# Iran mahr law reform debate > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/iran-mahr-law-reform-debate > Updated: 2026-10-18T04:17:22.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Zahra Behrouzazar, Iran’s Vice President for Women and Family Affairs, has raised concerns regarding legislative amendments to the Civil Code and laws governing the execution of financial convictions, specifically focusing on mahr (dowry) payments. Initially, Behrouzazar criticized the use of a fixed number of gold coins as a legal benchmark for dowry, arguing the figure lacks a technical basis and lacks flexibility regarding a man’s financial capacity. Government officials noted an interest in preventing increased prison populations resulting from dowry debts and emphasized that legislation should support the family unit without being gender-biased. As the proposed reforms moved to the Guardian Council and the Expediency Discernment Council for review, Behrouzazar warned that the current proposals may contain discrepancies with the constitution, Sharia law, and general state policies. She cautioned against isolated reforms to mahr laws, suggesting that any changes must be part of a comprehensive adjustment to broader family laws, including divorce rights, property division, and employment rights, to ensure legal balance. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-18: Zahra Behrouzazar warns against isolated mahr law reforms Iran's Vice President for Women and Family Affairs warns that mahr reforms must be integrated with broader family law changes to avoid legal and religious discrepancies. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zahra-behrouzazar-warns-against-isolated-mahr-law-reforms ### 2026-09-19: Iran's Women and Family Affairs Vice President criticizes dowry law Iran's Vice President for Women and Family Affairs criticizes new dowry (mahr) legislation, arguing that fixed gold coin benchmarks lack expert basis and that the law should focus on family stability. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/irans-women-and-family-affairs-vice-president-criticizes-dowry-law --- Cite as: Iran mahr law reform debate. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/iran-mahr-law-reform-debate