the city was a rural settlement until mid-20th century. Rapid growth and development of the city has been influenced by Tehran’s expansion.
The economic activities in the area are agriculture especially fruits, light industries, and residential units.
 3. Isfahan — (Population: 2,358,700)
Located in Central Iran, Isfahan was the capital of the Safavid Empire during the cultural golden age of Iran in the 16th-17th centuries.
Steel and construction materials, handcrafts like Persian textiles, tourism and trade are the major economic activities of Isfahan.
2. Mashhad — (Population: 3,503,100)
Located in the northeast, near Afghanistan and Turkmenistan border, the town was built around the shrine of Imam Reza in the 9th century. The city is a major Shi’a pilgrimage site. It is one of the world’s most visited religious sites receiving millions of pilgrims every year.
The economy of the city relies a lot religious tourism, offering services to tourists. Trade, food processing and education are the other major economic activities in the city.
1. Tehran — (Population: 9,840,100)
Located in the north-central part of Iran at the foot of the Alborz Mountains, Tehran is the largest city and capital of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The city has been capital of Iran since 1796 under the Qajar dynasty. The city developed from a regional town to a mega city, the second largest city in the Middle East after Cairo of Egypt.
The city is an administrative centre, financial and industrial heart of Iran. It is a major center for oil administration, automotive production, a tech hub and a vibrant service sector.
The metro of Tehran is a home to more than 17 million people.
Table showing largest cities in Iran 2026 population estimates.
| Position | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tehran | 9,800,000 |
| 2 | Mashhad | 3,500,000 |
| 3 | Isfahan | 2,400,000 |
| 4 | Karaj | 2,000,000 |
| 5 | Shiraz | 1,800,000 |
| 6 | Tabriz | 1,700,000 |
| 7 | Qom | 1,400,000 |
| 8 | Ahvaz | 1,300,000 |
| 9 | Kermanshah | 1,100,000 |
| 10 | Urmia | 900,000 |
With ongoing conflict between Iran and a coalition of United States, Israel and Arab states, Iran Cities will receive a set back especially Tehran and those that are being bombed heavily. Dialogue between conflicting parties will help preserve these beautiful cities that have been a home to Persians for centuries and centuries.
