Behind closed doors: The hidden world of sex and prostitution in Iran

Despite Iran's strict Islamic laws governing sexual behavior, an expansive underground industry of massage services is seemingly becoming a front for prostitution, while a simple hijab violation can lead to violent arrest.

The operations, flourishing on social media, reveal the deep socio-economic and moral contradictions of the Islamic Republic. In a country where public morality is dictated by Islamic principles, the seeming rise of massage services on social media platforms like Instagram already presents a striking paradox.

And, while many of these pages appear to advertise therapeutic services, a closer examination by Iran International uncovers a different reality: a covert network of prostitution operating under the guise of massage therapy.

One such page is run by a woman claiming to hold a degree in physiology from Tehran University and an international certificate from Malaysia in massage therapy. Her profile reads, “I am a massage therapist and provide massage services for men and women in Tehran.”

Iran International cannot independently verify the authenticity of the pages or their content. Additionally, some videos appear to feature masseuses from other countries.

The services advertised include home visits, foot massages, hot stone massages, and Thai massage, accompanied by photos of a salon purportedly located in northern Tehran. Videos of young women massaging men are also posted, allowing clients to select their preferred masseuse.

One of the pages' links to a Telegram channel reveals a different side of the services.

There, the services listed go far beyond traditional massage therapy, encompassing threesomes, lesbian encounters, group sex, and sex with "shemales". The prices ranged from: 21 million rials (approximately $36) for a 90-minute massage, 47 million rials ($81) for a massage plus sex, 62 million rials ($107) for an overnight session, and 130 million rials ($224) for a 24-hour session.

Prostitution is illegal in Iran, with severe penalties for those caught participating in or facilitating it.

Adultery, sex between unmarried people, and homosexuality can result in imprisonment, flogging, and, in some cases, the death penalty.

Despite the Islamic Republic's punitive laws, the underground sex trade persists, according to observers and experts, fueled by factors such as poverty, unemployment, drug addiction, and lack of education. Economic hardship in the country has also been cited as a contributing factor, rendering Iranian women vulnerable to exploitation and coercion into prostitution.

When Iran International contacted the page administrator of the aforementioned Telegram page for more information, an individual promptly responded with a pre-prepared list detailing the rules and payment methods.

That individual stated that half of the fee is paid in advance, with the remaining half paid after the service. The advance payment was to be made to a bank account under a different name, raising questions about the legitimacy of the operation.

Whether fraudulent or genuine, the pages paint a disturbing picture of life under the Islamic Republic: Individuals are either exploiting Iran's illegal prostitution trade to deceive and extort money from young people with impunity -- or, young women in their 20s and 30s are engaging in prostitution for less than $50.

Further investigation by Iran International revealed numerous similar pages operated by Iranian administrators.

Some pages only vaguely hint at sexual services through suggestive photos, while others openly advertise prostitution. Prices on these pages varied from $35 to $250, depending on the duration and specifics of the service.

Due to the sensitive nature of the content and for the safety of the individuals reportedly depicted, Iran International has refrained from using the names listed on the pages.

A, aged 24, appears in an advertisement offering sexual services, accompanied by a health certificate and proof of COVID vaccination to seemingly reassure clients of no risk of sexually transmitted diseases. Charging approximately $225 per day, she offers to accompany clients on trips, with photos ranging from casual attire to partially nude poses.

Another woman, M, has posted blurred videos depicting oral sex. Her photos showcase herself posing on beaches, in studios, and at gyms, displaying her physique in an apparent bid to attract potential clients.

R, aged 27, is presented as available for international travel upon request from clients.

Another woman, E, aged 25, is featured in a promotional video blowing a kiss and winking from a swimming pool setting.

When it comes to enforcing Iran's prostitution laws, the Iranian government exhibits selectivity and inconsistency. Authorities frequently turn a blind eye or focus on high-profile crackdowns, with their actions widely believed to be steered by corruption and bribery.

While the public perception of prostitution remains predominantly negative, reflecting conservative religious values, there is an acknowledgment of the socio-economic factors contributing to its existence.

Efforts to combat prostitution in Iran are further hindered by both legal and cultural constraints. Although there are some initiatives aimed at supporting and rehabilitating sex workers, NGOs and activists encounter significant challenges, including government restrictions and societal stigma.

Experts have often lamented that effectively addressing prostitution in Iran necessitates identifying and targeting its root causes, which include poverty and limited opportunities, in addition to initiatives focused on raising awareness and providing education, vocational training, and healthcare services.

While the government rigorously enforces moral codes such as mandatory hijab, prostitution persists, exploiting vulnerable women right under its nose.