A shahrestan is an administrative division in Iran, similar to a county. It serves as a local government unit, overseeing various cities and rural areas within its boundaries. Each shahrestan is part of a larger province, known as a ostan, and is responsible for local governance, infrastructure, and public services. Typically, a shahrestan includes several bakhsh (districts) and may contain multiple towns and villages. The local government is tasked with implementing national policies and addressing the needs of the community, making it an essential part of Iran's administrative structure.