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Iran's Controversial Push for Profitable Gender Transition Tourism

10/10/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Iran has led gender transition surgeries for 40 years and pressured LGBTQ+ individuals into unwanted procedures under threat of death.
Amid war- and sanctions-driven economic strain, Iran markets its medical tourism sector to attract foreign transgender patients with affordable surgeries.
The government seeks over $7 billion annually from this industry, far above last year, while noting available gender-affirming care and subsidies.

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Story summary

Iran has led gender transition surgeries for 40 years and pressured LGBTQ+ individuals into unwanted procedures under threat of death.
Amid war- and sanctions-driven economic strain, Iran markets its medical tourism sector to attract foreign transgender patients with affordable surgeries.
The government seeks over $7 billion annually from this industry, far above last year, while noting available gender-affirming care and subsidies.