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{{Short description|Country in West Asia}} {{Short description|Country in West Asia}}
{{Other uses}} {{Other uses}}
{{Redirect-distinguish-for|Persia|Persis}}
{{pp-semi-indef}} {{pp-semi-indef}}
{{pp-move}} {{pp-move}}

{{Redirect-distinguish-for|Persia|Persis}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2022}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2024}}{{Use British English|date=December 2024}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2022}}
{{Very long|date=January 2024|words=15,600}}
{{Infobox country {{Infobox country
| conventional_long_name = Islamic Republic of Iran | conventional_long_name = Islamic Republic of Iran
| common_name = Iran | common_name = Iran
| native_name = {{nobold|{{native name|fa|جمهوری اسلامی ایران|italics=off}}}}<br />{{small|{{transliteration|fa|Jomhuri-ye Eslâmi-ye Irân}}}} | native_name = <templatestyles src="Nobold/styles.css"/><span class="nobold">{{native name|fa|جمهوری اسلامی ایران|italics=off}}</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{{transliteration|fa|Jomhuri-ye Eslâmi-ye Irân}}</span>
| image_flag = Flag of Iran.svg | image_flag = Flag of Iran (official).svg
| image_coat = Emblem of Iran.svg | image_coat = Emblem of Iran.svg
| symbol_type = Emblem | symbol_type = Emblem
| national_motto = {{lang|fa|استقلال، آزادی، جمهوری اسلامی}}<br />{{transliteration|fa|Esteqlâl, Âzâdi, Jomhuri-ye Eslâmi}}<br />"Independence, freedom, the Islamic Republic"<br />('']'')<ref>{{cite book |author=Jeroen Temperman |title=State-Religion Relationships and Human Rights Law: Towards a Right to Religiously Neutral Governance |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Khag6tbsIn4C&pg=PA87 |year=2010 |publisher=Brill |isbn=978-90-04-18148-9 |pages=87– |quote=The official motto of Iran is '']'' ('God is the Greatest' or 'God is Great'). Transliteration ''Allahu Akbar''. As referred to in art. 18 of the constitution of Iran (1979). The '']'' motto however is: 'Independence, freedom, the Islamic Republic.{{'-}} |access-date=20 June 2015 |archive-date=10 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410044202/https://books.google.com/books?id=Khag6tbsIn4C&pg=PA87 |url-status=live }}</ref> | national_motto = {{lang|ar|اَللَّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ}}<br />{{transliteration|ar|Allāhu ʾakbar}} (])<br />"] is the Greatest"<br />('']'')<br />{{lang|fa|استقلال، آزادی، جمهوری اسلامی}}<br />{{transliteration|fa|Esteqlâl, Âzâdi, Jomhuri-ye Eslâmi}}<br />"Independence, freedom, the Islamic Republic"<br />('']'')<ref>{{cite book |author=Jeroen Temperman |title=State-Religion Relationships and Human Rights Law: Towards a Right to Religiously Neutral Governance |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Khag6tbsIn4C&pg=PA87 |year=2010 |publisher=Brill |isbn=978-90-04-18148-9 |pages=87– |quote=The official motto of Iran is '']'' ('God is the Greatest' or 'God is Great'). Transliteration ''Allahu Akbar''. As referred to in art. 18 of the constitution of Iran (1979). The '']'' motto however is: 'Independence, freedom, the Islamic Republic.{{'-}} |access-date=20 June 2015 |archive-date=10 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410044202/https://books.google.com/books?id=Khag6tbsIn4C&pg=PA87 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| national_anthem = {{lang|fa|سرود ملی جمهوری اسلامی ایران}}<br />{{nowrap|{{transliteration|fa|Sorud-e Melli-ye Jomhuri-ye Eslâmi-ye Irân}}}}<br />{{nowrap|"]"}}{{parabr}}{{center|]}} | national_anthem = {{lang|fa|سرود ملی جمهوری اسلامی ایران}}<br /><span class="nowrap">{{transliteration|fa|Sorud-e Melli-ye Jomhuri-ye Eslâmi-ye Irân}}</span><br /><span class="nowrap">"]"</span>{{parabr}}{{center|]}}
| image_map = {{switcher|]|Iran on the globe|]|Map of Iran}} | image_map = {{switcher|]|Iran on the globe|]|Map of Iran}}
| capital = ] | capital = ]
| coordinates = {{Coord|35|41|N|51|25|E|type:city}} | coordinates = {{#invoke:Coordinates|coord|35|41|N|51|25|E|type:city}}
| largest_city = ] | largest_city = ]
| official_languages = ] | official_languages = ]
| demonym = ]
| regional_languages = {{Collapsible list
| government_type = Unitary ] theocratic ]
| titlestyle = background:transparent;text-align:left;font-weight:normal;font-size:100%;
| title = ]:<ref name="CIA" /> | Predominantly ] | 18% ] and other ] {{midsize|(incl. ], ])<ref name="britannicalanguages">{{Cite web |title=Iran – Languages |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Iran/Languages |access-date=9 January 2020 |website=Encyclopedia Britannica |language=en |archive-date=5 May 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200505165439/https://www.britannica.com/place/Iran/Languages |url-status=live }}</ref>}} | 10% ] | 7% ] and ] | 6% ] | 2% ] | 2% ] | 2% other<ref name=AO /> {{midsize|(incl. ], ], ], ], ], ], ])}}}}
| ethnic_groups = {{Tree list}}
{{Collapsible list
| title = All
| Predominantly ]
| ]
| ]
| ]
| ]
| ]
| ]
| ]
| ]
| ]
| ]
| ]}}
{{Tree list/end}}
| ethnic_groups_ref = {{Sfn|Tohidi|2009|p=300}}
| ethnic_groups_year = 2003 estimate
| demonym = ]
| government_type = Unitary presidential theocratic ]
| leader_title1 = ] | leader_title1 = ]
| leader_name1 = {{nowrap|]}} | leader_name1 = <span class="nowrap">]</span>
| leader_title2 = ] | leader_title2 = ]
| leader_name2 = ] | leader_name2 = ]
| leader_title3 = ] | leader_title3 = ]
| leader_name3 = ] | leader_name3 = ]
| leader_title4 = ]
| leader_name4 = ]
| leader_title6 = ]
| leader_name6 = ]
| leader_title7 = ]
| leader_name7 = ]
| leader_title5 = ]
| leader_name5 = ]
| legislature = ] | legislature = ]
| sovereignty_type = ] | sovereignty_type = ]
| established_event1 = ] | established_event1 = ]
| established_date1 = {{circa|3200 BC}} | established_date1 = {{circa|678 BC}}
| established_event2 = ] | established_event2 = ]
| established_date2 = {{circa|678 BC}} | established_date2 = 550 BC
| established_event3 = ] | established_event3 = ]
| established_date3 = 550 BC | established_date3 = 247 BC
| established_event4 = ] | established_event4 = ]
| established_date4 = 247 BC | established_date4 = 224 AD
| established_event5 = ] | established_event5 = ]
| established_date5 = 224 AD | established_date5 = 821
| established_event6 = ] | established_event6 = ]
| established_date6 = 819 | established_date6 = 1501
| established_event7 = ] | established_event9 = ]
| established_date7 = 934
| established_event8 = ]
| established_date8 = 1501
| established_event9 = ]
| established_date9 = 1736 | established_date9 = 1736
| established_event10 = ] | established_event10 = ]
| established_date10 = 1751 | established_date10 = 12 December 1905
| established_event11 = ] | established_event11 = ]
| established_date11 = 1796 | established_date11 = 15 December 1925
| established_event12 = ] | established_event12 = ]
| established_date12 = 15 December 1925 | established_date12 = 11 February 1979
| established_event13 = ]
| established_date13 = 11 February 1979
| established_event14 = ]
| established_date14 = 3 December 1979
| established_event15 = ]
| established_date15 = 28 July 1989
| area_km2 = 1,648,195 | area_km2 = 1,648,195
| area_rank = 17th | area_rank = 17th
| area_sq_mi = 636,372<!--Do not remove per ]--> | area_sq_mi = 636,372<!--Do not remove per ]-->
| percent_water = 1.63 (as of 2015)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Surface water and surface water change |url=https://stats.oecd.org/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=SURFACE_WATER |access-date=11 October 2020 |publisher=Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) |archive-date=24 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324133453/https://stats.oecd.org/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=SURFACE_WATER |url-status=live }}</ref> | percent_water = 1.63 (as of 2015)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Surface water and surface water change |url=https://stats.oecd.org/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=SURFACE_WATER |access-date=11 October 2020 |publisher=Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) |archive-date=24 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324133453/https://stats.oecd.org/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=SURFACE_WATER |url-status=live }}</ref>
| population_estimate = 89,658,000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/iran-population/ |title=Iran Population (2024) - Worldometer }}</ref> | population_estimate = {{IncreaseNeutral}} 85,961,000<ref name="Iran.population">{{cite web |url=https://iranopendata.org/en/dataset/iod-06124-estimated-population-iran-province-2024/ |title=Estimated population in Iran by province in 2024 |publisher= Iran Open Data (IOD) |website=www.iranopendata.org/fa/ |date=5 December 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024}}</ref>
| population_estimate_year = 2024 | population_estimate_year = 2024
| population_estimate_rank = 17th | population_estimate_rank = 17th
| population_density_km2 = 55 | population_density_km2 = {{#expr: 85961000/1648195 round 0}}
| population_density_sq_mi = 142<!--Do not remove per ]--> | population_density_sq_mi = {{#expr: 85961000/636372 round 0}}<!--Do not remove per ]-->
| population_density_rank = 132nd<!--Wiki source--> | population_density_rank = 132nd<!--Wiki source-->
| GDP_PPP = {{increase}} $1,808 trillion<ref name="IMFWEO.IR">{{cite web |url=https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2023/October/weo-report?c=429,&s=NGDPD,PPPGDP,NGDPDPC,PPPPC,&sy=2020&ey=2028&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1 |title=World Economic Outlook Database, October 2023 Edition. (Iran) |publisher=] |website=IMF.org |date=10 October 2023 |access-date=12 October 2023 |archive-date=13 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013032912/https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2023/October/weo-report?c=429,&s=NGDPD,PPPGDP,NGDPDPC,PPPPC,&sy=2020&ey=2028&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> | GDP_PPP = {{increase}} $1.698 trillion<ref name="IMFWEO.IR">{{cite web |url=https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2024/October/weo-report?c=429,&s=NGDPD,PPPGDP,NGDPDPC,PPPPC,&sy=2022&ey=2029&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1 |title=World Economic Outlook Database, October 2024 Edition. (Iran) |publisher=] |accessdate=11 November 2024 |archive-date=16 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416234001/https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2024/October/weo-report?c=429,&s=NGDPD,PPPGDP,NGDPDPC,PPPPC,&sy=2022&ey=2029&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GDP_PPP_year = 2023 | GDP_PPP_rank = 23rd
| GDP_PPP_per_capita = {{increase}} $19,607<ref name="IMFWEO.IR" />
| GDP_PPP_rank = 19th
| GDP_PPP_year = 2024
| GDP_PPP_per_capita = {{increase}} $19,942<ref name="IMFWEO.IR" />
| GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 78th | GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 95th
| GDP_nominal = {{increase}} 366.4 billions <ref name="IMFWEO.IR" /> | GDP_nominal = {{increase}} $434.243 billion<ref name="IMFWEO.IR" />
| GDP_nominal_year = 2023 | GDP_nominal_rank = 37th
| GDP_nominal_per_capita = {{increase}} $5,013<ref name="IMFWEO.IR" />
| GDP_nominal_rank = 41nd
| GDP_nominal_year = 2024
| GDP_nominal_per_capita = {{increase}} $4,234<ref name="IMFWEO.IR" />
| GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 120th | GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 120th
| Gini = 40.9<!--number only--> | Gini = 34.8<!--number only-->
| Gini_year = 2019 | Gini_year = 2022
| Gini_change = <!--increase/decrease/steady--> | Gini_change = decrease <!--increase/decrease/steady-->
| Gini_ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/gini-index-coefficient-distribution-of-family-income/country-comparison/ |title=Gini Index coefficient|publisher=]|access-date=24 September 2024}}</ref>
| Gini_ref = <ref name="Data.worldbank.org">{{Cite web |title=Gini index |url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI?locations=IR |access-date=13 January 2023 |website=] |archive-date=21 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721111206/https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI%3Flocations%3DIR |url-status=live }}</ref>
| Gini_rank = | Gini_rank =
| HDI = 0.780<!--number only--> | HDI = 0.780<!--number only-->
Line 124: Line 85:
| time_zone = ] | time_zone = ]
| utc_offset = +3:30 | utc_offset = +3:30
| date_format = <span dir="rtl">]</span> (])
| drives_on = right
| calling_code = ]
| iso3166code = IR
| cctld = {{unbulleted list |] |]}} | cctld = {{unbulleted list |] |]}}
| established_event13 = ]
| established_date13 = 3 December 1979
}} }}
{{Contains special characters|Perso-Arabic|compact=yes|width=290px}} {{Contains special characters|Perso-Arabic|compact=yes|width=290px}}
'''Iran''',{{efn|{{IPAc-en|lang|audio=En-us-Iran.ogg|ɪ|ˈ|r|ɑː|n}} {{respell|ih|RAHN}} or {{IPAc-en|ɪ|ˈ|r|æ|n}} {{respell|ih|RAN}} or {{IPAc-en|aɪ|ˈ|r|æ|n}} {{respell|eye|RAN}}<ref name="MW">{{Cite web |title=Definition of IRAN |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Iran |access-date=24 September 2022 |website=merriam-webster.com |language=en |archive-date=24 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220924135158/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Iran |url-status=live }}</ref>}}{{efn|{{langx|fa|ایران|Irân}} {{IPA|fa|ʔiːˈɾɒːn||Iran-Pronunciation.ogg}}}} officially the '''Islamic Republic of Iran''' ('''IRI'''){{efn|{{langx|fa|جمهوری اسلامی ایران|Jomhuri-ye Eslâmi-ye Irân}} {{IPA|fa|dʒomhuːˌɾije eslɒːˌmije ʔiːˈɾɒn||audio=Fa-ir-JEI (1).ogg}}}} and also known as '''Persia''',{{efn|{{IPAc-en|lang|audio=LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-Persia.wav|ˈ|p|ɜːr|ʒ|ə}} {{respell|PUR|zhə}}<ref name="MW" />}} is a country in ]. It borders ] to the northwest and ] to the west, ], ], the ], and ] to the north, ] to the east, ] to the southeast, the ] and the ] to the south. With a ] population of about 86 million in an area of {{convert|1,648,195|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}, Iran ranks 17th globally in both ] and ].<ref name="Iran.population"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/iran/#people-and-society |title=Iran |date=4 November 2024}}</ref> It is the ] entirely in ] and one of the world's ] countries. Officially an ], Iran has ]. The country is divided into ] with ]. ] is the nation's ], ] and ].


A ], Iran has been inhabited since the ]. The large part of Iran was first unified as a ] by the ] under ] in the seventh century BC, and reached its territorial height in the sixth century BC, when ] founded the ], one of the largest in ]. ] conquered the empire in the fourth century BC. An Iranian rebellion established the ] in the third century BC and liberated the country, which was succeeded by the ] in the third century AD. ] saw some of the earliest developments of writing, agriculture, urbanisation, religion and central government. ] the region in the seventh century AD, leading to ]. The blossoming ], ], ], ], ] and ] became major elements for Iranian civilisation during the ]. A series of ] ended Arab rule, revived the ] and ruled the country until the ] and ] conquests of the 11th to 14th centuries.
'''Iran''',{{efn|{{lang-fa|ایران|Irân}}, {{IPAc-en|lang|audio=En-us-Iran.ogg|ɪ|ˈ|r|ɑː|n}} {{respell|ih|RAHN}} or {{IPAc-en|ɪ|ˈ|r|æ|n}} {{respell|ih|RAN}} or {{IPAc-en|aɪ|ˈ|r|æ|n}} {{respell|eye|RAN}};<ref name="MW">{{Cite web |title=Definition of IRAN |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Iran |access-date=2022-09-24 |website=merriam-webster.com |language=en |archive-date=24 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220924135158/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Iran |url-status=live }}</ref>{{IPA-fa|ʔiːˈɾɒːn||Iran-Pronunciation.ogg}}}} also known as '''Persia'''{{efn|{{IPAc-en|audio=LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-Persia.wav|ˈ|p|ɜːr|ʒ|ə}} {{respell|PUR|zhə}}<ref name="MW" />}} and officially the '''Islamic Republic of Iran''' ('''IRI'''),{{efn|{{lang-fa|جمهوری اسلامی ایران|Jomhuri-ye Eslâmi-ye Irân}}, {{pronunciation|Fa-ir-JEI (1).ogg|listen|(|help=no}} {{IPA-fa|dʒomhuːˌɾije eslɒːˌmije ʔiːˈɾɒn|}}}} is a country in ]. It is bordered by ] to the west and ] to the northwest, ], ], the ] and ] to the north, ] to the east, ] to the southeast, the ] & the ] to the south. With almost 90 million people in an area of {{convert|1.648|e6km2|e6sqmi|2|abbr=off|sp=}}, Iran ranks 17th in the world in both ] and ]. The country is divided into ] with ]. The nation's capital and ] is ], with around 16 million people in its metropolitan area, other ] include ], ], ], and ].


In the 16th century, the native ] re-established a unified Iranian state with ] as the ]. During the ] in the 18th century, Iran was a leading world power, though by the 19th century, it had lost significant territory through ]. The early 20th century saw the ] and the establishment of the ]. Attempts by ] to ] led to an ]. After the ], the monarchy was overthrown in 1979 and the Islamic Republic of Iran was established by ], who became the country's first ]. In 1980, ], sparking the eight-year-long ], which ended in stalemate.
Iran is one of the world's oldest civilizations, beginning with the ]ites in the fourth millennium BC. It was first unified by the ] in the seventh century BC and reached its territorial height in the sixth century BC, when ] founded the ], one of the largest empires in ]. ] conquered the empire in the fourth century BC, and it was subsequently divided into several ]. An Iranian rebellion established the ] in the third century BC, which was succeeded in the third century AD by the ]. ] the region in the seventh century AD, leading to its ]. Iran became a major centre of ] and learning, and its culture, language, and customs spread across the ]. A series of ] ruled the country until the ] and the ] conquests of the 11th to 14th centuries. In the 16th century, the native ] re-established a unified Iranian state with ] ] as the official religion, marking the beginning of modern Iranian history.


Iran is ] as a ] ] with a ], with ultimate authority vested in a Supreme Leader. The government is ] and has attracted widespread criticism for its significant violations of ] and civil liberties. Iran is a major ], due to its large reserves of ]s, including the world's second largest ], ], its geopolitically significant location, ], ], regional influence, and role as the world's focal point of ]. The ] is the world's ]. Iran is a founding member of the ], ], ], and ] as well as a current member of the ], ], and ]. Iran is home to 28 ], the 10th highest in the world, and ranks 5th in ], or human treasures.
Under ] in the 18th century, Iran was a leading world power, though by the 19th century, it had lost significant territory ] with the ]. The early 20th century saw the ], the establishment of the ], and efforts at modernization. Attempts to nationalise ] led to an ]. After the ], the monarchy was overthrown in 1979 and the Islamic Republic of Iran was established by ], who became the country's first ]. Iran is ] as an ] with a ], albeit with ultimate authority vested in a theocratic supreme leader (rahbar), currently ] since ] in 1989. The Iranian government is ] and has attracted widespread criticism for its constraints and violations of ].

Iran is a major ], ] and ], due to its large reserves of ]s, including the world's second largest ], ], its strategic location in the ], its ], its regional influence, and its role as the world's focal point of ]. It is a founding member of the ], the ], the ], the ], the ], the ], and a member of ].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-12-29 |title=BRICS to Grow as Saudi, Iran, UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia Join Ranks |language=en |work=Bloomberg.com |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-12-29/brics-to-grow-as-saudi-iran-uae-egypt-ethiopia-join-ranks |access-date=2024-01-01 |archive-date=2 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102081543/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-12-29/brics-to-grow-as-saudi-iran-uae-egypt-ethiopia-join-ranks |url-status=live }}</ref> Owing it to its long history and rich cultural legacy, Iran is home to 27 ], the 10th highest number in the world, and ranks 5th globally in the number inscriptions of ], or human treasures.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-06 |title=ایران در جایگاه پنجم جهانی ثبت آثار ناملموس در یونسکو قرار گرفت |url=https://www.mehrnews.com/news/5959467/%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%AC%D8%A7%DB%8C%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%87-%D9%BE%D9%86%D8%AC%D9%85-%D8%AC%D9%87%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C-%D8%AB%D8%A8%D8%AA-%D8%A2%D8%AB%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84%D9%85%D9%88%D8%B3-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%DB%8C%D9%88%D9%86%D8%B3%DA%A9%D9%88-%D9%82%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B1-%DA%AF%D8%B1%D9%81%D8%AA |access-date=2023-12-06 |website=Mehrnews |archive-date=7 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207023246/https://www.mehrnews.com/news/5959467/%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%AC%D8%A7%DB%8C%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%87-%D9%BE%D9%86%D8%AC%D9%85-%D8%AC%D9%87%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C-%D8%AB%D8%A8%D8%AA-%D8%A2%D8%AB%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84%D9%85%D9%88%D8%B3-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%DB%8C%D9%88%D9%86%D8%B3%DA%A9%D9%88-%D9%82%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B1-%DA%AF%D8%B1%D9%81%D8%AA |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-06 |title=ایران در جایگاه پنجم جهانی ثبت آثار ناملموس در یونسکو قرار گرفت |url=https://dolat.ir/detail/429567 |archive-date=7 December 2023 |access-date=2023-12-06 |website=Dolat |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207180304/https://dolat.ir/detail/429567 |url-status=live }}</ref> The people of Iran are multicultural and comprise a wide variety of ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups.


== Etymology == == Etymology ==
{{Main|Name of Iran}} {{Main|Name of Iran}}
] (224–242 AD) in ]: "This is the figure of Mazdaworshipper, the lord Ardashir, King of Iran." <ref>The history of pre-Islamic literature of Persia, Ahmad Tafazzoli and Zhale Amoozgar, p 84, Sokhan publications, Tehran, {{ISBN|964-5983-14-2}}</ref>]]The term '']'' ''("the land of the Aryans")'' derives from ] {{transliteration|pal|Ērān}}, first attested in a third-century inscription at ], with the accompanying ] inscription using {{transliteration|xpr|Aryān}}, in reference to the ].{{Sfn|MacKenzie|1998}} The terms {{transliteration|pal|Ērān}} and {{transliteration|xpr|Aryān}} are oblique plural forms of ] nouns ''ēr-'' (Middle Persian) and ''ary-'' (Parthian), both deriving from ] ''*arya-'' (meaning "]", i.e. "of the Iranians"),{{Sfn|MacKenzie|1998}}{{Sfn|Schmitt|1987}} recognised as a derivative of ] ''{{PIE|*ar-yo-}}'', meaning "one who assembles (skilfully)".<ref>Laroche. 1957. Proto-Iranian ''*arya-'' descends from Proto-Indo-European (PIE) ''{{PIE|*ar-yo-}}'', a ''yo-''adjective to a root {{PIE|*ar}} "to assemble skillfully", present in Greek ''harma'' "chariot", Greek ''aristos'', (as in "]"), Latin ''ars'' "art", etc.</ref> According to ], the name comes from ], a legendary king.{{Sfn|Shahbazi|2004}} ] (224–242 AD) in ], inscribed "This is the figure of Mazdaworshipper, the lord Ardashir, King of Iran."]]
The term '']'' {{Gloss|the land of the Aryans}} derives from ] {{transliteration|pal|Ērān}}, first attested in a 3rd-century inscription at ], with the accompanying ] inscription using {{transliteration|xpr|Aryān}}, in reference to the ].{{Sfn|MacKenzie|1998}} {{transliteration|pal|Ērān}} and {{transliteration|xpr|Aryān}} are oblique plural forms of ] nouns ''ēr-'' (Middle Persian) and ''ary-'' (Parthian), deriving from ] ''*arya-'' (meaning ']', i.e. of the Iranians),{{Sfn|MacKenzie|1998}}{{Sfn|Schmitt|1987}} recognised as a derivative of ] ''{{PIE|*ar-yo-}}'', meaning {{Gloss|one who assembles (skilfully)}}.<ref>Laroche. 1957. Proto-Iranian ''*arya-'' descends from Proto-Indo-European (PIE) ''{{PIE|*ar-yo-}}'', a ''yo-''adjective to a root {{PIE|*ar}} "to assemble skillfully", present in Greek ''harma'' "chariot", Greek ''aristos'', (as in "]"), Latin ''ars'' "art", etc.</ref> According to ], the name comes from ], a legendary king.{{Sfn|Shahbazi|2004}}


Historically, Iran has been referred to as "''Persia"'' by ],<ref name="Fishman">{{Cite book |last=A. Fishman |first=Joshua |title=Handbook of Language and Ethnic Identity: Disciplinary and Regional Perspectives (Volume 1) |publisher=] |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-19-537492-6 |page=266 |quote=" "Iran" and "Persia" are synonymous" The former has always been used by the Iranian speaking peoples themselves, while the latter has served as the international name of the country in various languages}}</ref><ref name="Lewis1984">{{Cite journal |last=Lewis |first=Geoffrey |year=1984 |title=The naming of names |journal=British Society for Middle Eastern Studies Bulletin |volume=11 |issue=2 |pages=121–124 |doi=10.1080/13530198408705394}}</ref> due mainly to the writings of ] historians who referred to all of Iran as "{{transliteration|grc|Persís}}" (]: Περσίς),<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615050900/https://www.britannica.com/place/Persia |date=15 June 2022 }}, '']'', "The term Persia was used for centuries{{nbsp}}... use of the name was gradually extended by the ancient Greeks and other peoples to apply to the whole Iranian plateau."</ref> meaning "the land of the ]".<ref name="Arnold Wilson">{{Cite book |last=Wilson, Arnold |title=The Persian Gulf (RLE Iran A) |date=2012 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-136-84105-7 |page=71 |chapter=The Middle Ages: Fars |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FocirvdZKjcC}}</ref> "''Persia''" is the ] in southwest Iran, also known as "''Pârs"''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Your Gateway to Knowledge |url=https://knowledgezon.co.in/ |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=Knowledge Zone |language=en}}</ref> The ] word "''Fârs"'' (فارس), derived from the earlier form "''Pârs"'' (پارس), which is in turn derived from ''Pârsâ'' (]: 𐎱𐎠𐎼𐎿). Due to the province's historical importance,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foundation |first=Encyclopaedia Iranica |title=Welcome to Encyclopaedia Iranica |url=https://iranicaonline.org/ |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=iranicaonline.org |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2005-05-12 |title=Eight Thousand Years of History in Fars Province, Iran |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/297866767_Eight_Thousand_Years_of_History_in_Fars_Province_Iran |url-status=live |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=Research Gate}}</ref> the term "''Persia''" originated from this ] by the Greeks in around 550 BC<ref>{{Cite web |title=From Cyrus to Alexander : a history of the Persian Empire {{!}} WorldCat.org |url=https://search.worldcat.org/title/733090738 |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=search.worldcat.org |language=en}}</ref>, and Westerners started to refer the entire country as "''Persia''",<ref>{{Cite book |last=Austin |first=Peter |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q3tAqIU0dPsC&q=original+homeland+of+the+Persians.&pg=PA140 |title=One Thousand Languages: Living, Endangered, and Lost |date=2008 |publisher=University of California Press |isbn=978-0-520-25560-9 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Dandamaev |first=M. A. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ms30qA6nyMsC&q=Fars+or+Persis&pg=PA4 |title=A Political History of the Achaemenid Empire |date=1989 |publisher=BRILL |isbn=978-90-04-09172-6 |language=en}}</ref> until 1935, when ] requested the international community to refer to the country by its native and original name, ''Iran''.<ref>{{Cite news |title=This day in history, March 21: Social media website Twitter established with the sending of the first 'tweet' by co-founder Jack Dorsey |work=Chicago Tribune |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/history/ct-aud-today-history-almanac-march-21-20210321-diloqzhmcvg2bhehhl3ytwwutq-story.html |access-date=21 March 2021 |archive-date=21 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321131832/https://www.chicagotribune.com/history/ct-aud-today-history-almanac-march-21-20210321-diloqzhmcvg2bhehhl3ytwwutq-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1 January 1935 |title=Persia Changes Its Name; To Be 'Iran' From Mar. 22 |work=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/01/01/archives/persia-changes-its-name-to-be-iran-from-mar-22.html |access-date=26 December 2018 |archive-date=25 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225141734/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/01/01/archives/persia-changes-its-name-to-be-iran-from-mar-22.html |url-status=live }}</ref> While the Iranians had been calling their nation ''Iran'' since at least 1000 BC, this name change was only made so that the ] would begin to refer to the country by the same name as its people.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Your Gateway to Knowledge |url=https://knowledgezon.co.in/ |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=Knowledge Zone |language=en}}</ref> Today, both ''Iran'' and ''Persia'' are used in cultural contexts, while ''Iran'' remains mandatory in official state contexts.<ref name="artarena">{{Cite web |title=Persia or Iran, a brief history |url=http://www.art-arena.com/history.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523020103/http://www.art-arena.com/history.html |archive-date=23 May 2013 |access-date=21 June 2013 |publisher=Art-arena.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=http://azadegan.info/files/Dr.Frye-discusses-greater-Iran-on-CNN.mp4 |title=interview by Asieh Namdar |date=20 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423185051/http://azadegan.info/files/Dr.Frye-discusses-greater-Iran-on-CNN.mp4 |archive-date=23 April 2016 |url-status=dead |quote=I spent all my life working in Iran, and as you know I don't mean Iran of today, I mean Greater Iran, the Iran which in the past, extended all the way from China to borders of Hungary and from other Mongolia to Mesopotamia |people=] |work=CNN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Christoph Marcinkowski |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=F9khRsDDuX8C&pg=PA83 |title=Shi'ite Identities: Community and Culture in Changing Social Contexts |publisher=LIT Verlag Münster |year=2010 |isbn=978-3-643-80049-7 |page=83 |quote=The 'historical lands of Iran' – 'Greater Iran' – were always known in the Persian language as Irānshahr or Irānzamīn. |access-date=21 June 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Frye |first=Richard Nelson |date=October 1962 |title=Reitzenstein and Qumrân Revisited by an Iranian |journal=The Harvard Theological Review |volume=55 |issue=4 |pages=261–268 |doi=10.1017/S0017816000007926 |jstor=1508723 |s2cid=162213219 |quote=I use the term Iran in an historical context Persia would be used for the modern state, more or less equivalent to "western Iran". I use the term "Greater Iran" to mean what I suspect most Classicists and ancient historians really mean by their use of Persia – that which was within the political boundaries of States ruled by Iranians.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Richard Frye |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9QOfAvCP1jkC&pg=PA13 |title=Persia (RLE Iran A) |publisher=Routledge |year=2012 |isbn=978-1-136-84154-5 |page=13 |quote=This 'greater Iran' included and still includes part of the Caucasus Mountains, Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Iraq; for Kurds, Baluchis, Afghans, Tajiks, Ossetes, and other smaller groups are Iranians |access-date=21 June 2013}}</ref><ref>Farrokh, Kaveh. Shadows in the Desert: Ancient Persia at War. {{ISBN|1-84603-108-7}}</ref> Iran was referred to as ''Persia'' by ], due to ] historians who referred to all of Iran as {{transliteration|grc|Persís}}, meaning 'the land of the ]'.<ref name="Arnold Wilson">{{Cite book |last=Wilson, Arnold |title=The Persian Gulf (RLE Iran A) |date=2012 |publisher=] |isbn=978-1-136-84105-7 |page=71 |chapter=The Middle Ages: Fars |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FocirvdZKjcC}}</ref><ref name="Fishman">{{Cite book |last1=Borjian |first1=Maryam |title=Handbook of Language and Ethnic Identity: Volume 2: The Success-Failure Continuum in Language and Ethnic Identity Efforts |last2=Borjian |first2=Habib |publisher=] |year=2011 |isbn=978-0-19-539245-6 |editor-last=Fishman |editor-first=Joshua A |location=New York |page=266 |language=en |chapter=Plights of Persian in the Modernization Era |quote='Iran' and 'Persia' are synonymous. The former has always been used by Iranian-speaking peoples themselves, while the latter has served as the international name of the country in various languages, ever since it was introduced by the Greeks some twenty-five centuries ago. In 1935, however, the nationalist administration under Reza Shah Pahlavi (see below) made a successful effort to replace 'Persia' with 'Iran,' apparently to underline the nation’s 'Aryan' pedigree to the international community. The latter term used to signify all branches of the Indo-European language family (and even the 'race' of their speakers), but was practically abandoned after World War II. |editor-last2=García |editor-first2=Ofelia}}</ref><ref name="Lewis1984">{{Cite journal |last=Lewis |first=Geoffrey |year=1984 |title=The naming of names |journal=British Society for Middle Eastern Studies Bulletin |volume=11 |issue=2 |pages=121–124 |doi=10.1080/13530198408705394 |issn = 0305-6139}}</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615050900/https://www.britannica.com/place/Persia |date=15 June 2022 }}, '']'', "The term Persia was used for centuries{{nbsp}}... use of the name was gradually extended by the ancient Greeks and other peoples to apply to the whole Iranian plateau."</ref> ''Persia'' is the ] in southwest Iran, the 4th largest province, also known as ''Pârs''.<ref name="Your Gateway to Knowledge">{{Cite web |title=Your Gateway to Knowledge |url=https://knowledgezon.co.in/ |access-date=3 April 2024 |website=Knowledge Zone |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Fars Province, Iran |url=https://www.persiaadvisor.com/about-persia/fars-province/ |access-date=2 May 2024 |website=Persia Advisor |language=en-US |archive-date=2 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502233108/https://www.persiaadvisor.com/about-persia/fars-province/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The ] ''Fârs'' (فارس), derived from the earlier form ''Pârs'' (پارس), which is in turn derived from ''Pârsâ'' (]: 𐎱𐎠𐎼𐎿). Due to Fars' historical importance,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foundation |first=Encyclopaedia Iranica |title=Welcome to Encyclopaedia Iranica |url=https://iranicaonline.org/ |access-date=3 April 2024 |website=iranicaonline.org |language=en-US |archive-date=10 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100410171658/https://iranicaonline.org/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 May 2005 |title=Eight Thousand Years of History in Fars Province, Iran |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/297866767 |access-date=3 April 2024 |website=Research Gate}}</ref> ''Persia'' originated from ] through Greek in around 550 BC,<ref>{{Cite web |title=From Cyrus to Alexander : a history of the Persian Empire {{!}} WorldCat.org |url=https://search.worldcat.org/title/733090738 |access-date=3 April 2024 |website=search.worldcat.org |language=en |archive-date=3 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403133123/https://search.worldcat.org/title/733090738 |url-status=live }}</ref> and Westerners referred to the entire country as ''Persia'',<ref>{{Cite book |last=Austin |first=Peter |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q3tAqIU0dPsC&q=original+homeland+of+the+Persians.&pg=PA140 |title=One Thousand Languages: Living, Endangered, and Lost |date=2008 |publisher=University of California Press |isbn=978-0-520-25560-9 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Dandamaev |first=M. A. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ms30qA6nyMsC&q=Fars+or+Persis&pg=PA4 |title=A Political History of the Achaemenid Empire |date=1989 |publisher=BRILL |isbn=978-90-04-09172-6 |language=en}}</ref> until 1935, when ] requested the international community to use its native and original name, ''Iran'';<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 January 1935 |title=Persia Changes Its Name; To Be 'Iran' From Mar. 22 |work=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/01/01/archives/persia-changes-its-name-to-be-iran-from-mar-22.html |access-date=26 December 2018 |archive-date=25 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225141734/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/01/01/archives/persia-changes-its-name-to-be-iran-from-mar-22.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Iranians called their nation ''Iran'' since at least 1000 BC.<ref name="Your Gateway to Knowledge"/> Today, both ''Iran'' and ''Persia'' are used culturally, while ''Iran'' remains mandatory in official use.<ref name="artarena">{{Cite web |title=Persia or Iran, a brief history |url=http://www.art-arena.com/history.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523020103/http://www.art-arena.com/history.html |archive-date=23 May 2013 |access-date=21 June 2013 |publisher=Art-arena.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Christoph Marcinkowski |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=F9khRsDDuX8C&pg=PA83 |title=Shi'ite Identities: Community and Culture in Changing Social Contexts |publisher=LIT Verlag Münster |year=2010 |isbn=978-3-643-80049-7 |page=83 |quote=The 'historical lands of Iran' – 'Greater Iran' – were always known in the Persian language as Irānshahr or Irānzamīn. |access-date=21 June 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Frye |first=Richard Nelson |date=October 1962 |title=Reitzenstein and Qumrân Revisited by an Iranian |journal=The Harvard Theological Review |volume=55 |issue=4 |pages=261–268 |doi=10.1017/S0017816000007926 |jstor=1508723 |s2cid=162213219 |quote=I use the term Iran in an historical context Persia would be used for the modern state, more or less equivalent to "western Iran". I use the term "Greater Iran" to mean what I suspect most Classicists and ancient historians really mean by their use of Persia – that which was within the political boundaries of States ruled by Iranians.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Richard Frye |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9QOfAvCP1jkC&pg=PA13 |title=Persia (RLE Iran A) |publisher=Routledge |year=2012 |isbn=978-1-136-84154-5 |page=13 |quote=This 'greater Iran' included and still includes part of the Caucasus Mountains, Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Iraq; for Kurds, Baluchis, Afghans, Tajiks, Ossetes, and other smaller groups are Iranians |access-date=21 June 2013}}</ref><ref>Farrokh, Kaveh. Shadows in the Desert: Ancient Persia at War. {{ISBN|1-84603-108-7}}</ref>


The Persian pronunciation of ''Iran'' is {{IPA-fa|ʔiːˈɾɒːn||}}. Common ] pronunciations of ''Iran'' are listed in the '']'' as {{IPAc-en|ɪ|ˈ|r|ɑː|n}} and {{IPAc-en|ɪ|ˈ|r|æ|n}},<ref name="Oxford_Iran">{{Cite web |title=Iran |url=https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/iran |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229033251/https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/iran |archive-date=29 December 2016 |access-date=7 February 2017 |website=Oxford Dictionaries}}</ref> while ] dictionaries such as ]'s provide pronunciations which map to {{IPAc-en|ɪ|ˈ|r|ɑː|n|,_|-|ˈ|r|æ|n|,_|aɪ|ˈ|r|æ|n}},<ref name="MW_Iran">{{Cite web |title=Iran |url=http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Iran |access-date=7 February 2017 |website=Merriam-Webster |archive-date=10 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510231403/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Iran |url-status=live }}</ref> or likewise in '']'' as {{IPAc-en|ɪ|ˈ|r|æ|n|,_|ɪ|ˈ|r|ɑː|n|,_|aɪ|ˈ|r|æ|n}}. The '']'' lists {{IPAc-en|ɪ|ˈ|r|ɑː|n}} as the British pronunciation and {{IPAc-en|ɪ|ˈ|r|æ|n}} as the American pronunciation. The pronunciation guide from ] also provides {{IPAc-en|ɪ|ˈ|r|ɑː|n}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How do you say Iran? |url=http://pronounce.voanews.com/phrasedetail.php?name=IRAN |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211080458/http://pronounce.voanews.com/phrasedetail.php?name=IRAN |archive-date=11 February 2017 |access-date=7 February 2017 |website=Voice of America}}</ref> The American English pronunciation {{IPAc-en|aɪ|ˈ|r|æ|n}} may be heard in U.S. media. The Persian pronunciation of ''Iran'' is {{IPA|fa|ʔiːˈɾɒːn||}}. ] pronunciations of ''Iran'' are listed in the '']'' as {{IPAc-en|ɪ|ˈ|r|ɑː|n}} and {{IPAc-en|ɪ|ˈ|r|æ|n}},<ref name="Oxford_Iran">{{Cite web |title=Iran |url=https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/iran |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229033251/https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/iran |archive-date=29 December 2016 |access-date=7 February 2017 |website=Oxford Dictionaries}}</ref> while ] dictionaries provide pronunciations which map to {{IPAc-en|ɪ|ˈ|r|ɑː|n|,_|-|ˈ|r|æ|n|,_|aɪ|ˈ|r|æ|n}},<ref name="MW_Iran">{{Cite web |title=Iran |url=http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Iran |access-date=7 February 2017 |website=Merriam-Webster |archive-date=10 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510231403/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Iran |url-status=live }}</ref> or {{IPAc-en|ɪ|ˈ|r|æ|n|,_|ɪ|ˈ|r|ɑː|n|,_|aɪ|ˈ|r|æ|n}}. The '']'' lists {{IPAc-en|ɪ|ˈ|r|ɑː|n}} as the British pronunciation and {{IPAc-en|ɪ|ˈ|r|æ|n}} as the American pronunciation. ]'s pronunciation guide provides {{IPAc-en|ɪ|ˈ|r|ɑː|n}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How do you say Iran? |url=http://pronounce.voanews.com/phrasedetail.php?name=IRAN |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211080458/http://pronounce.voanews.com/phrasedetail.php?name=IRAN |archive-date=11 February 2017 |access-date=7 February 2017 |website=Voice of America}}</ref>


== History == == History ==
{{Overly detailed|section|details=|date=January 2024}} {{Expand section|date=September 2024}}
{{Main|History of Iran}} {{Main|History of Iran}}
{{For timeline|Timeline of Iranian history}} {{further|Timeline of Iranian history}}
] is one of the few extant ]s outside of ] and is considered to be the best preserved example in the world.]]
Iran is home to one of the world's oldest continuous major civilisations, with historical and urban settlements dating back to 4000 BC.<ref name="People.cn"> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224223600/http://en.people.cn/90001/90782/90874/6236885.html |date=24 February 2021 }}, retrieved 1 October 2007</ref> The western part of the Iranian plateau participated in the traditional ] with ] (3200–539 BC), and later with other peoples such as the ], ], and ]. ] called the Persians the "first Historical People".<ref name="IRHEGEL">{{cite encyclopedia |last=Azadpour |first=M |title=HEGEL, GEORG WILHELM FRIEDRICH |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Iranica |access-date=2015-04-11 |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/hegel-georg-wilhelm-friedrich |archive-date=2015-04-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150411142730/http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/hegel-georg-wilhelm-friedrich |url-status=live }}</ref> The Iranian Empire began in the ] with the rise of the ], who unified Iran as a nation and empire in 625 BC.<ref name="Encyclopædia Britannica Concise Encyclopedia Article: Media">https://www.britannica.com/ebc/article-9371723 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080429175334/https://www.britannica.com/ebc/article-9371723 |date=2008-04-29 }} Encyclopædia Britannica Concise Encyclopedia Article: Media</ref> The ] (550–330 BC), founded by ], was the largest empire the world had seen, spanning from the ] to ] and ]. They were succeeded by the ], ], and ]s, who governed Iran for almost 1,000 years, making Iran a leading power once again. Persia's arch-rival during this time was the ] and its successor, the ].


Iran endured invasions by the ], ], ], and ]. Despite these invasions, Iran continually reasserted its ] and developed as a distinct political and cultural entity. The ] (632–654) ended the Sasanian Empire and marked a turning point in Iranian history, leading to the ] from the eighth to tenth centuries and the decline of ]. However, the achievements of prior Persian civilisations were absorbed into the new ] polity. Iran suffered invasions by nomadic tribes during the ] and ], negatively impacting the region.<ref>{{cite book|last=Baten |first=Jörg |title=A History of the Global Economy. From 1500 to the Present.|date=2016|publisher=Cambridge University Press|page=214|isbn=978-1-107-50718-0}}</ref> Iran was reunified as an independent state in 1501 by the ], which established ] as the empire's official religion,<ref name="savoryeiref">R. M. Savory, "Safavids", '']'', 2nd edition</ref> marking another turning point in the ].<ref name="islamic1600">, Applied History Research Group, University of Calgary, 1998 {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080612134542/http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/islam/empires/safavid/abbas.html |date=2008-06-12 }}, retrieved 1 October 2007</ref> Iran functioned again as a leading world power, especially in rivalry with the ]. In the 19th century, Iran lost significant territories in the ] to the ] following the ].<ref name="books.google.nl1">{{Cite book|last=Dowling|first=Timothy C.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KTq2BQAAQBAJ&pg=PA728|title=Russia at War: From the Mongol Conquest to Afghanistan, Chechnya, and Beyond |year=2014|pages = 728–729
=== Prehistory ===
| series= 2 volumes|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-1-59884-948-6|language=en}}</ref>


Iran remained a monarchy until the 1979 ], when it officially became an ] on 1 April 1979.<ref>, {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060316040030/https://www.britannica.com/ebi/article-202892 |date=2006-03-16 }}, ''Encyclopædia Britannica'', retrieved 23 January 2008</ref><ref name="Britannica">{{cite encyclopedia | url=https://www.britannica.com/eb/article-32981 | title=International relations / The Iranian revolution | encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica | date=23 January 2008 | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071215140348/https://www.britannica.com/eb/article-32981 |archivedate=15 December 2007 | accessdate=26 September 2024 }} {{subscription required}}</ref> Since then, Iran has experienced significant political, social, and economic changes. The establishment of the ''Islamic Republic of Iran'' led to the restructuring of its political system, with ] as the Supreme Leader. Iran's foreign relations have been shaped by the ] (1980–1988), ongoing tensions with the United States, and its nuclear programme, which has been a point of contention in international diplomacy.
{{Further|Prehistory of Iran|Archaeological sites in Iran}}
] (14th-13th century BC), an ancient ]ite complex in ], built by ]. ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=1997-12-15 |title=Tchogha Zanbil |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/113 |access-date=2023-12-06 |website=Iranica |archive-date=7 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607000859/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/113 |url-status=live }}</ref>]]
The earliest attested archaeological artifacts in Iran confirm human presence since the ].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Biglari |first1=Fereidoun |author-link=Fereidoun Biglari |last2=Saman Heydari |last3=Sonia Shidrang |title=Ganj Par: The first evidence for Lower Paleolithic occupation in the Southern Caspian Basin, Iran |url=http://www.antiquity.ac.uk/projgall/biglari302/ |access-date=27 April 2011 |publisher=] |archive-date=19 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319201123/http://www.antiquity.ac.uk/projgall/biglari302/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Iran's ] artifacts have been found mainly in the ] region, at sites such as ] and ].<ref name="Museum">{{Cite web |title=National Museum of Iran |url=http://www.pbase.com/k_amj/tehran_museum |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726032154/http://www.pbase.com/k_amj/tehran_museum |archive-date=26 July 2013 |access-date=21 June 2013 |publisher=Pbase.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=J. D. Vigne |title=First Steps of Animal Domestication, Proceedings of the 9th Conference of the International Council of Archaeozoology |last2=J. Peters |last3=D. Helmer |date=2002 |publisher=Oxbow Books, Limited |isbn=978-1-84217-121-9}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Pichon |first1=Fiona |last2=Estevez |first2=Juan José Ibáñez |last3=Anderson |first3=Patricia C. |last4=Tsuneki |first4=Akira |date=2023-08-25 |title=Harvesting cereals at Tappeh Sang-e Chakhmaq and the introduction of farming in Northeastern Iran during the Neolithic |journal=PLOS ONE |language=en |volume=18 |issue=8 |pages=e0290537 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0290537 |doi-access=free |issn=1932-6203 |pmc=10456166 |pmid=37624813|bibcode=2023PLoSO..1890537P }}</ref> From the tenth to the seventh millennium BC, early agricultural communities began to flourish in and around the Zagros region, including ],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nidhi Subbaraman |date=4 July 2013 |title=Early humans in Iran were growing wheat 12,000 years ago |url=http://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/early-humans-iran-were-growing-wheat-12-000-years-ago-f6C10536898 |access-date=26 August 2015 |website=NBC News |archive-date=2 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201102183951/https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/early-humans-iran-were-growing-wheat-12-000-years-ago-f6C10536898 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>"Emergence of Agriculture in the Foothills of the Zagros Mountains of Iran", by Simone Riehl, Mohsen Zeidi, Nicholas J. Conard – University of Tübingen, publication 10 May 2013</ref> ],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Excavations at Chogha Bonut: The earliest village in Susiana |url=http://oi.uchicago.edu/research/pubs/nn/spr97_alizadeh.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725195537/http://oi.uchicago.edu/research/pubs/nn/spr97_alizadeh.html |archive-date=25 July 2013 |access-date=21 June 2013 |publisher=Oi.uchicago.edu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |title=NEOLITHIC AGE IN IRAN |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Iranica |publisher=Encyclopaedia Iranica Foundation |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/neolithic-age-in-iran |access-date=9 August 2012 |last=Hole |first=Frank |date=20 July 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023055952/http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/neolithic-age-in-iran |archive-date=23 October 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=K. Kris Hirst |title=Chogha Mish (Iran) |url=http://archaeology.about.com/od/cterms/g/choghamish.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106002737/http://archaeology.about.com/od/cterms/g/choghamish.htm |archive-date=6 November 2013 |access-date=18 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Collon |first=Dominique |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RTGc9YH-C38C |title=Ancient Near Eastern Art |publisher=University of California Press |year=1995 |isbn=978-0-520-20307-5 |access-date=4 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Woosley |first=Anne I. |url=https://ehrafarchaeology.yale.edu/document?id=mh60-033 |title=Early agriculture at Chogha Mish |date=1996 |publisher=Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago |isbn=978-1-885923-01-1 |series=The University of Chicago Oriental Institute publications}}</ref><ref name="xinhuaciv">{{Cite web |date=10 August 2007 |title=New evidence: modern civilization began in Iran |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-08/10/content_6508609.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071217191819/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-08/10/content_6508609.htm |archive-date=17 December 2007 |access-date=21 June 2013 |publisher=News.xinhuanet.com}}</ref> The occupation of grouped hamlets in the area of ] ranges from 4395 to 3490 BC.<ref>{{Cite book |last=D. T. Potts |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mc4cfzkRVj4C&pg=PA45 |title=The Archaeology of Elam: Formation and Transformation of an Ancient Iranian State |date=1999 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-56496-0 |pages=45–46 |access-date=21 June 2013}}</ref> There are dozens of prehistoric sites across the ], pointing to the existence of ancient cultures and urban settlements in the fourth millennium BC.<ref name="xinhuaciv" /><ref name="iran-daily">{{Cite news |title=Panorama – 03/03/07 |work=Iran Daily |url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1385/2795/html/panorama.htm |access-date=21 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312120827/http://www.iran-daily.com/1385/2795/html/panorama.htm |archive-date=12 March 2007}}</ref><ref name="iranian.ws"> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626145102/http://www.iranian.ws/iran_news/publish/article_22427.shtml |date=26 June 2015 }}</ref> During the ], the territory was home to several civilizations,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Whatley, Christopher |title=Bought and Sold for English Gold: The Union of 1707 |date=2001 |publisher=Tuckwell Press |author-link=Christopher Whatley}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Lowell Barrington |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yLLuWYL8gTsC&pg=PA121 |title=Comparative Politics: Structures and Choices, 2nd ed.tr: Structures and Choices |date=2012 |publisher=Cengage Learning |isbn=978-1-111-34193-0 |page=121 |access-date=21 June 2013}}</ref> including ], ], and ]. Elam, the most prominent of these, developed in the southwest alongside those in ], and continued its existence until the emergence of the Iranian empires. The advent of writing in Elam was parallelled to ]; the ] developed beginning in the third millennium BC.<ref>{{Cite web |year=1996 |title=Ancient Scripts:Elamite |url=http://www.ancientscripts.com/elamite.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513235032/http://www.ancientscripts.com/elamite.html |archive-date=13 May 2011 |access-date=28 April 2011}}</ref>


=== Since the 1990s ===
Diverse artifacts from The Bronze Age, huge structures from the Iron Age and various sites dating back to the Sassanid, Parthian and Islamic eras indicated suitable conditions for human civilization over the past 8,000 years in ].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://newspakistan.tv/8000-years-old-artifacts-unearthed-in-iran/ | title=8,000 years old artifacts unearthed in Iran | date=7 January 2019 | access-date=14 January 2024 | archive-date=22 February 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190222170355/https://newspakistan.tv/8000-years-old-artifacts-unearthed-in-iran/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nation.com.pk/08-Jan-2019/8-000-years-old-artifacts-unearthed-in-iran | title=8,000 years old artifacts unearthed in Iran | date=8 January 2019 | access-date=14 January 2024 | archive-date=28 February 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228235520/https://www.nation.com.pk/08-Jan-2019/8-000-years-old-artifacts-unearthed-in-iran | url-status=live }}</ref>
{{Main|Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action|Operation Martyr Soleimani|April 2024 Iranian strikes against Israel|October 2024 Iranian strikes against Israel|l1 = ||}}


In 1989, ] concentrated on a pro-business policy of rebuilding the economy without breaking with the ideology of the revolution. He supported a ] domestically, favouring ] of state industries and a moderate position internationally. In 1997, Rafsanjani was succeeded by moderate ] ], whose government advocated ], constructive diplomatic relations with Asia and the ], and an economic policy that supported a free market and foreign investment.
From the 34th to the 20th century BC, northwestern Iran was part of the ], which stretched into the neighbouring ] and ]. Since the earliest second millennium BC, ]ns settled in swaths of western Iran and incorporated the region into their territories.


The ] brought conservative ] and nationalist candidate ] to power. He was known for his hardline views, nuclearisation, and hostility towards ], ], the ], the US and other states. He was the first president to be summoned by the ] to answer questions regarding his presidency.<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 June 2012 |title=Ahmadinejad critic Larijani re-elected Iran speaker |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-18328882 |access-date=10 May 2024 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB |archive-date=10 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510171821/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-18328882 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2013, centrist and reformist ] was elected president. In domestic policy, he encouraged personal freedom, free access to information, and improved women's rights. He improved Iran's diplomatic relations through exchanging conciliatory letters.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Borger |first1=Julian |last2=Dehghan |first2=Saeed Kamali |date=19 September 2013 |title=Hassan Rouhani sets out his vision for a new and free Iran |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/19/hassan-rouhani-vision-iran-free |access-date=10 May 2024 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=12 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112101132/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/19/hassan-rouhani-vision-iran-free |url-status=live }}</ref> The ] (JCPOA) was reached in ] in 2015, between Iran, the ] (] + Germany) and the EU. The negotiations centred around ending the ] in exchange for Iran's restriction in producing ].<ref name=":2">{{cite web |author=Kutsch, Tom |date=14 July 2015 |title=Iran, world powers strike historic nuclear deal |url=http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/7/14/iran-world-powers-strike-historic-nuclear-deal.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715175516/http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/7/14/iran-world-powers-strike-historic-nuclear-deal.html |archive-date=15 July 2015 |access-date=15 July 2015 |publisher=Aljazeera America}}</ref> In 2018, however, the US under ] withdrew from the deal and new sanctions were imposed. This nulled the economic provisions, left the agreement in jeopardy, and brought Iran to ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brewer |first=Eric |date=2024-06-25 |title=Iran's New Nuclear Threat |url=https://www.foreignaffairs.com/iran/irans-new-nuclear-threat |access-date=2024-07-02 |work=Foreign Affairs |language=en-US |issn=0015-7120}}</ref> In 2020, ] general, ], the 2nd-most powerful person in Iran,<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 January 2020 |title=U.S. killing of Iran's second most powerful man risks regional conflagration |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-security-blast-soleimani-analysi/u-s-killing-of-irans-second-most-powerful-man-risks-regional-conflagration-idUSKBN1Z21TJ/ |website=Reuters |access-date=7 May 2024 |archive-date=18 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418120615/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-security-blast-soleimani-analysi/u-s-killing-of-irans-second-most-powerful-man-risks-regional-conflagration-idUSKBN1Z21TJ/ |url-status=live }}</ref> was ], heightening ].<ref name="Roelants">Carolien Roelants, Iran expert of '']'', in a debate on '']'' on Dutch television, 5 January 2020.</ref> ], the largest ballistic missile attack ever on Americans;<ref>{{Citation |title=Never-before-seen video of the attack on Al Asad Airbase | date=28 February 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGP7hZQuTL0 |access-date=8 January 2024 |language=en |archive-date=23 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223104408/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGP7hZQuTL0 |url-status=live }}</ref> 110 sustained ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=109 US troops diagnosed with brain injuries from Iran attack |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/2/10/109-us-troops-diagnosed-with-brain-injuries-from-iran-attack |access-date=7 April 2024 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=7 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407113740/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/2/10/109-us-troops-diagnosed-with-brain-injuries-from-iran-attack |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Pentagon admits 109 brain injuries in Iran attack – DW – 02/10/2020 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/109-us-service-members-were-injured-in-the-iran-missile-attack/a-52331039 |access-date=7 April 2024 |website=dw.com |language=en |archive-date=7 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407113741/https://www.dw.com/en/109-us-service-members-were-injured-in-the-iran-missile-attack/a-52331039 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Starr |first=Barbara |date=10 February 2020 |title=Over 100 US troops have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries following Iran strike {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/10/politics/traumatic-brain-injuries-iran-strike/index.html |access-date=7 April 2024 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=7 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407113740/https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/10/politics/traumatic-brain-injuries-iran-strike/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Ancient Iran ===


Hardliner ] ran for president again in ], succeeding ].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Motamedi |first1=Maziar |title=Hardliner Raisi elected Iran's new president |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/6/19/raisi-wins-irans-presidential-election-amid-low-turnout |work=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> During Raisi's term, Iran ], hindered international inspections, joined SCO and BRICS, ] in its ] and restored diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia. In April 2024, ] on an Iranian ], killed an IRGC commander.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Several killed in Israeli strike on Iranian consulate in Damascus |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/1/several-killed-in-israeli-strike-on-iranian-consulate-in-damascus-reports |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=30 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430180537/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/1/several-killed-in-israeli-strike-on-iranian-consulate-in-damascus-reports |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1 April 2024 |title=Israeli strike on Iran's consulate in Syria killed 2 generals and 5 other officers, Iran says |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-syria-airstrike-iranian-embassy-edca34c52d38c8bc57281e4ebf33b240 |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=19 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240419075609/https://apnews.com/article/israel-syria-airstrike-iranian-embassy-edca34c52d38c8bc57281e4ebf33b240 |url-status=live }}</ref> Iran ] with ], ] and ]s; 9 hit Israel.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=center |first1=This aerial view shows Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport in the |last2=April 5 |first2=the surrounding urban areas in Lodin central Israel on |last3=Images |first3=2024-ROY ISSA/AFP via Getty |date=15 April 2024 |title=How Iran's attack on Israel is disrupting air traffic – Al-Monitor: Independent, trusted coverage of the Middle East |url=https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2024/04/how-irans-attack-israel-disrupting-air-traffic |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=www.al-monitor.com |language=en |archive-date=1 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501174027/https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2024/04/how-irans-attack-israel-disrupting-air-traffic |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Toossi |first=Sina |date=2 May 2024 |title=Iran Has Defined Its Red Line With Israel |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/04/18/iran-has-defined-its-red-line-with-israel/ |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=Foreign Policy |language=en-US |archive-date=1 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501174027/https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/04/18/iran-has-defined-its-red-line-with-israel/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=14 April 2024 |title=What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-68811273 |access-date=1 May 2024 |language=en-GB |archive-date=14 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414091527/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-68811273 |url-status=live }}</ref> Western and Jordanian military helped Israel down some Iranian drones.<ref name="Borger">{{Cite news |last=Borger |first=Julian |date=14 April 2024 |title=US and UK forces help shoot down Iranian drones over Jordan, Syria and Iraq |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/14/us-and-uk-forces-help-shoot-down-iranian-drones-over-jordan-syria-and-iraq |access-date=1 May 2024 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=14 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414002629/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/14/us-and-uk-forces-help-shoot-down-iranian-drones-over-jordan-syria-and-iraq |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=15 April 2024 |title=Macron: France intercepted Iranian drones 'at Jordan's request' |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/france-intercepted-iranian-drones-at-jordans-request-emmanuel-macron/ |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=POLITICO |language=en-GB |archive-date=15 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240415095405/https://www.politico.eu/article/france-intercepted-iranian-drones-at-jordans-request-emmanuel-macron/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It was the largest drone strike in history,<ref>{{Cite web |title=The largest drone attack in history |url=http://iranpress.com/aliaspage/277652 |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=iranpress.com |language=en}}</ref> biggest missile attack in Iranian history,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Motamedi |first=Maziar |title='True Promise': Why and how did Iran launch a historic attack on Israel? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/14/true-promise-why-and-how-did-iran-launch-a-historic-attack-on-israel |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=14 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414145020/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/14/true-promise-why-and-how-did-iran-launch-a-historic-attack-on-israel |url-status=live }}</ref> its first ever direct attack on Israel<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 April 2024 |title=Iran launches first-ever direct attack on Israel |url=https://abc7ny.com/israel-gaza-live-updates-iran-launches-dozens-of-drones-in-retaliatory-strike/14656640/ |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=ABC7 New York |language=en |archive-date=1 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501174027/https://abc7ny.com/israel-gaza-live-updates-iran-launches-dozens-of-drones-in-retaliatory-strike/14656640/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=18 April 2024 |title=How Israel could respond to Iran's drone and missile assault |url=https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20240418-how-israel-could-respond-to-iran-s-drone-and-missile-assault |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=France 24 |language=en |archive-date=1 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501174029/https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20240418-how-israel-could-respond-to-iran-s-drone-and-missile-assault |url-status=live }}</ref> and the first time ], Israel was directly attacked by a state force.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Johny |first=Stanly |date=14 April 2024 |title=Analysis {{!}} By attacking Israel, Iran turns shadow war into direct conflict |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/analysis-three-takeaways-from-irans-attack-on-israel/article68064678.ece |access-date=1 May 2024 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=14 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414203401/https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/analysis-three-takeaways-from-irans-attack-on-israel/article68064678.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> This occurred during heightened tensions amid the ]. In May 2024, President Raisi was killed in a ]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Staff |first1=Al Jazeera |title=Who died alongside Iran's President Raisi in the helicopter crash? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/5/20/who-died-alongside-irans-president-raisi-in-the-helicopter-crash |work=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref>, and Iran held a ] in June, when reformist and former ], ], was elected to office.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-06 |title=Masoud Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon who rose to power in parliament, now Iran's president-elect |url=https://apnews.com/article/iran-presidential-runoff-election-masoud-pezeshkian-profile-a07e9921fa8c25b1a05333e128c03916 |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Fassihi |first1=Farnaz |last2=Vinograd |first2=Cassandra |date=2024-07-06 |title=Reformist Candidate Wins Iran's Presidential Election |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/05/world/middleeast/iran-election-reformist-wins.html |access-date=2024-07-06 |work=] |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> On 1 October 2024, Iran launched about 180 ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for assassinations of ], ] and ]. On 27 October, Israel responded to that attack by strikes on a missile defence system in the Iranian region of Isfahan.<ref>{{cite news |title=What we know about Israel's attack on Iran |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgr0yvrx4qpo |work=www.bbc.com}}</ref>
{{Main|Medes|l1=Median Empire|Achaemenid Empire|Seleucid Empire|Parthian Empire|Sasanian Empire}}] (present-day ]) was chosen as the first capital of Iran by ] in 678 BC, the founder of ].]]
By the second millennium BC, the ] arrived in what is now Iran from the ],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Basu |first=Dipak |title=Death of the Aryan Invasion Theory |url=http://www.ivarta.com/columns/OL_051212.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121029171420/http://www.ivarta.com/columns/OL_051212.htm |archive-date=29 October 2012 |access-date=6 May 2013 |website=iVarta.com}}</ref> rivalling the native settlers of the region.<ref name="Panshin">{{Cite web |last=Cory Panshin |title=The Palaeolithic Indo-Europeans |url=http://www.panshin.com/trogholm/wonder/indoeuropean/indoeuropean3.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629140035/http://www.panshin.com/trogholm/wonder/indoeuropean/indoeuropean3.html |archive-date=29 June 2013 |access-date=21 June 2013 |website=Panshin.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |title=Iran (Ethnic Groups) |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Iran |access-date=28 April 2011 |last1=Afary |first1=Janet |last2=Peter William Avery |last3=Khosrow Mostofi |archive-date=9 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009135443/https://www.britannica.com/place/Iran |url-status=live }}</ref> As the ] dispersed into the wider area of ] and beyond, the boundaries of modern Iran were dominated by ], ], and ]n tribes.


== Geography ==
From the late tenth to the late seventh century BC, the Iranian peoples, together with the "pre-Iranian" kingdoms, fell under the domination of the ]n Empire, based in northern ].<ref name="Georges Roux – Ancient Iraq">{{Cite book |last=Roux, Georges |title=Ancient Iraq |date=1992 |publisher=Penguin Adult |isbn=978-0-14-193825-7 |author-link=Georges Roux}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Connolly |first=Bess |date=2019-11-13 |title=What felled the great Assyrian Empire? A Yale professor weighs in |url=https://news.yale.edu/2019/11/13/what-felled-great-assyrian-empire-yale-professor-weighs |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=YaleNews |language=en |archive-date=18 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240318122543/https://news.yale.edu/2019/11/13/what-felled-great-assyrian-empire-yale-professor-weighs |url-status=live }}</ref> Under king ], the Medes and Persians entered into an alliance with ]n ruler ], as well as the fellow Iranian ] and ], and together they attacked the ]. Civil war ravaged the Assyrian Empire between 616 and 605&nbsp;BC, freeing their respective peoples from three centuries of Assyrian rule.<ref name="Georges Roux – Ancient Iraq" /> The unification of the Median tribes under king ] in 728&nbsp;BC led to the foundation of the ] and their capital ], which by 612&nbsp;BC, controlled almost the entire territory of present-day Iran and eastern ].<ref>{{Cite web |year=2001 |title=Median Empire |url=http://www.iranchamber.com/history/median/median.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514024224/http://www.iranchamber.com/history/median/median.php |archive-date=14 May 2011 |access-date=29 April 2011 |publisher=Iran Chamber Society}}</ref> This marked the end of the Kingdom of ], which was subsequently conquered and dissolved.<ref name="Sagona2006">{{Cite book |last=A. G. Sagona |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bW06PE0GRXEC&pg=PA91 |title=The Heritage of Eastern Turkey: From Earliest Settlements to Islam |publisher=Macmillan Education AU |year=2006 |isbn=978-1-876832-05-6 |page=91}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Urartu civilization |url=http://www.allaboutturkey.com/urartu.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701005402/http://www.allaboutturkey.com/urartu.htm |archive-date=1 July 2015 |access-date=26 August 2015 |website=allaboutturkey.com}}</ref>
{{Main|Geography of Iran}}
In 550&nbsp;BC, ] took over the Median Empire, and founded the ] by unifying other city-states. The conquest of Media was a result of what is called the '']''. Later conquests under Cyrus and his successors expanded the empire to include ], ], ], parts of the ] and ], as well as lands to the west of the ] and ] rivers. In 539 BC Persian forces defeated the Babylonian army at ], marking the end of around four centuries of Mesopotamian domination of the region by conquering the ].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Llewellyn-Jones |first=L. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JG07EAAAQBAJ |title=Persians: The Age of the Great Kings |publisher=Basic Books |year=2022 |isbn=978-1-5416-0035-5 |page=5}}</ref><ref name="book">{{Cite book |last1=David Sacks |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gsGmuQAACAAJ |title=Encyclopedia of the ancient Greek world |last2=Oswyn Murray |last3=Lisa R. Brody |last4=Oswyn Murray |last5=Lisa R. Brody |publisher=Facts On File |year=2005 |isbn=978-0-8160-5722-1 |pages=256 (at the right portion of the page) |access-date=17 August 2016 |archive-date=28 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328151412/https://books.google.com/books?id=gsGmuQAACAAJ |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{See also|Borders of Iran|Agriculture in Iran}}{{multiple image
{{multiple image|275|275
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| caption1 = ], the ceremonial capital of the ] (550–330 BC). It is one of the key Iranian ]s.
| image2 = The Achaemenid Empire at its Greatest Extent.jpg
| caption2 = The Achaemenid Empire at its greatest extent, around the time of ] and ].
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In 518 BC, ] was founded by ] as the ceremonial capital of the ] which, at its greatest extent, was the largest empire the world had yet seen,<ref name="book" /> and at its peak it ruled over 44% of the world's population.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Largest empire by percentage of world population |url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/largest-empire-by-percentage-of-world-population/ |access-date=11 March 2015 |publisher=Guinness World Records |archive-date=9 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209030625/https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/largest-empire-by-percentage-of-world-population/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
The Achaemenid Empire is noted for the release of the ],<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |title=Cyrus the Great |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Cyrus-the-Great |access-date=2 November 2018 |language=en |quote=In the Bible (e.g., Ezra 1:1–4), Cyrus is famous for freeing the Jewish captives in Babylonia and allowing them to return to their homeland. |archive-date=12 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012002257/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Cyrus-the-Great |url-status=live }}</ref> building infrastructures such as the ] and the ] (postal service), and the use of an ], ].<ref name="book" /> In 334&nbsp;BC, ] defeated the last Achaemenid emperor, ], at the ]. Following the premature death of Alexander, Iran came under the control of the ] ].

In the middle of the second century BC, the ] rose to become the main power in Iran, and the century-long geopolitical arch-rivalry between the Romans and the Parthians began, culminating in the ]. The Parthian Empire continued as a feudal monarchy for nearly five centuries, until 224&nbsp;CE, when it was succeeded by the ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jakobsson |first=Jens |year=2004 |title=Seleucid Empire |url=http://www.iranchamber.com/history/seleucids/seleucids.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605054515/http://www.iranchamber.com/history/seleucids/seleucids.php |archive-date=5 June 2011 |access-date=29 April 2011 |publisher=Iran Chamber Society}}</ref> They and their neighbouring arch-rival, the ]-], were the world's two dominant powers for over four centuries.<ref name="Norman A. Stillman p. 22">{{Cite book |last=Stillman, Norman A. |url=https://archive.org/details/jewsofarablands00stil |title=The Jews of Arab Lands |date=1979 |publisher=Jewish Publication Society |isbn=978-0-8276-1155-9 |page= |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref name="Byzantine Studies 2006, p. 29">{{cite book |author1=Jeffreys, Elizabeth |title=Proceedings of the 21st International Congress of Byzantine Studies: London, 21–26 August, 2006, Volume 1 |author2=Haarer, Fiona K. |publisher=Ashgate Publishing |year=2006 |isbn=978-0-7546-5740-8 |page=29}}</ref>

The ] established an empire within the frontiers achieved by the Achaemenids, with their capital at ]. Late antiquity is considered one of Iran's most influential periods, as under the Sasanians,<ref name="Sarkhosh2">{{Citation |author1=Sarkhosh Curtis, Vesta |title=Birth of the Persian Empire: The Idea of Iran |date=2005 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a0IF9IdkdYEC |page=108 |location=London |publisher=I.B. Tauris |isbn=978-1-84511-062-8 |quote=Similarly the collapse of Sassanian Eranshahr in AD 650 did not end Iranians' national idea. The name 'Iran' disappeared from official records of the Saffarids, Samanids, Buyids, Saljuqs and their successor. But one unofficially used the name Iran, Eranshahr, and similar national designations, particularly Mamalek-e Iran or 'Iranian lands', which exactly translated the old Avestan term Ariyanam Daihunam. On the other hand, when the Safavids (not Reza Shah, as is popularly assumed) revived a national state officially known as Iran, bureaucratic usage in the Ottoman empire and even Iran itself could still refer to it by other descriptive and traditional appellations. |author2=Stewart, Sarah |access-date=20 June 2017 |archive-date=28 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328151332/https://books.google.com/books?id=a0IF9IdkdYEC |url-status=live }}</ref> their influence reached ] (and through that as far as ]),<ref name="J. B. Bury, p. 109">{{cite book |author=Bury, J.B. |title=History of the Later Roman Empire from the Death of Theodosius I. to the Death of Justinian, Part 1 |date=1958 |publisher=] |pages=90–92|author-link=J. B. Bury }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Durant, Will |title=The Age of Faith: The Story of Civilization |publisher=] |date=2011 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cusRoE1OJvEC&q=Repaying+its+debt |quote=Repaying its debt, Sasanian art exported its forms and motives eastward into India, Turkestan, and China, westward into Syria, Asia Minor, Constantinople, the Balkans, Egypt, and Spain.|isbn=978-1-4516-4761-7 }}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.transoxiana.com.ar/0104/sasanians.html |title=Transoxiana 04: Sasanians in Africa |publisher=Transoxiana.com.ar |access-date=16 December 2013 |archive-date=28 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528203821/http://www.transoxiana.com.ar/0104/sasanians.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ], and ],<ref>{{cite book |author=] |author2=] |author3=] |author4=] |author5=] |author6=] |title=History of India |volume=2 |date=1906 |publisher=] Society |page=243}}</ref> and played a prominent role in the formation of the mediaeval art of both ] and ].<ref name="Norman A. Stillman p. 22" /><ref name="Byzantine Studies 2006, p. 29" />

=== Mediaeval period and Iranian Intermezzo ===

{{Main|Muslim conquest of Persia|History of Iran#Medieval period{{!}}Mediaeval Iran|Iranian Intermezzo}}
{{multiple image|275|275
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| caption1 = ] in ], built in 240–270 AD during the ].
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| caption2 = The Sasanian Empire (224–651 AD) in 620 at its greatest extent, under ].
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| caption1 = ], the highest volcano in ]. It as has a special place in ].
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Iran has an area of {{convert|1648195|km2|mi2|abbr=on}}. It is the ] and the second-largest in West Asia.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Iran's Strategy in the Strait of Hormuz |url=https://thediplomat.com/2012/07/irans-strategy-in-the-strait-of-hormuz/ |url-status=dead |magazine=The Diplomat |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208071232/https://thediplomat.com/2012/07/irans-strategy-in-the-strait-of-hormuz/ |archive-date=8 December 2015 |access-date=29 November 2015}}</ref> It lies between latitudes ] and ], and longitudes ] and ]. It is bordered to the northwest by ] ({{convert|35|km|mi|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}), the Azeri exclave of ] ({{convert|179|km|mi|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/azerbaijan/|title=CIA – The World Factbook|publisher=Cia.gov|access-date=7 April 2012|archive-date=27 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127171042/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/azerbaijan/|url-status=live}}</ref> and the ] ({{convert|611|km|mi|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}); to the north by the ]; to the northeast by ] ({{convert|992|km|mi|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}); to the east by ] ({{convert|936|km|mi|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}) and Pakistan ({{convert|909|km|mi|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}); to the south by the ] and the ]; and to the west by ] ({{convert|1458|km|mi|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}) and Turkey ({{convert|499|km|mi|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}).
The prolonged ], most importantly the climactic ], as well as the ], opened the way for an Arab invasion in the seventh century.<ref>{{cite book|author=George Liska|title=Expanding Realism: The Historical Dimension of World Politics|year=1998|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield Pub Incorporated|isbn=978-0-8476-8680-3|page=170}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Pf_SaxcKAt6VmIl7aNOi_cDPZoGyiAxOSWsOz0EtSSE/embed?size=l&slide=id.g47e99d68c_052 |title=The Rise and Spread of Islam, The Arab Empire of the Umayyads – Weakness of the Adversary Empires |publisher=Occawlonline.pearsoned.com |access-date=30 November 2015 |archive-date=15 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615060518/https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Pf_SaxcKAt6VmIl7aNOi_cDPZoGyiAxOSWsOz0EtSSE/embed?size=l&slide=id.g47e99d68c_052 |url-status=live }}</ref> The empire was initially defeated by the ], which was succeeded by the ], followed by the ]. A proloynged and gradual process of state-imposed ] followed, which targeted Iran's then ] majority and included religious persecution,<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1353/pew.2002.0030 |last=Stepaniants |first=Marietta |title=The Encounter of Zoroastrianism with Islam |journal=Philosophy East and West |volume=52 |issue=2 |pages=159–172 |publisher=University of Hawai'i Press |year=2002 |issn=0031-8221 |jstor=1399963|s2cid=201748179 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Boyce |first=Mary |year=2001 |title=Zoroastrians: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a6gbxVfjtUEC |edition=2 |location=New York |page=252 |publisher=Routledge & Kegan Paul |isbn=978-0-415-23902-8 |access-date=27 June 2017 |archive-date=28 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328151849/https://books.google.com/books?id=a6gbxVfjtUEC |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Meri |first1=Josef W. |last2=Bacharach |first2=Jere L. |title=Medieval Islamic Civilization: L-Z, index |series=Medieval Islamic Civilization: An Encyclopedia |publisher=Taylor & Francis |year=2006 |edition=illustrated |volume=II |page=878 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LaV-IGZ8VKIC&pg=PP1 |isbn=978-0-415-96692-4 |access-date=19 October 2020 |archive-date=28 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328151835/https://books.google.com/books?id=LaV-IGZ8VKIC&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> demolition of libraries<ref name="bbc">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/zoroastrian/history/persia_1.shtml#h4|title=Under Persian rule|publisher=BBC|access-date=16 December 2009|archive-date=25 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125062439/http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/zoroastrian/history/persia_1.shtml#h4|url-status=live}}</ref> and fire temples,<ref name="khan29">{{cite book |last=Khanbaghi |first=Aptin |title=The Fire, the Star and the Cross: Minority Religions in Medieval and Early Modern Iran |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7iAbUEaXnfEC |page=268 |year=2006 |edition=reprint |publisher=I.B. Tauris |isbn=978-1-84511-056-7}}</ref> a special tax penalty ("]"),<ref name="Hashemi2008">{{cite book |author=Kamran Hashemi |title=Religious Legal Traditions, International Human Rights Law and Muslim States |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yj-MrJ_tOk4C&pg=PA142 |year=2008 |publisher=Brill |isbn=978-90-04-16555-7 |page=142}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Suha Rassam |title=Iraq: Its Origins and Development to the Present Day |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GYC93sfHXAEC&pg=PA77 |year=2005 |publisher=Gracewing Publishing |isbn=978-0-85244-633-1 |page=77}}</ref> and language shift.<ref>{{cite book |publisher=Cambridge University Press|editor=Frye, Richard N.|editor-link=Richard N. Frye|author-link=Abdolhossein Zarrinkoob|author=Zarrinkub,'Abd Al-Husain |title=Cambridge History of Iran|chapter=The Arab Conquest of Iran and Its Aftermath |volume=4 |date=1975 |location=London |page=46|isbn=978-0-521-20093-6}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Spuler |first=Bertold |title=A History of the Muslim World: The age of the caliphs |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bGqTkLUslDEC&pg=PP1 |page=138 |year=1994 |edition=Illustrated |publisher=Markus Wiener Publishers |isbn=978-1-55876-095-0}}</ref>


Iran is in a seismically active area.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/which-country-has-most-earthquakes|title=Which country has the most earthquakes?|publisher=]|access-date=22 May 2021|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522195818/https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/which-country-has-most-earthquakes|url-status=live}}</ref> On average, an earthquake of magnitude seven on the ] occurs once every ten years.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ilna.news/fa/tiny/news-11875 |title=هر ده سال، یک زلزله ۷ ریشتری در کشور رخ می‌دهد &#124; خبرگزاری ایلنا |date=13 October 2012 |work=Ilna.news |access-date=5 August 2022 |archive-date=28 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328151114/https://www.ilna.ir/%D8%A8%D8%AE%D8%B4-%D8%A7%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1-47/11875-%D9%87%D8%B1-%D8%AF%D9%87-%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%84-%DB%8C%DA%A9 |url-status=live }}</ref> Most earthquakes are shallow-focus and can be very devastating, such as the ].
In 750, the ] overthrew the ]<ref>{{cite web|title=Islamic History: The Abbasid Dynasty |publisher=Religion Facts |url=http://www.religionfacts.com/abbasid-caliphate |access-date=30 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907175311/http://www.religionfacts.com/abbasid-caliphate |archive-date=7 September 2015}}</ref> Arabs Muslims and Persians of all strata made up the rebel army, which was united by the converted Persian Muslim, ].<ref name=wsu>{{cite web| last= Hooker| first= Richard| title= The Abbasid Dynasty| publisher= Washington State University| year= 1996| url= http://public.wsu.edu/~dee/ISLAM/ABASSID.HTM| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110629114400/http://public.wsu.edu/~dee/ISLAM/ABASSID.HTM| archive-date= 29 June 2011| access-date= 17 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Joel Carmichael|title=The Shaping of the Arabs|url=https://archive.org/details/shapingofarabs0000carm|url-access=registration|access-date=21 June 2013|quote=Abu Muslim, the Persian general and popular leader|year=1967|page=|publisher=Macmillan |isbn=978-0-02-521420-0}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Frye|first=Richard Nelson|title=Iran|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4ZkfAAAAIAAJ|access-date=23 June 2013|edition=2, revised|year=1960|publisher=G. Allen & Unwin|page=47|quote=A Persian Muslim called Abu Muslim.}}</ref> In their struggle for power, society gradually became cosmopolitan. Persians and Turks began to replace Arabs in most fields. A hierarchy of officials emerged, a bureaucracy at first Persian and later ] which decreased Abbasid prestige and power for good.<ref name="Mahmud1988">{{cite book|author=Sayyid Fayyaz Mahmud|title=A Short History of Islam|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=1988|isbn=978-0-19-577384-2|page=125}}</ref>{{multiple image|275|275
| align &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; = right
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| image1 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; = Persepolis Panorama 360 Virtual Reality Tachar castle.jpg
| caption1 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; = ], the ceremonial capital of the ] (550–330 BC). It is one of the key Iranian ]s.
| image2 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; = The Achaemenid Empire at its Greatest Extent.jpg
| caption2 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; = The Achaemenid Empire at its greatest extent, around the time of ] and ].
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{{multiple image|275|275
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| image1 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; = Persepolis Panorama 360 Virtual Reality Tachar castle.jpg
| caption1 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; = ], the ceremonial capital of the ] (550–330 BC). It is one of the key Iranian ]s.
| image2 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; = The Achaemenid Empire at its Greatest Extent.jpg
| caption2 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; = The Achaemenid Empire at its greatest extent, around the time of ] and ].
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After two centuries of Arab rule, various native ] in the ] rose, namely the ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ], appearing on the fringes of the declining ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Iraq – History {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Iraq/History |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=britannica.com |language=en |archive-date=29 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629020126/https://www.britannica.com/place/Iraq/History |url-status=live }}</ref> The period, known as the Iranian Intermezzo, was an interlude between the decline of Abbasid rule and power by Arabs and the "]" with the 11th-century emergence of the ]. It consisted Iranian support based on Iranian territory, and most significantly a revived ] and culture in an Islamic form. It also revived the ], with the most significant Persian-language literature from this period being ] by ], the country's national epic.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-06 |title=Ferdowsi and the Ethics of Persian Literature |url=https://library.unc.edu/give/windows-donor-stories/ferdowsi/#:~:text=Through%2060%2C000%20lines%20of%20poetry,invasion%20of%20the%20Persian%20Empire.&text=and%20revived%20the%20Persian%20nationality%20with%20the%20PARSI%20language.%E2%80%9D&text=%E2%80%9CThose%20who%20have%20knowledge%2C%20art,worry%20if%20they%20lack%20treasure%3F%E2%80%9D |access-date=2023-12-06 |website=UNC |archive-date=7 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207180152/https://library.unc.edu/give/windows-donor-stories/ferdowsi/#:~:text=Through%2060%2C000%20lines%20of%20poetry,invasion%20of%20the%20Persian%20Empire.&text=and%20revived%20the%20Persian%20nationality%20with%20the%20PARSI%20language.%E2%80%9D&text=%E2%80%9CThose%20who%20have%20knowledge%2C%20art,worry%20if%20they%20lack%20treasure%3F%E2%80%9D |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Shahnameh: a Literary Masterpiece |url=https://shahnameh.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/literary |access-date=2024-01-27 |website=The Shahnameh: a Persian Cultural Emblem and a Timeless Masterpiece |language=en |archive-date=25 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225125311/https://shahnameh.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/literary |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Shahnameh Ferdowsi |url=http://shahnameh.eu/ferdowsi.html |access-date=2024-01-27 |website=shahnameh.eu |archive-date=7 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207040531/http://shahnameh.eu/ferdowsi.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-05-15 |title=Iran marks National Day of Ferdowsi |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/200711/Iran-marks-National-Day-of-Ferdowsi |access-date=2024-01-27 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en |archive-date=25 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225125307/https://en.mehrnews.com/news/200711/Iran-marks-National-Day-of-Ferdowsi |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{multiple image|245|245
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| width = 220
| image1 = Tomb-of-Ferdowsi آرامگاه-فردوسی Davoud-Davoudi 1.jpg
| caption1 = ], a 10th-century AD Persian poet and the author of ], the national epic of Iran.
| image2 = Iran in 10th century AD.png
| caption2 = The ] (821–1055) saw the revival of ], and
a revived Iranian national spirit in an ].
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}}

The blossoming ], ], ], ], ] and ] became major elements in a new age for Iranian civilization, during a period known as the ].<ref>{{cite book|author1=Richard G. Hovannisian|author2=Georges Sabagh|title=The Persian Presence in the Islamic World|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=39XZDnOWUXsC&pg=PA7|year=1998|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-0-521-59185-0|page=7|quote=The Golden age of Islam attributable, in no small measure, to the vital participation of Persian men of letters, philosophers, theologians, grammarians, mathematicians, musicians, astronomers, geographers, and physicians}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Bernard Lewis|title=From Babel to Dragomans : Interpreting the Middle East: Interpreting the Middle East|url=https://archive.org/details/frombabeltodrago00lewi|url-access=registration|access-date=21 June 2013|quote=...{{nbsp}}the Iranian contribution to this new Islamic civilization is of immense importance.|date=2004|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-803863-4|page=}}</ref> The Islamic Golden Age reached its peak by the 10th and 11th centuries, during which Iran was the main theatre of scientific activities.<ref name="rnfrye">{{cite book|author=Richard Nelson Frye|title=The Cambridge History of Iran|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hvx9jq_2L3EC&pg=PA396|access-date=21 June 2013|volume=4|year=1975|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-0-521-20093-6|page=396}}</ref> The tenth century saw a mass migration of ] from ] into the Iranian Plateau.<ref name="thePersians">{{cite book|author=Gene R. Garthwaite|title=The Persians |date=2008|publisher=Wiley|isbn=978-1-4051-4400-1}}</ref> Turkic tribesmen were first used in the Abbasid army as ]s (slave-warriors).<ref name="wsu" /> As a result, the ]s gained significant political power. In 999, large portions of Iran came briefly under the rule of the ], and longer subsequently under the ] and ] empires.<ref name="thePersians" /> The Seljuks subsequently gave rise to the ] in Anatolia.<ref>Sigfried J. de Laet. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328151851/https://books.google.com/books?id=PvlthkbFU1UC&pg=PA734#v=onepage&q&f=false |date=28 March 2024 }} UNESCO, 1994. {{ISBN|92-3-102813-8}} p. 734</ref><ref>Ga ́bor A ́goston, Bruce Alan Masters. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328151836/https://books.google.com/books?id=QjzYdCxumFcC&pg=PA322#v=onepage&q&f=false |date=28 March 2024 }} Infobase Publishing, 2009 {{ISBN|1-4381-1025-1}} p. 322</ref> The result of the adoption and patronage of Persian culture by Turkish rulers was the development of a distinct ].

From 1219 to 1221, under the ], Iran suffered ] by the ]. According to Steven R. Ward, "] killed up to three-fourths of the population of the Iranian Plateau, possibly 10 to 15 million people. Some historians have estimated that Iran's population did not again reach its pre-Mongol levels until the mid-20th century."<ref name="Immortal">{{cite book|author=Steven R. Ward|title=Immortal: A Military History of Iran and Its Armed Forces|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8eUTLaaVOOQC&pg=PA39|year=2009|publisher=Georgetown University Press|isbn=978-1-58901-587-6|page=39}}</ref> Most modern historians either outright dismiss or are highly skeptical of such statistics and deem them to be exaggerations by Muslim chroniclers of that era. Indeed, as far as the Iranian plateau was concerned, the bulk of the Mongol onslaught and battles were in the northeast Iran, such as in the cities of ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Iran|title=Iran – The Mongol invasion|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|date=3 August 2023|access-date=17 August 2016|archive-date=9 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009135443/https://www.britannica.com/place/Iran|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://iranicaonline.org/|title=Welcome to Encyclopaedia Iranica|first=Encyclopaedia Iranica|last=Foundation|website=iranicaonline.org|access-date=27 October 2021|archive-date=14 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714014650/https://iranicaonline.org/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-the-royal-asiatic-society/article/abs/cambridge-history-of-iran-vol-v-the-saljuq-and-mongol-periods-edited-by-j-a-boyle-pp-xiii-762-16-pl-cambridge-university-press-1968-375/500FB3BC61352E3DF36AE63FD5D4CA16|doi=10.1017/S0035869X0012965X|title=The Cambridge history of Iran. Vol. V: The Saljuq and Mongol periods. Edited by J. A. Boyle, pp. Xiii, 762, 16 pl. Cambridge University Press, 1968. £3.75.|year=1972|last1=Beckingham|first1=C. F.|journal=Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain & Ireland|volume=104|pages=68–69|s2cid=161828080|access-date=27 October 2021|archive-date=27 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027155602/https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-the-royal-asiatic-society/article/abs/cambridge-history-of-iran-vol-v-the-saljuq-and-mongol-periods-edited-by-j-a-boyle-pp-xiii-762-16-pl-cambridge-university-press-1968-375/500FB3BC61352E3DF36AE63FD5D4CA16|url-status=live}}</ref>

Following the fracture of the Mongol Empire in 1256, ] established the ] in Iran. In 1357, the capital ] was occupied by the ] khan ] and the centralised power collapsed, resulting in the emergence of rivalling dynasties. In 1370, yet another conqueror, ], took control over Iran, establishing the ]. In 1387, Timur ordered the complete massacre of ], killing 70,000 citizens.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smithsonianmag.com/people-places/Irans-Hidden-Jewel.html?c=y&page=2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100717113459/http://www.smithsonianmag.com/people-places/Irans-Hidden-Jewel.html?c=y&page=2 |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 July 2010 |title=Isfahan: Iran's Hidden Jewel |publisher=Smithsonianmag.com |access-date=21 June 2013 }}</ref>

=== Early modern period ===
==== Safavids ====

{{Main|Safavid Iran|Portuguese–Safavid wars|Ottoman–Persian Wars}}
], the founder of ]]]
By the 1500s, ] established the ],<ref>{{cite book |first=Jackson J. |last=Spielvogel |title=World History, Volume I |date=2008 |publisher=Cengage Learning |isbn=978-0-495-56902-2 |page=466 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=arxyJC05vScC&pg=PT498 |access-date=30 October 2020 |archive-date=28 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328151852/https://books.google.com/books?id=arxyJC05vScC&pg=PT498 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Andrew J. Newman 2006" /> with his capital at ].<ref name="thePersians" /> Beginning with ], he extended his authority over the Iranian territories, and established an intermittent Iranian hegemony over large parts of ].<ref>''Why is there such confusion about the origins of this important dynasty, which reasserted Iranian identity and established an independent Iranian state after eight and a half centuries of rule by foreign dynasties?'' RM Savory, ''Iran under the Safavids'' (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1980), p. 3.</ref> Iran was predominantly ],<ref name="Abdullah2014">{{cite book|author=Thabit Abdullah|title=A Short History of Iraq |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ObeOAwAAQBAJ&pg=PT56|date=12 May 2014|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-1-317-86419-6|page=56}}</ref> but Ismail instigated ] to the ] branch, marking one of the most important turning points in the ], and the beginning of modern Iranian history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foundation |first=Encyclopaedia Iranica |title=Welcome to Encyclopaedia Iranica |url=https://iranicaonline.org/ |access-date=2024-03-30 |website=iranicaonline.org |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="BBCReligion">{{cite web| title= Safavid Empire (1501–1722)| work= BBC Religion| date= 7 September 2009| url= http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/history/safavidempire_1.shtml| access-date= 20 June 2011| archive-date= 1 December 2017| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171201035508/http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/history/safavidempire_1.shtml| url-status= live}}</ref><ref name="Andrew J. Newman 2006">{{cite book |author=Andrew J. Newman |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=afsYCq1XOewC |title=Safavid Iran: Rebirth of a Persian Empire |date=2006 |publisher=I.B. Tauris |isbn=978-1-86064-667-6 |access-date=21 June 2013}}</ref><ref name="savoryeiref">{{cite encyclopedia |title=Safavids |encyclopedia=] |edition=2nd |author=Savory, R. M.}}</ref><ref name="Sarkhosh">{{Citation |author1=Sarkhosh Curtis, Vesta |author2=Stewart, Sarah |date=2005 |title=Birth of the Persian Empire: The Idea of Iran |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a0IF9IdkdYEC |publisher=I.B. Tauris |location=London |page=108 |quote=Similarly the collapse of Sassanian Eranshahr in AD 650 did not end Iranians' national idea. The name 'Iran' disappeared from official records of the Saffarids, Samanids, Buyids, Saljuqs and their successor. But one unofficially used the name Iran, Eranshahr, and similar national designations, particularly Mamalek-e Iran or 'Iranian lands', which exactly translated the old Avestan term Ariyanam Daihunam. On the other hand, when the Safavids (not Reza Shah, as is popularly assumed) revived a national state officially known as Iran, bureaucratic usage in the Ottoman empire and even Iran itself could still refer to it by other descriptive and traditional appellations.|isbn=978-1-84511-062-8 }}</ref> As a result, Iran is the only official Shia nation today, with it holding an absolute majority in Iran and the ].<ref>Juan Eduardo Campo, ''Encyclopedia of Islam'', p.625</ref><ref name="books.google.com.au">{{cite book|author=Shirin Akiner|title=The Caspian: Politics, Energy and Security |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N8IKR0oqdRkC&pg=PA158|year=2004|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-0-203-64167-5|page=158}}</ref>

The relationship between the Safavids and the West begins with the presence of the Portuguese in the Persian Gulf from the 16th century, oscillating between alliances and open war between the 17th and 18th century. The Safavid era saw the start of mass integration from ] and their mass resettlement within the heartlands of Iran. In 1588, ] came to the throne during a troubled period. Under his leadership, Iran developed the ] system where thousands of ], ], and ] slave-soldiers joined the civil administration and the military. With the help of these newly created layers in Iranian society, Abbas eclipsed the power of the Qizilbash in the civil administration, the royal house, and the military. Abbas was a great builder and moved his capital from ] to ], making the city the pinnacle of Safavid architecture. ] was returned to Iran after 18 years of ] rule. In his later years, following a court intrigue involving several leading Circassians, Abbas became suspicious of his own sons and had them killed or blinded. Following a gradual decline in the late 1600s and the early 1700s, which was caused by internal conflicts, the continuous wars with the Ottomans, and the foreign interference (most notably Russian), the Safavid rule was ended by the ] who besieged Isfahan and defeated ] in 1722.

==== Afsharids ====
{{Main|Afsharid Iran|Afsharid dynasty}}
] at its greatest extent, under ] (1741–1745)|left]]
In 1729, ] successfully drove out and conquered the Pashtun invaders. He took back the annexed Caucasian territories which ] among the Ottoman and ] authorities by the ongoing chaos in Iran. During the reign of Nader Shah, Iran reached its greatest extent since the Sasanian Empire, reestablishing Iranian hegemony over the ], as well as other major parts of ] and ], and briefly possessing arguably the most powerful empire at the time.<ref name="books.google.nl">{{cite book |last=Axworthy |first=Michael |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9o0AAwAAQBAJ |title=The Sword of Persia: Nader Shah, from Tribal Warrior to Conquering Tyrant |date=2006 |publisher=I.B. Tauris |isbn=978-0-85772-193-8 |pages=xv, 284 |author-link=Michael Axworthy}}</ref>{{sfn|Fisher|Avery|Hambly|Melville|1991|pp=329–330}}<ref name="Timothy C. Dowling pp. 728-730">{{cite book |author=Dowling, Timothy C. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KTq2BQAAQBAJ |title=Russia at War: From the Mongol Conquest to Afghanistan, Chechnya, and Beyond |publisher=ABC-CLIO |year=2014 |isbn=978-1-59884-948-6 |pages=728–730}}</ref><ref name="books.google.nl" />

Nader Shah ] by the late 1730s. His territorial expansion and military successes declined following the final ] against then revolting ]. The assassination of Nader Shah sparked a brief period of civil war and turmoil, after which ] of the ] came to power in 1750.<ref name=Immortal />

==== Zands ====

{{Main|Zand dynasty|Zand (tribe)|Ottoman–Persian War (1775–1776)}}
{{See also|Bani Utbah invasion of Bahrain|Siege of Kerman}}
] at its greatest extent, under ] (1751–1779)]]
Compared to its preceding dynasties, the geopolitical reach of the Zand dynasty was limited. Many of the Iranian territories in the Caucasus gained de facto autonomy and were locally ruled through ]. However, they remained ] and vassals to the Zand king. It later quickly expanded to include much of the rest of contemporary Iran (except for the provinces of ] and ]) as well as parts of ]. The lands of present-day ], ], and ] were controlled by khanates which were ] part of the Zand realm, but the region was ] autonomous.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Perry |first=John R. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_eaEDwAAQBAJ |title=Karim Khan Zand: A History of Iran, 1747-1779 |date=2015-05-14 |publisher=University of Chicago Press |isbn=978-0-226-66102-5 |language=en}}</ref> The island of ] was also held for the Zands by the autonomous ] of ].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Floor |first=Willem M. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xZWiIAAACAAJ |title=The Persian Gulf: The Rise of the Gulf Arabs : the Politics of Trade on the Persian Littoral, 1747-1792 |date=2007 |publisher=Mage Publishers |isbn=978-1-933823-18-8 |language=en}}</ref><ref>Encyclopedia of Soviet law By Ferdinand Joseph Maria Feldbrugge, Gerard Pieter van den Berg, William B. Simons, Page 457</ref> The reign of its most important ruler, ], was marked by prosperity and peace. With his capital in ], arts and architecture flourished, with some themes in architecture being revived from the nearby sites of the Achaemenid and Sasanian era's of pre-Islamic Iran. Another civil war ensued after the death of Karim Khan in 1779, out of which ] emerged, founding the ] in 1794.

==== Qajars ====
{{Main|Qajar Iran|Qajar dynasty}}
] in the 19th century, the international borders of today's Iran. |left]]
]'s reign is noted for the return of a centralized and unified Iran and for relocating the capital to ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-04-25 |title=The Qajars |url=https://iranologie.com/the-history-page/the-qajars/ |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=Iranologie.com |language=en |archive-date=4 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104180546/https://iranologie.com/the-history-page/the-qajars/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1795, following the disobedience of the ] subjects and their ], the Qajars captured ] by the ], and drove the Russians out of the Caucasus, reestablishing Iranian ] over the region. The Russo-Iranian wars of ] and ] resulted in large territorial losses for Iran in the Caucasus, comprising all of the ] and ].{{sfn|Fisher|Avery|Hambly|Melville|1991|pp=329–330}} As a result of the 19th-century Russo-Iranian wars, the Russians took over Iran's integral territories in the region (comprising modern-day Dagestan, ], ], and ]), which was confirmed per the treaties of ] and ].<ref name="Timothy C. Dowling pp. 728-730" /><ref>Farrokh, Kaveh. Iran at War: 1500–1988. {{ISBN|1-78096-221-5}}</ref><ref name="Swietochowski Borderland">{{cite book |last=Swietochowski|first=Tadeusz |author-link= Tadeusz Swietochowski |year=1995|title=Russia and Azerbaijan: A Borderland in Transition|pages= 69, 133 |publisher=] |isbn=978-0-231-07068-3 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=qj-UAgAAQBAJ}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=L. Batalden|first=Sandra|year=1997|title=The newly independent states of Eurasia: handbook of former Soviet republics|page=98|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WFjPAxhBEaEC|isbn=978-0-89774-940-4|access-date=20 June 2015|archive-date=16 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316173804/https://books.google.com/books?id=WFjPAxhBEaEC|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Ebel, Robert E.|author2=Menon, Rajan|year=2000|title=Energy and conflict in Central Asia and the Caucasus|page=181|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-sCpf26vBZ0C|isbn=978-0-7425-0063-1|access-date=20 June 2015|archive-date=27 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027153817/https://books.google.com/books?id=-sCpf26vBZ0C|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Andreeva|first=Elena |year=2010 |title=Russia and Iran in the great game: travelogues and orientalism|page= 6 |edition= reprint |publisher=Taylor & Francis | url= https://books.google.com/books?id=FfRYRwAACAAJ |isbn=978-0-415-78153-4}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Çiçek, Kemal|author2=Kuran, Ercüment |year=2000|title=The Great Ottoman-Turkish Civilisation |publisher=University of Michigan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c5VpAAAAMAAJ |isbn=978-975-6782-18-7}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Ernest Meyer, Karl |author2=Blair Brysac |author3= Shareen |year=2006|title=Tournament of Shadows: The Great Game and the Race for Empire in Central Asia|page= 66 |publisher=Basic Books |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FPBn2KZWNuMC |isbn=978-0-465-04576-1}}</ref>

The weakening of Persia made it a victim of the colonial struggle between Russia and Britain known as the ].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Gozalova |first=Nigar |date=2023 |title=Qajar Iran at the centre of British–Russian confrontation in the 1820s |url=https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/457/article/874972 |journal=The Maghreb Review |volume=48 |issue=1 |pages=89–99 |doi=10.1353/tmr.2023.0003 |s2cid=255523192 |issn=2754-6772 |access-date=14 March 2023 |archive-date=9 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709173333/https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/457/article/874972 |url-status=live }}</ref> Especially after the treaty of Turkmenchay, Russia was the dominant force in Iran,<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Deutschmann |first=Moritz |date=2013 |title="All Rulers are Brothers": Russian Relations with the Iranian Monarchy in the Nineteenth Century |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/24482848 |journal=Iranian Studies |volume=46 |issue=3 |pages=401–413 |doi=10.1080/00210862.2012.759334 |issn=0021-0862 |jstor=24482848 |s2cid=143785614 |access-date=19 May 2022 |archive-date=19 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519022824/https://www.jstor.org/stable/24482848 |url-status=live }}</ref> while the Qajars would also play a role in several 'Great Game' battles such as the sieges of Herat in ] and ]. As Iran shrank, many ] and ] Muslims moved towards Iran,<ref name="Mansoori">{{cite book|last=Mansoori|first=Firooz|title=Studies in History, Language and Culture of Azerbaijan|year=2008|publisher=Hazar-e Kerman|location=Tehran|isbn=978-600-90271-1-8|page=245|chapter=17|language=fa}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">А. Г. Булатова. Лакцы (XIX — нач. XX вв.). Историко-этнографические очерки. — Махачкала, 2000.</ref> especially until the aftermath of the ],<ref name="ReferenceA" /> and the decades afterwards, while Iran's Armenians were encouraged to settle in the newly incorporated Russian territories,<ref>"Griboedov not only extended protection to those Caucasian captives who sought to go home but actively promoted the return of even those who did not volunteer. Large numbers of Georgian and Armenian captives had lived in Iran since 1804 or as far back as 1795." Fisher, William Bayne; Avery, Peter; Gershevitch, Ilya; Hambly, Gavin; Melville, Charles. ''The Cambridge History of Iran'', Cambridge University Press – 1991. p. 339</ref><ref>{{in lang|ru}} {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113142046/http://feb-web.ru/feb/griboed/texts/piks3/3_4_v3.htm |date=13 January 2016 }}, Фундаментальная Электронная Библиотека</ref><ref>Bournoutian. ''Armenian People'', p. 105</ref> causing significant demographic shifts. Around 1.5&nbsp;million people—20 to 25% of the population of Iran—died as a result of the ].<ref>{{cite book |last=Yeroushalmi |first=David |title=The Jews of Iran in the Nineteenth Century: Aspects of History, Community |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XYlGS3s3zTQC&pg=PA327 |publisher=Brill |year=2009 |page=327 |isbn=978-90-04-15288-5 |access-date=20 June 2015 |archive-date=16 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916142025/https://books.google.com/books?id=XYlGS3s3zTQC&pg=PA327 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Constitutional Revolution ====
{{Main|Persian Constitutional Revolution|1st Iranian Majlis}}
] was established in 1906 during the ].]]Between 1872 and 1905, protesters objected to the sale of ] to foreigners by Qajar monarchs ] and ], leading to the ] in 1905. The ] and the first national parliament were founded in 1906, through the ongoing revolution. The Constitution included the official recognition of Iran's three religious minorities: ], ], and ].<ref name="Colin Brock p 99">Colin Brock, Lila Zia Levers. Symposium Books Ltd., 7 mei 2007 {{ISBN|1-873927-21-5}} p. 99</ref> The struggle related to the constitutional movement was followed by the ] in 1909, when ] was forced to abdicate. In 1907, the ] divided Qajar Iran into influence zones, formalising many of the concessions. On the pretext of restoring order, the ] and ] and maintained a military presence in the region for years. But this did not end the civil uprisings and was soon followed by ]'s ] against both the Qajar monarchy and foreign invaders.

Despite Iran's neutrality during ], the ], ], and ]s occupied western Iran and fought the ] before fully withdrawing their forces in 1921. At least 2 million Persian civilians died in the fighting, the ] or the war-induced ]. A large number of ] and ] Christians, as well as those Muslims who tried to protect them, were victims of mass murders committed by the invading ].<ref>{{cite book |first=Ryan |last=Gingeras |title=Fall of the Sultanate: The Great War and the End of the Ottoman Empire 1908–1922 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sGyMCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA166 |access-date=18 June 2016 |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press, Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-166358-1 |page=166 |quote=By January, Ottoman regulars and cavalry detachments associated with the old Hamidiye had seized the towns of Urmia, Khoy, and Salmas. Demonstrations of resistance by local Christians, comprising Armenians, Nestorians, Syriacs, and Assyrians, led Ottoman forces to massacre civilians and torch villages throughout the border region of Iran.}}</ref><ref name="Kevorkian2011">{{cite book |first=Raymond |last=Kevorkian |author-link=Raymond Kévorkian |title=The Armenian Genocide: A Complete History |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mZ33AgAAQBAJ&pg=PA710 |access-date=18 June 2016 |year=2011 |publisher=I.B. Tauris |isbn=978-0-85773-020-6 |page=710 |quote='In retaliation, we killed the Armenians of Khoy, and I gave the order to massacre the Armenians of Maku.'{{nbsp}}... Without distorting the facts, one can affirm that the centuries-old Armenian presence in the regions of Urmia, Salmast, Qaradagh, and Maku had been dealt a blow from which it would never recover.}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |editor1-last=Yeghiayan |editor1-first=Vartkes |title=British Foreign Office Dossiers on Turkish War Criminals |date=1991 |publisher=American Armenian International College |quote=...{{nbsp}}Assyrians who were killed in Khoy, some 700 Armenian residents of Khoy were also massacred at the same time, June 1918.}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite book |first=Richard G. |last=Hovannisian |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K3monyE4CVQC |title=The Armenian Genocide: Cultural and Ethical Legacies |pages=270–271 |publisher=Transaction Publishers |date=2011 |isbn=978-1-4128-3592-3}}</ref><ref name="Alexander Laban Hinton p. 117">{{cite book |first1=Alexander Laban |last1=Hinton |first2=Thomas |last2=La Pointe |first3=Douglas |last3=Irvin-Erickson |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZtcyAgAAQBAJ |title=Hidden Genocides: Power, Knowledge, Memory |page=117 |publisher=Rutgers University Press |date=2013 |isbn=978-0-8135-6164-6}}</ref>

Apart from the rule of Agha Mohammad Khan, the Qajar rule is characterised as misrule.<ref name=thePersians /> The inability of ]'s government to maintain the country's ] during and immediately after World War I led to the British-directed ] and ]'s establishment of the ]. Reza Shah became ] and was declared monarch in 1925.

==== Pahlavis ====
{{Main|Pahlavi Iran|Pahlavi dynasty}}
{{See also|Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran|White Revolution}}
]" at the ] in November 1943, ], ] and ].|left]]
During ], in July and August 1941 the British demanded that the Iranian government expel all Germans. Reza Shah refused and on 25 August 1941, the British and Soviets launched a ]; Reza Shah's government quickly surrendered.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yPf_f7skJUYC|title=Iran: A Country Study|author=Glenn E. Curtis|author2=Eric Hooglund|isbn=978-0-8444-1187-3|page=30|publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office|year=2008|access-date=15 November 2016|archive-date=18 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240318190604/https://books.google.com/books?id=yPf_f7skJUYC|url-status=live}}</ref> The invasion's strategic purpose was to secure a ] to the USSR (later named the ]), secure the oil fields and ] (of the UK-owned ]), prevent a German advance on Baku's oil fields, and limit German influence in Iran. Following the invasion, on 16 September 1941 Reza Shah abdicated and was replaced by ].<ref name="Farrokh 03">{{cite book|last= Farrokh|first= Kaveh|title= Iran at War: 1500–1988|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=dUHhTPdJ6yIC|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150320174036/http://books.google.com/books?id=dUHhTPdJ6yIC|url-status= dead|archive-date= 20 March 2015|isbn= 978-1-78096-221-4|date= 2011|publisher= Osprey Publishing Limited}}</ref><ref>{{cite book | url =https://books.google.com/books?id=07o_BAAAQBAJ | title =An Introduction to the Modern Middle East: History, Religion, Political Economy, Politics | author =David S. Sorenson | isbn =978-0-8133-4922-0 | page =206 | publisher =Westview Press | year =2013 | access-date =15 November 2016 | archive-date =18 March 2024 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20240318190621/https://books.google.com/books?id=07o_BAAAQBAJ | url-status =live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | url =https://books.google.com/books?id=2h_Jfg1xRYEC | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20171012080734/https://books.google.com/books?id=2h_Jfg1xRYEC | url-status =dead | archive-date =12 October 2017 | title =Iran: Foreign Policy & Government Guide | isbn =978-0-7397-9354-1 | page =53 | publisher =International Business Publications | year =2009 }}</ref>
Iran became ] for ] to the Soviet Union and an avenue through which ] and ] fled the Axis advance.<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.history.army.mil/books/wwii/persian/chapter01.htm#b1 |title=United States Army in World War II the Middle East Theater the Persian Corridor and Aid to Russia|author=T.H. Vail Motter |publisher=]|year=1952|access-date=15 November 2016 |archive-date=23 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223171845/http://www.history.army.mil/books/wwii/persian/chapter01.htm#b1|url-status=dead}}</ref> At the 1943 ], the ] "Big Three"—], ], and ]—issued the ] to guarantee the post-war independence and boundaries of Iran. However, at the end of the war, Soviet troops established two puppet states in north-western Iran: the ] and the ]. This led to the ], one of the first confrontations of the ], which ended after oil concessions were promised to the USSR and Soviet forces withdrew in May 1946. The two puppet states were soon overthrown, and the oil concessions were later revoked.<ref>Louise Fawcett, "Revisiting the Iranian Crisis of 1946: How Much More Do We Know?" ''Iranian Studies'' 47#3 (2014): 379–399.</ref><ref>Gary R. Hess, "The Iranian Crisis of 1945–46 and the Cold War." ''Political Science Quarterly'' 89#1 (1974): 117–146. </ref>

=== 1951–1978: Mosaddegh, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi ===

{{Main|Nationalization of the Iranian oil industry|1953 Iranian coup d'état}}
], who ] in 1951]]
In 1951, ] was elected ]. Mosaddegh became enormously popular after he ], which had been largely controlled by foreign interests. He worked to weaken the monarchy until he was removed in the ]—initially an Anglo-American covert operation that marked the first time the US had participated in an overthrow of a foreign government during the ].<ref name="Kinzer2011">{{cite book|author=Stephen Kinzer|title=All the Shah's Men|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pNz-3o_GQwsC&pg=PT10|access-date=21 June 2013|date=2011|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|isbn=978-1-118-14440-4|page=10}}</ref>

After the coup, the Shah became increasingly ] and ], and Iran entered a decades-long phase of controversially close relations with the United States and other foreign governments.<ref>Nikki R. Keddie, Rudolph P Matthee. University of Washington Press, 2002 p. 366</ref> While the Shah increasingly modernised Iran and claimed to retain it as a fully ],<ref name="Anthony H. Cordesman p 22">{{cite book |author=Cordesman, Anthony H. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3j6sZyByv8EC |title=Iran's Military Forces in Transition: Conventional Threats and Weapons of Mass Destruction |date=1999 |isbn=978-0-275-96529-7 |page=22 |publisher=Bloomsbury Academic |author-link=Anthony Cordesman |access-date=20 June 2017 |archive-date=28 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328153602/https://books.google.com/books?id=3j6sZyByv8EC |url-status=live }}</ref> arbitrary arrests and torture by his secret police, the ], were used for crushing political opposition.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Baraheni |first1=Reza |title=Terror in Iran |journal=] |date=28 October 1976 |volume=23 |issue=17 |url=https://www.nybooks.com/articles/1976/10/28/terror-in-iran/ |access-date=21 January 2019 |archive-date=16 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516054245/https://www.nybooks.com/articles/1976/10/28/terror-in-iran/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

], a radical Muslim cleric,<ref>{{Cite book|last=Christoffel Coetzee|first=Salidor|title=The Eye of the Storm|publisher=Partridge Publishing Singapore|year=2021|isbn=978-1-5437-5950-1}}</ref> became a critic of the Shah's reforms known as the '']''. Khomeini publicly denounced the government and was imprisoned for 18 months. After his release in 1964, he was eventually sent into exile.

Due to the ], the economy was flooded with foreign currency, causing ]. By 1974, Iran was experiencing a double-digit inflation rate, and despite many large projects to modernise the country, ]. By 1975 and 1976, a ] increased unemployment, especially among millions of youths who had migrated to the cities looking for construction jobs during the boom years of the early 1970s. By the late 1970s, many of these people opposed the Shah's regime and began protesting against it.<ref name="Hurd2009">{{cite book|author-link1=Elizabeth Shakman Hurd|author=Elizabeth Shakman Hurd|title=The Politics of Secularism in International Relations|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=096dp4dthm0C&pg=PA75|year=2009|publisher=Princeton University Press|isbn=978-1-4008-2801-2|page=75|access-date=17 August 2016}}</ref>

=== Iranian Revolution ===
{{Main|Iranian Revolution|1979 oil crisis|Iran hostage crisis}}
] in ], leading to the ] in 1979 and overthrow the monarchy.|left]]
The ] began in January 1978 with major demonstrations against ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fsmitha.com/h2/ch29ir.html|title=The Iranian Revolution|work=Fsmitha.com|date=22 March 1963|access-date=18 June 2011|archive-date=10 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010233759/http://www.fsmitha.com/h2/ch29ir.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After ] and ] paralyzing the country and its economy, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi fled to the United States, and Ruhollah Khomeini returned from exile in February 1979, forming a new government.<ref name="BBC this day">{{cite news|title=BBC On this Day Feb 1 1979|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/february/1/newsid_2521000/2521003.stm|access-date=25 November 2014|publisher=BBC|archive-date=24 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024113747/http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/february/1/newsid_2521000/2521003.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> After holding ], Iran officially became an ] in April 1979.<ref name="JohnsonUradnik2011">{{cite book|author1=Lori A. Johnson|author2=Kathleen Uradnik|author3=Sara Beth Hower|title=Battleground: Government and Politics &#91;2 volumes&#93;: Government and Politics|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=T9sdEOfoCWIC&pg=PA319|date=2011|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-0-313-34314-8|page=319}}</ref> ] in December 1979 approved ].<ref>{{cite book|author=Jahangir Amuzegar|title=The Dynamics of the Iranian Revolution: The Pahlavis' Triumph and Tragedy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3KL5FvOejKkC&pg=PA4|year=1991|publisher=SUNY Press|isbn=978-0-7914-9483-7|pages=4, 9–12}}</ref>

Immediate nationwide uprisings against the new government began with the ], the ], and uprisings in ] and other areas. Over the next several years, these uprisings were ]. The new government began ], as well as Islamists who were not considered radical enough. Although both nationalists and Marxists had initially joined with Islamists to overthrow the Shah, tens of thousands were executed.<ref name="Benard">{{cite book|author=Cheryl Benard|title="The Government of God": Iran's Islamic Republic|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sKLCQgAACAAJ|year=1984|publisher=Columbia University Press|isbn=978-0-231-05376-1|page=18}}</ref> Following Khomeini's order to purge the new government of any remaining officials still loyal to Pahlavi, many former ministers and officials in Pahlavi's government, including former prime minister ], were ].

On 4 November 1979, after the United States refused the extradition of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, ] seized the US Embassy and ].<ref name="carterpbs">{{cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/carter/sfeature/sf_hostage.html|title=American Experience, Jimmy Carter, "444 Days: America Reacts"|publisher=Pbs.org|access-date=18 June 2011|archive-date=19 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110119224031/https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/carter/sfeature/sf_hostage.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Attempts by the ] administration to ], and a failed ], helped with the falling popularity of Carter among US citizens. On Carter's final day in office, the last hostages were set free under the ].

The ] began in 1980, with threats to close universities which did not conform to Islamization demands from the new government. All universities were closed down in 1980, and reopened in 1983.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Iran Human Rights Documentation Center |date=2020-03-04 |title=The 1980 Cultural Revolution and Restrictions on Academic Freedom in Iran |url=https://iranpresswatch.org/post/20819/1980-cultural-revolution-restrictions-academic-freedom-iran/ |access-date=2023-10-13 |website=Iran Press Watch |language=en-US |archive-date=19 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019001358/https://iranpresswatch.org/post/20819/1980-cultural-revolution-restrictions-academic-freedom-iran/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Sobhe |first=Khosrow |date=1982 |title=Education in Revolution: Is Iran Duplicating the Chinese Cultural Revolution? |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/3098794 |journal=Comparative Education |volume=18 |issue=3 |pages=271–280 |doi=10.1080/0305006820180304 |jstor=3098794 |issn=0305-0068 |access-date=13 October 2023 |archive-date=19 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019001358/https://www.jstor.org/stable/3098794 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Razavi |first=Reza |date=2009 |title=The Cultural Revolution in Iran, with Close Regard to the Universities, and Its Impact on the Student Movement |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/40262639 |journal=Middle Eastern Studies |volume=45 |issue=1 |pages=1–17 |doi=10.1080/00263200802547586 |jstor=40262639 |s2cid=144079439 |issn=0026-3206 |access-date=13 October 2023 |archive-date=13 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113141957/https://www.jstor.org/stable/40262639 |url-status=live }}</ref>] on the front line during the ] (1980–1988).]]On September 22, 1980, Iraq ], initiating the ]. Although the forces of ] made several early advances, by mid-1982, the Iranian forces began to gain momentum, with successfully ], and regaining all lost territory by June 1982. After pushing Iraqi forces back to the pre-war border lines, Iran rejected ] and launched an invasion of Iraq, conquered Iraqi territory and captured cities such as ]. The subsequent Iranian offensive within Iraqi territory lasted for five years, with Iraq taking back the initiative and subsequently launching a series of major counter-offensives. The war continued until 1988, when the Iraqi army defeated the Iranian forces inside Iraq and pushed the remaining Iranian troops back across the border. Subsequently, Khomeini accepted ], with both sides withdraw to their pre-war borders. It was the longest ] of the 20th century and the second longest war of this century after the ]. The total Iranian casualties in the war were estimated to be 123,220–160,000 ], 60,711 ], and 11,000–16,000 ].<ref>{{cite book|last=Hiro|first=Dilip|author-link=Dilip Hiro|title=The Longest War: The Iran-Iraq Military Conflict|publisher=Routledge|location=New York|year=1991|page=|isbn=978-0-415-90406-3|oclc=22347651|url=https://archive.org/details/longestwariranir00hiro/page/205}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Abrahamian|first=Ervand|author-link=Ervand Abrahamian|title=A History of Modern Iran|url=https://archive.org/details/historymodernira00abra|url-access=limited|publisher=]|location=Cambridge, UK; New York|year=2008|pages=–175, 212|isbn=978-0-521-52891-7|oclc=171111098}}</ref>
Following the Iran–Iraq War, in 1989, ] concentrated on a pragmatic pro-business policy of rebuilding and strengthening the economy without making any dramatic break with the ideology of the revolution. In 1997, Rafsanjani was succeeded by moderate ] ], whose government attempted, unsuccessfully, to make the country freer and more democratic.<ref name="autogenerated3">{{cite news |author=Dan De Luce in Tehran |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/may/04/iran |title=Khatami blames clerics for failure |work=The Guardian |date=4 May 2004 |access-date=25 August 2010 |location=London |archive-date=28 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130828015958/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/may/04/iran |url-status=live }}</ref>

The ] brought conservative ] candidate ] to power.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4740441.stm|title=Iran hardliner becomes president|access-date=6 December 2006|date=3 August 2005|publisher=BBC|archive-date=26 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126073019/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4740441.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> By the ], the ] announced incumbent President Ahmadinejad had won 62.63% of the vote.

{{multiple image
| align = left
| total_width = 300
| image1 = Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the Great Conference of Basij members at Azadi stadium October 2018 012.jpg
| caption1 = ], the ] since 1989.
| image2 = PM in a bilateral meeting with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi during the 15th BRICS Summit at Johannesburg, in South Africa on August 24, 2023 (1) (cropped).jpg
| caption2 = ], the current ].
| image3 = MMokhber.png
| caption3 = ], the current ].
}}

] was elected president on 15 June 2013,<ref name="BBCannouncedwinner2">{{cite news |date=15 June 2013 |title=Hassan Rouhani wins Iran presidential election |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22916174 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310135621/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22916174 |archive-date=10 March 2022 |access-date=15 June 2013 |work=BBC News}}</ref><ref name="WSJannouncedwinner2">{{cite news |last=Fassihi |first=Farnaz |date=15 June 2013 |title=Moderate Candidate Wins Iran's Presidential Vote |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887323734304578544912995560792 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150326102712/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887323734304578544912995560792 |archive-date=26 March 2015 |access-date=16 June 2013 |newspaper=]}}</ref> improving relations with other countries.<ref>{{cite book |author1=Denmark, Abraham M. |title=Strategic Asia 2013–14: Asia in the Second Nuclear Age |author2=Tanner, Travis |date=2013 |page=229}}</ref> On 3 January 2020, the revolutionary guard's general, ], was ], which considerably heightened ].<ref name="Roelants">Carolien Roelants, Iran expert of '']'', in a debate on '']'' on Dutch television, 5 January 2020.</ref> His assassination lead to ], the largest ballistic missile attack ever on Americans.<ref>{{Citation |title=Never-before-seen video of the attack on Al Asad Airbase |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGP7hZQuTL0 |access-date=2024-01-08 |language=en |archive-date=23 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223104408/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGP7hZQuTL0 |url-status=live }}</ref> The ] reported that millions of mourners attended Soleimani's ] on 6 January.<ref>{{Citation |title=Millions turn out in Iran for General Soleimani's funeral - BBC News |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ndfa37Y4-0 |access-date=2024-01-08 |language=en |archive-date=8 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108125936/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ndfa37Y4-0 |url-status=live }}</ref>

] successfully ran for president a second time in ] with nearly 63% of the votes, succeeding ]. Raisi is often seen as a frontrunner to succeed Khamenei as the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=. Global Affairs and Strategic Studies. Facultad de Derecho |url=https://www.unav.edu/web/global-affairs/detalle/-/blogs/khamenei-is-turning-80-who-will-be-next-iran-s-supreme-leader- |access-date=2024-04-06 |website=Global Affairs and Strategic Studies |language=es-ES}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Who will be Iran’s next leader? |url=https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2023/05/25/who-will-be-irans-next-leader |access-date=2024-04-06 |work=The Economist |issn=0013-0613}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dagres |first=Holly |date=2021-05-18 |title=For Ebrahim Raisi, Iran’s presidency is a step toward Supreme Leader |url=https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/iransource/for-ebrahim-raisi-irans-presidency-is-a-step-toward-supreme-leader/ |access-date=2024-04-06 |website=Atlantic Council |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Dehghan |first=Saeed Kamali |date=2017-01-09 |title=Ebrahim Raisi: the Iranian cleric emerging as a frontrunner for supreme leader |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/09/ebrahim-raisi-conservative-cleric-iran-supreme-leader-khamenei |access-date=2024-04-06 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Alfoneh |first=Ali |date=2022-01-01 |title=Is Raisi Iran's Supreme Leader in Waiting? |url=https://www.meforum.org/62824/is-raisi-iran-supreme-leader-in-waiting |journal=Middle East Quarterly |language=en}}</ref>

On January 15, 2024, ] ballistic missile and drone attacks against alleged ] headquarters in ],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alkhshali |first=Helen Regan, Hamdi |date=2024-01-16 |title=Iran launches missile strikes in northern Iraq and Syria, claims to destroy Israeli spy base |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/16/middleeast/iran-missiles-kurdistan-syria-israel-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=18 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118112610/https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/16/middleeast/iran-missiles-kurdistan-syria-israel-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-16 |title=Iran launches missiles attacks in Iraq and Syria to target Mossad headquarters |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/world/story/iran-launches-missiles-attacks-in-iraq-and-syria-to-target-mossad-headquarters-413578-2024-01-16 |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=Business Today |language=en |archive-date=19 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119163250/https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/world/story/iran-launches-missiles-attacks-in-iraq-and-syria-to-target-mossad-headquarters-413578-2024-01-16 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=hhanes |date=2024-01-16 |title=U.S. strikes Houthi launch sites, Iran targets 'Mossad bases' in missile attack in northern Iraq |url=https://www.fdd.org/analysis/op_eds/2024/01/16/u-s-strikes-houthi-launch-sites-iran-targets-mossad-bases-in-missile-attack-in-northern-iraq/ |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=FDD |language=en |archive-date=18 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118133033/https://www.fdd.org/analysis/op_eds/2024/01/16/u-s-strikes-houthi-launch-sites-iran-targets-mossad-bases-in-missile-attack-in-northern-iraq/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and ] bases in northern ],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran launches missile strikes in Iraq and Syria citing security threats |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/15/irans-revolutionary-guard-attack-anti-iranian-groups-in-iraqs-erbil |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=16 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116170656/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/15/irans-revolutionary-guard-attack-anti-iranian-groups-in-iraqs-erbil |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="auto8">{{Cite news |last=Rubin |first=Alissa J. |date=2024-01-16 |title=Iran Launches Missile Strikes in Iraq and Syria, Citing Terrorist Attacks |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/15/world/middleeast/iran-iraq-syria-attack.html |access-date=2024-01-18 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=16 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116165120/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/15/world/middleeast/iran-iraq-syria-attack.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Abdulkader |first=Omar |date=2024-01-16 |title=U.S. condemns Iran's "reckless missile strikes" near new American consulate in Erbil, northern Iraq - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-iran-missile-strike-erbil-iraq-israel-hamas-war/ |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US |archive-date=18 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118110710/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-iran-missile-strike-erbil-iraq-israel-hamas-war/ |url-status=live }}</ref> in response to the killing of ] and the ].<ref name="auto9">{{Cite news |date=2024-01-17 |title=Iran demonstrates missile capabilities with regional strikes |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-68004451 |access-date=2024-01-18 |language=en-GB |archive-date=18 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118130041/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-68004451 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Livemint |date=2024-01-17 |title=Why Iran attacked Pakistan, Syria and Iraq |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/world/why-iran-attacked-pakistan-syria-iraq-escalate-middle-east-tensions-details-here-11705497230497.html |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=mint |language=en |archive-date=18 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118120858/https://www.livemint.com/news/world/why-iran-attacked-pakistan-syria-iraq-escalate-middle-east-tensions-details-here-11705497230497.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="auto8" /> As one of Iran's most extensive operations, the attack caused significant collateral damage in ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Civilian Homes Damaged in Erbil After The Iranian Attack |url=https://shafaq.com/en/Kurdistan/Civilian-Homes-Damaged-in-Erbil-After-The-Iranian-Attack |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=Shafaq News |language=en |archive-date=29 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129170929/https://shafaq.com/en/Kurdistan/Civilian-Homes-Damaged-in-Erbil-After-The-Iranian-Attack |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Iddon |first=Paul |date=2024-01-18 |title=Iranian Ballistic Missile Strike Kills Prominent Businessman In Iraqi Kurdistan |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/pauliddon/2024/01/15/iranian-ballistic-missile-strike-kills-prominent-businessman-in-iraqi-kurdistan/ |website=Forbes |access-date=18 January 2024 |archive-date=17 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117175132/https://www.forbes.com/sites/pauliddon/2024/01/15/iranian-ballistic-missile-strike-kills-prominent-businessman-in-iraqi-kurdistan/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Knight |first=Dean |date=2020-09-06 |title=Ameliorating the collateral damage caused by collateral attack in administrative law |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.26686/wgtn.12923954.v1 |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=dx.doi.org |doi=10.26686/wgtn.12923954.v1 |s2cid=155505234 |archive-date=28 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328151007/https://openaccess.wgtn.ac.nz/articles/journal_contribution/Ameliorating_the_collateral_damage_caused_by_collateral_attack_in_administrative_law/12923954/1 |url-status=live }}</ref> A day after the attack, ] a similar series of strikes in ] of ], targeting the ] terror group ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-17 |title=Iran Targets Terror Outfit Jaish Al-Adl Inside Pakistan |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/iran-targets-terror-outfit-jaish-al-adl-inside-pakistan/7444873.html |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=Voice of America |language=en |archive-date=18 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118153111/https://www.voanews.com/a/iran-targets-terror-outfit-jaish-al-adl-inside-pakistan/7444873.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=AP |date=2024-01-16 |title=Iran attacks alleged militant bases in Pakistan; Islamabad says 'unprovoked' strikes kill 2 children |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/iran-says-it-has-launched-attacks-on-what-it-calls-militant-bases-in-pakistan/article67746301.ece |access-date=2024-01-18 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=18 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118183218/https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/iran-says-it-has-launched-attacks-on-what-it-calls-militant-bases-in-pakistan/article67746301.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="auto9" />

== Geography ==
{{Main|Geography of Iran}}
{{See also|Borders of Iran|Agriculture in Iran}}
], the highest volcano in Asia. It as has a special place in ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-18 |title=The Mysteries of Iran's Sacred Peak, Mount Damavand. |url=https://oxadventure.com/damavand-legends/ |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=oxadventure.com |language=en-US |archive-date=29 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229012945/https://oxadventure.com/damavand-legends/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-15 |title=Mount Damavand Mythology: Exploring the Mysterious Tales and Legends |url=https://www.iranexploration.com/mount-damavand-mythology/ |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=Adventure & Cultural {{!}} Iran Exploration Tour Operator |language=en-US |archive-date=29 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229032342/https://www.iranexploration.com/mount-damavand-mythology/ |url-status=live }}</ref>]]
Iran has an area of {{convert|1648195|km2|mi2|abbr=on}}.<ref name="CIA">{{cite web |title=Iran |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/iran/ |access-date=24 May 2018 |work=The World Factbook |publisher=Central Intelligence Agency (United States) |archive-date=8 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208143639/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/iran/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It is the ] and the second-largest in West Asia.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Iran's Strategy in the Strait of Hormuz |url=https://thediplomat.com/2012/07/irans-strategy-in-the-strait-of-hormuz/ |url-status=dead |magazine=The Diplomat |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208071232/https://thediplomat.com/2012/07/irans-strategy-in-the-strait-of-hormuz/ |archive-date=8 December 2015 |access-date=29 November 2015}}</ref> It lies between latitudes ] and ], and longitudes ] and ]. It is bordered to the northwest by ] ({{convert|35|km|mi|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}), the Azeri exclave of ] ({{convert|179|km|mi|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/azerbaijan/|title=CIA – The World Factbook|publisher=Cia.gov|access-date=7 April 2012|archive-date=27 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127171042/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/azerbaijan/|url-status=live}}</ref> and the ] ({{convert|611|km|mi|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}); to the north by the ]; to the northeast by ] ({{convert|992|km|mi|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}); to the east by ] ({{convert|936|km|mi|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}) and Pakistan ({{convert|909|km|mi|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}); to the south by the ] and the ]; and to the west by ] ({{convert|1458|km|mi|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}) and Turkey ({{convert|499|km|mi|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}).

Iran is in a seismically active area.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/which-country-has-most-earthquakes|title=Which country has the most earthquakes?|publisher=]|access-date=22 May 2021|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522195818/https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/which-country-has-most-earthquakes|url-status=live}}</ref> On average, an earthquake of magnitude seven on the ] occurs once every ten years.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ilna.news/fa/tiny/news-11875 |title=هر ده سال، یک زلزله ۷ ریشتری در کشور رخ می‌دهد &#124; خبرگزاری ایلنا |date=13 October 2012 |work=Ilna.news |access-date=2022-08-05 |archive-date=28 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328151114/https://www.ilna.ir/%D8%A8%D8%AE%D8%B4-%D8%A7%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1-47/11875-%D9%87%D8%B1-%D8%AF%D9%87-%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%84-%DB%8C%DA%A9 |url-status=live }}</ref> Most earthquakes are shallow-focus and can be very devastating, such as the ].
], a zone of lush lowland and montane forest in the very north of Iran.|left]]


Iran consists of the ], with the exception of the coasts of the Caspian Sea and ]. It is one of the world's most mountainous countries, its landscape dominated by rugged ]s that separate various ] or ]s. The populous western part is the most mountainous, with ranges such as the ], ], and ], the last containing ], Iran's highest point at {{convert|5610|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}, which is also the highest mountain in Asia west of the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Apply Mubabol |url=http://en.mubabol.ac.ir/post/7 |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=en.mubabol.ac.ir |archive-date=1 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401095343/http://en.mubabol.ac.ir/post/7 |url-status=live }}</ref> Iran consists of the ]. It is one of the world's most mountainous countries; its landscape is dominated by rugged ]s that separate ] or ]s. The populous west part is the most mountainous, with ranges such as the ], ], and ], the last containing ], Iran's highest point, at {{convert|5610|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}, which is the highest volcano in Asia. Iran's mountains have impacted its politics and economics for centuries.


The northern part of Iran is covered by the lush lowland ], near the southern shores of the Caspian Sea. The eastern part consists mostly of ] basins, such as the ], which is the country's largest desert, and the ], as well as some ]s. The Lut Desert is the hottest recorded spot on the Earth's surface according to ], with 70.7&nbsp;°C recorded in 2005.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-11-09 |title=The 5 Hottest Deserts in the World |url=https://www.mapquest.com/travel/survival/wilderness/5-hottest-deserts-on-earth.htm |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=MapQuest Travel |language=en-us |archive-date=31 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231121804/https://www.mapquest.com/travel/survival/wilderness/5-hottest-deserts-on-earth.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-04-05 |title=Where Is the Hottest Place on Earth? |url=https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/features/HottestSpot |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=earthobservatory.nasa.gov |language=en |archive-date=3 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103173321/https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/features/HottestSpot |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-02-22 |title=The hottest place on earth - Secret Compass |url=https://secretcompass.com/ten-things-you-didnt-know-about-iran-lut-desert-gallery-video/ |access-date=2023-12-31 |language=en-GB |archive-date=31 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231121805/https://secretcompass.com/ten-things-you-didnt-know-about-iran-lut-desert-gallery-video/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sand-boarding.com |date=2023-08-10 |title=The Hottest Deserts on Earth Are Too Hot to Handle |url=https://sand-boarding.com/hottest-deserts-in-the-world/ |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=Surf the Sand |language=en-US |archive-date=31 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231121804/https://sand-boarding.com/hottest-deserts-in-the-world/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The only large ]s are found along the coast of the Caspian Sea and at the northern end of the Persian Gulf, where the country borders the mouth of the ]. Smaller, discontinuous plains are found along the remaining coast of the Persian Gulf, the ], and the Gulf of Oman.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Geography {{!}} Iranian Student Organization (IrSO) {{!}} Nebraska |url=https://www.unl.edu/irso/geography |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=unl.edu |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128122610/https://www.unl.edu/irso/geography |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=IRAN TODAY - Geography... |url=https://www.allventure.com/en/impressions/iran-today/geography.html |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=allventure.com |language=en-gb |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128122610/https://www.allventure.com/en/impressions/iran-today/geography.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran ecotourism {{!}} Iran Ecotour guide training course |url=https://arasbaran.org/en/news.cfm?id=680 |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=arasbaran.org |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128122612/https://arasbaran.org/en/news.cfm?id=680 |url-status=live }}</ref> The north part is covered by the lush lowland ], near the southern shores of the Caspian Sea. The east part consists mostly of ] basins, such as the ], which is the country's largest desert, and the ], as well as ]s. The Lut Desert is the hottest recorded spot on the Earth's surface, with 70.7&nbsp;°C recorded in 2005.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 November 2009 |title=The 5 Hottest Deserts in the World |url=https://www.mapquest.com/travel/survival/wilderness/5-hottest-deserts-on-earth.htm |access-date=31 December 2023 |website=MapQuest Travel |language=en-us |archive-date=31 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231121804/https://www.mapquest.com/travel/survival/wilderness/5-hottest-deserts-on-earth.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=5 April 2012 |title=Where Is the Hottest Place on Earth? |url=https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/features/HottestSpot |access-date=31 December 2023 |website=earthobservatory.nasa.gov |language=en |archive-date=3 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103173321/https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/features/HottestSpot |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=22 February 2017 |title=The hottest place on earth Secret Compass |url=https://secretcompass.com/ten-things-you-didnt-know-about-iran-lut-desert-gallery-video/ |access-date=31 December 2023 |language=en-GB |archive-date=31 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231121805/https://secretcompass.com/ten-things-you-didnt-know-about-iran-lut-desert-gallery-video/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sand-boarding.com |date=10 August 2023 |title=The Hottest Deserts on Earth Are Too Hot to Handle |url=https://sand-boarding.com/hottest-deserts-in-the-world/ |access-date=31 December 2023 |website=Surf the Sand |language=en-US |archive-date=31 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231121804/https://sand-boarding.com/hottest-deserts-in-the-world/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The only large ]s are found along the coast of the Caspian and at the north end of the Persian Gulf, where the country borders the mouth of the ]. Smaller, discontinuous plains are found along the remaining coast of the Persian Gulf, the ], and Gulf of Oman.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Geography {{!}} Iranian Student Organization (IrSO) {{!}} Nebraska |url=https://www.unl.edu/irso/geography |access-date=28 January 2024 |website=unl.edu |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128122610/https://www.unl.edu/irso/geography |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=IRAN TODAY Geography... |url=https://www.allventure.com/en/impressions/iran-today/geography.html |access-date=28 January 2024 |website=allventure.com |language=en-gb |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128122610/https://www.allventure.com/en/impressions/iran-today/geography.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran ecotourism {{!}} Iran Ecotour guide training course |url=https://arasbaran.org/en/news.cfm?id=680 |access-date=28 January 2024 |website=arasbaran.org |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128122612/https://arasbaran.org/en/news.cfm?id=680 |url-status=live }}</ref>


=== Islands === === Islands ===
{{Main|List of islands of Iran}} {{Main|List of islands of Iran}}
], ]]]
Iranian islands are mainly located in the ]. Iran has 102 islands in ], 427 in ], several in ], ] in the ], Sheytan Island in the ] and several other inland islands. Iran also has an uninhabited island at the far end of the ], near the ]. A small number of Iranian islands can be visited by tourists, as most are in the possession of the military or wildlife protection, and entry to them is generally prohibited or requires a permit.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran Islands Tours, Top 10 Islands You Must See in Iran – Iran Travel Information |url=https://persiaplanet.com/top-iran-islands-tour/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |language=en-US |archive-date=13 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213065104/https://persiaplanet.com/top-iran-islands-tour/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Motamedi |first=Maziar |title=Iran's IRGC runs military drills on disputed islands claimed by UAE |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/2/irans-irgc-runs-military-drills-on-disputed-islands-claimed-by-uae |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128122609/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/2/irans-irgc-runs-military-drills-on-disputed-islands-claimed-by-uae |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-02 |title=Iran's Revolutionary Guard Runs Drill on Disputed Islands in Persian Gulf |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/iran-s-revolutionary-guard-runs-drill-on-disputed-islands-in-persian-gulf/7209101.html |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Voice of America |language=en |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128122609/https://www.voanews.com/a/iran-s-revolutionary-guard-runs-drill-on-disputed-islands-in-persian-gulf/7209101.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Iranian islands are mainly located in the Persian Gulf. Iran has 102 islands in ], 427 in ], several in ], ] in the ], Sheytan Island in the ] and other inland islands. Iran has an uninhabited island at the far end of the ], near Pakistan. A few islands can be visited by tourists. Most are owned by the military or used for wildlife protection, and entry is prohibited or requires a permit.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran Islands Tours, Top 10 Islands You Must See in Iran – Iran Travel Information |url=https://persiaplanet.com/top-iran-islands-tour/ |access-date=22 January 2024 |language=en-US |archive-date=13 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213065104/https://persiaplanet.com/top-iran-islands-tour/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Motamedi |first=Maziar |title=Iran's IRGC runs military drills on disputed islands claimed by UAE |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/2/irans-irgc-runs-military-drills-on-disputed-islands-claimed-by-uae |access-date=28 January 2024 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128122609/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/2/irans-irgc-runs-military-drills-on-disputed-islands-claimed-by-uae |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2 August 2023 |title=Iran's Revolutionary Guard Runs Drill on Disputed Islands in Persian Gulf |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/iran-s-revolutionary-guard-runs-drill-on-disputed-islands-in-persian-gulf/7209101.html |access-date=28 January 2024 |website=Voice of America |language=en |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128122609/https://www.voanews.com/a/iran-s-revolutionary-guard-runs-drill-on-disputed-islands-in-persian-gulf/7209101.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


] of ], and the ] in 1971, all located in the ] between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Despite the islands being small and having little natural resources or population, they are highly valuable for their key strategic location.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Strait of Hormuz - About the Strait |url=https://www.strausscenter.org/strait-of-hormuz-about-the-strait/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=The Strauss Center |language=en-US |archive-date=31 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231155936/https://www.strausscenter.org/strait-of-hormuz-about-the-strait/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Why is the Strait of Hormuz so strategically important? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2019/7/11/why-is-the-strait-of-hormuz-so-strategically-important |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=22 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122211454/https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2019/7/11/why-is-the-strait-of-hormuz-so-strategically-important |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |date=2019-07-23 |title=The Strait of Hormuz Is at the Center of Iran Tensions Again. Here's How the Narrow Waterway Gained Wide Importance |url=https://time.com/5632388/strait-of-hormuz-iran-tanker/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |magazine=TIME |language=en |archive-date=14 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214083050/https://time.com/5632388/strait-of-hormuz-iran-tanker/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-23 |title=Strait of Hormuz: the world's most important oil artery |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/strait-hormuz-worlds-most-important-oil-artery-2023-10-20/ |website=Routers |access-date=22 January 2024 |archive-date=5 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205175649/https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/strait-hormuz-worlds-most-important-oil-artery-2023-10-20/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Strait of Hormuz is the world's most important oil transit chokepoint - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) |url=https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=42338 |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=www.eia.gov |archive-date=22 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122211456/https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=42338 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=National |first=The |date=2019-06-17 |title=Why is the Strait of Hormuz the most important oil tanker route? |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/why-is-the-strait-of-hormuz-the-most-important-oil-tanker-route-1.875169 |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=The National |language=en |archive-date=22 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122211455/https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/why-is-the-strait-of-hormuz-the-most-important-oil-tanker-route-1.875169 |url-status=live }}</ref> Although the ] claims sovereignty over them,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-25 |title=UAE demands return of three islands seized by Iran |url=https://arab.news/zvpkr |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-09-26 |title=United Arab Emirates calls on Iran to take dispute over islands to UN court {{!}} UN News |url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2011/09/389112 |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=news.un.org |language=en |archive-date=22 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122211454/https://news.un.org/en/story/2011/09/389112 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=UAE official calls for international action to end "Iranian occupation" of disputed islands |url=https://www.mei.edu/publications/uae-official-calls-international-action-end-iranian-occupation-disputed-islands |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=Middle East Institute |language=en |archive-date=27 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727100431/https://www.mei.edu/publications/uae-official-calls-international-action-end-iranian-occupation-disputed-islands |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-10-18 |title=Iran-UAE Island Dispute Could Escalate |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/iran-uae-island-dispute-could-escalate/1528869.html |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=Voice of America |language=en |archive-date=22 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122211454/https://www.voanews.com/a/iran-uae-island-dispute-could-escalate/1528869.html |url-status=live }}</ref> it has constantly been met with strong response from the Iranian government,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-24 |title=Iran summons Russian envoy over statement on Persian Gulf disputed islands |url=https://apnews.com/article/iran-russia-diplomatic-spat-uae-islands-persian-gulf-8a5c0a577811c37869d79ce7b30ee62a |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=31 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231234933/https://apnews.com/article/iran-russia-diplomatic-spat-uae-islands-persian-gulf-8a5c0a577811c37869d79ce7b30ee62a |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Spokesman: Iran's Sovereignty over Three Persian Gulf Islands Undeniable {{!}} Farsnews Agency |url=https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/14020420000737/Spkesman-Iran%27s-Svereigny-ver-Three-Persian-Glf-Islands-Undeniable |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=www.farsnews.ir |archive-date=22 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122212150/https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/14020420000737/Spkesman-Iran%27s-Svereigny-ver-Three-Persian-Glf-Islands-Undeniable |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-25 |title=Tehran dismisses UAE claim to three Iranian islands |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/489390/Tehran-dismisses-UAE-claim-to-three-Iranian-islands |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=Tehran Times |language=en |archive-date=22 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122212151/https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/489390/Tehran-dismisses-UAE-claim-to-three-Iranian-islands |url-status=live }}</ref> based on their historical and cultural background.<ref>{{Cite web |title=UAE-Iran islands dispute complicates regional diplomacy {{!}} Responsible Statecraft |url=https://responsiblestatecraft.org/2023/08/09/uae-iran-islands-dispute-complicates-regional-diplomacy/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=responsiblestatecraft.org |language=en |archive-date=22 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122211454/https://responsiblestatecraft.org/2023/08/09/uae-iran-islands-dispute-complicates-regional-diplomacy/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Iran has control over the islands.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hormozgan province {{!}} Visit Iran |url=https://www.visitiran.ir/en/type/hormozgan-province |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=visitiran.ir |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128122609/https://www.visitiran.ir/en/type/hormozgan-province |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Hormozgan Cultural Heritage, Handcrafts & Tourism Organization |url=https://hchto.ir/en/pages/Abu-Musa |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Hormozgan Cultural Heritage, Handcrafts & Tourism Organization |language=en-US |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128122610/https://hchto.ir/en/pages/Abu-Musa |url-status=live }}</ref> ] of ], and the ] in 1971, in the ] between the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Despite the islands being small and having little natural resources or population, they are highly valuable for their strategic location.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Strait of Hormuz About the Strait |url=https://www.strausscenter.org/strait-of-hormuz-about-the-strait/ |access-date=22 January 2024 |website=The Strauss Center |language=en-US |archive-date=31 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231155936/https://www.strausscenter.org/strait-of-hormuz-about-the-strait/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Why is the Strait of Hormuz so strategically important? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2019/7/11/why-is-the-strait-of-hormuz-so-strategically-important |access-date=22 January 2024 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=22 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122211454/https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2019/7/11/why-is-the-strait-of-hormuz-so-strategically-important |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |date=23 July 2019 |title=The Strait of Hormuz Is at the Center of Iran Tensions Again. Here's How the Narrow Waterway Gained Wide Importance |url=https://time.com/5632388/strait-of-hormuz-iran-tanker/ |access-date=22 January 2024 |magazine=TIME |language=en |archive-date=14 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214083050/https://time.com/5632388/strait-of-hormuz-iran-tanker/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=23 January 2024 |title=Strait of Hormuz: the world's most important oil artery |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/strait-hormuz-worlds-most-important-oil-artery-2023-10-20/ |website=Routers |access-date=22 January 2024 |archive-date=5 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205175649/https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/strait-hormuz-worlds-most-important-oil-artery-2023-10-20/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Strait of Hormuz is the world's most important oil transit chokepoint U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) |url=https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=42338 |access-date=22 January 2024 |website=www.eia.gov |archive-date=22 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122211456/https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=42338 |url-status=live }}</ref> Although the ] claims sovereignty,<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 September 2022 |title=UAE demands return of three islands seized by Iran |url=https://arab.news/zvpkr |access-date=22 January 2024 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=26 September 2011 |title=United Arab Emirates calls on Iran to take dispute over islands to UN court {{!}} UN News |url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2011/09/389112 |access-date=22 January 2024 |website=news.un.org |language=en |archive-date=22 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122211454/https://news.un.org/en/story/2011/09/389112 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=UAE official calls for international action to end "Iranian occupation" of disputed islands |url=https://www.mei.edu/publications/uae-official-calls-international-action-end-iranian-occupation-disputed-islands |access-date=22 January 2024 |website=Middle East Institute |language=en |archive-date=27 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727100431/https://www.mei.edu/publications/uae-official-calls-international-action-end-iranian-occupation-disputed-islands |url-status=live }}</ref> it has consistently been met with a strong response from Iran,<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 December 2023 |title=Iran summons Russian envoy over statement on Persian Gulf disputed islands |url=https://apnews.com/article/iran-russia-diplomatic-spat-uae-islands-persian-gulf-8a5c0a577811c37869d79ce7b30ee62a |access-date=22 January 2024 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=31 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231234933/https://apnews.com/article/iran-russia-diplomatic-spat-uae-islands-persian-gulf-8a5c0a577811c37869d79ce7b30ee62a |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Spokesman: Iran's Sovereignty over Three Persian Gulf Islands Undeniable {{!}} Farsnews Agency |url=https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/14020420000737/Spkesman-Iran%27s-Svereigny-ver-Three-Persian-Glf-Islands-Undeniable |access-date=22 January 2024 |website=www.farsnews.ir |archive-date=22 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122212150/https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/14020420000737/Spkesman-Iran%27s-Svereigny-ver-Three-Persian-Glf-Islands-Undeniable |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=25 September 2023 |title=Tehran dismisses UAE claim to three Iranian islands |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/489390/Tehran-dismisses-UAE-claim-to-three-Iranian-islands |access-date=22 January 2024 |website=Tehran Times |language=en |archive-date=22 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122212151/https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/489390/Tehran-dismisses-UAE-claim-to-three-Iranian-islands |url-status=live }}</ref> based on their historical and cultural background.<ref>{{Cite web |title=UAE-Iran islands dispute complicates regional diplomacy {{!}} Responsible Statecraft |url=https://responsiblestatecraft.org/2023/08/09/uae-iran-islands-dispute-complicates-regional-diplomacy/ |access-date=22 January 2024 |website=responsiblestatecraft.org |language=en |archive-date=22 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122211454/https://responsiblestatecraft.org/2023/08/09/uae-iran-islands-dispute-complicates-regional-diplomacy/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Iran has full-control over the islands.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hormozgan Cultural Heritage, Handcrafts & Tourism Organization |url=https://hchto.ir/en/pages/Abu-Musa |access-date=28 January 2024 |website=Hormozgan Cultural Heritage, Handcrafts & Tourism Organization |language=en-US |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128122610/https://hchto.ir/en/pages/Abu-Musa |url-status=live }}</ref>


], as a ], is touted as a consumer's paradise, with numerous malls, shopping centres, tourist attractions, and luxury hotels. ] is the largest island in Iran, and a ] since 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-05-06 |title=Qeshm Island Geopark Becomes Global After Receiving UNESCO Green Card - Iran Front Page |url=https://ifpnews.com/qeshm-geopark-becomes-global-receiving-unesco-green-card/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=ifpnews.com |language=en-US |archive-date=2 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602124503/https://ifpnews.com/qeshm-geopark-becomes-global-receiving-unesco-green-card/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Qeshm island Geopark - Home |url=https://www.qeshmgeopark.ir/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=www.qeshmgeopark.ir |archive-date=4 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204101526/https://qeshmgeopark.ir/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Visit of Qeshm UNESCO Global Geopark |date=2021-08-12 |url=https://www.unesco.org/archives/multimedia/document-5401 |access-date=2024-01-22 |language=en |archive-date=27 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627224441/https://www.unesco.org/archives/multimedia/document-5401 |url-status=live }}</ref> Its salt cave, "Namakdan", is the largest salt cave in the world<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-13 |title=Namakdan Salt Cave: Qeshm's World-Famous Wonder {{!}}TAP Persia |url=https://www.tappersia.com/namakdan-salt-cave-qeshm/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |language=en-US |archive-date=2 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602125936/https://www.tappersia.com/namakdan-salt-cave-qeshm/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=www.sirang.com |first=Sirang Rasaneh |title=Namakdan Salt Cave 2024 {{!}} Qeshm Island, Hormozgan {{!}} Sights - ITTO |url=https://itto.org/iran/attraction/namakdan-salt-cave-qeshm-island/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=itto.org {{!}} Iran Tourism & Touring |archive-date=11 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211020949/https://itto.org/iran/attraction/namakdan-salt-cave-qeshm-island |url-status=live }}</ref> and one of the world's longest caves.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Namakdan Salt Cave {{!}} One of the Longest {{!}} Qeshm Attraction {{!}} Apochi.com |url=https://apochi.com/attractions/qeshm/namakdan-salt-cave/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=Apochi |language=en-US |archive-date=29 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129013820/https://apochi.com/attractions/qeshm/namakdan-salt-cave/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Namakdan Salt Cave |url=https://iugs-geoheritage.org/geoheritage_sites/namakdan-salt-dome/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=IUGS |language=en |archive-date=5 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005025434/https://iugs-geoheritage.org/geoheritage_sites/namakdan-salt-dome/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ], as a ], is touted as a consumer's paradise, with malls, shopping centres, tourist attractions, and luxury hotels. ] is the largest island in Iran, and a ] since 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 May 2017 |title=Qeshm Island Geopark Becomes Global After Receiving UNESCO Green Card Iran Front Page |url=https://ifpnews.com/qeshm-geopark-becomes-global-receiving-unesco-green-card/ |access-date=22 January 2024 |website=ifpnews.com |language=en-US |archive-date=2 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602124503/https://ifpnews.com/qeshm-geopark-becomes-global-receiving-unesco-green-card/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Qeshm island Geopark Home |url=https://www.qeshmgeopark.ir/ |access-date=22 January 2024 |website=www.qeshmgeopark.ir |archive-date=4 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204101526/https://qeshmgeopark.ir/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Visit of Qeshm UNESCO Global Geopark |date=12 August 2021 |url=https://www.unesco.org/archives/multimedia/document-5401 |access-date=22 January 2024 |language=en |archive-date=27 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627224441/https://www.unesco.org/archives/multimedia/document-5401 |url-status=live }}</ref> Its salt cave, Namakdan, is the largest in the world, and one of the world's longest caves.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Namakdan Salt Cave {{!}} One of the Longest {{!}} Qeshm Attraction {{!}} Apochi.com |url=https://apochi.com/attractions/qeshm/namakdan-salt-cave/ |access-date=22 January 2024 |website=Apochi |language=en-US |archive-date=29 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129013820/https://apochi.com/attractions/qeshm/namakdan-salt-cave/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Namakdan Salt Cave |url=https://iugs-geoheritage.org/geoheritage_sites/namakdan-salt-dome/ |access-date=22 January 2024 |website=IUGS |language=en |archive-date=5 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005025434/https://iugs-geoheritage.org/geoheritage_sites/namakdan-salt-dome/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=13 April 2023 |title=Namakdan Salt Cave: Qeshm's World-Famous Wonder {{!}}TAP Persia |url=https://www.tappersia.com/namakdan-salt-cave-qeshm/ |access-date=22 January 2024 |language=en-US |archive-date=2 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602125936/https://www.tappersia.com/namakdan-salt-cave-qeshm/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=www.sirang.com |first=Sirang Rasaneh |title=Namakdan Salt Cave 2024 {{!}} Qeshm Island, Hormozgan {{!}} Sights – ITTO |url=https://itto.org/iran/attraction/namakdan-salt-cave-qeshm-island/ |access-date=22 January 2024 |website=itto.org {{!}} Iran Tourism & Touring |archive-date=11 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211020949/https://itto.org/iran/attraction/namakdan-salt-cave-qeshm-island |url-status=live }}</ref>


=== Climate === === Climate ===
{{main|Climate of Iran}} {{main|Climate of Iran}}


] ]]]
Iran's climate is diverse, ranging from ] and ], to ] along the Caspian coast and the northern forests.<ref name="HaftlangLang2003">{{cite book|author1=Kiyanoosh Kiyani Haftlang|author2=Kiyānūsh Kiyānī Haft Lang|title=The Book of Iran: A Survey of the Geography of Iran|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Gecy7sqblqoC&pg=PA17|year=2003|publisher=Alhoda UK|isbn=978-964-94491-3-5|page=17}}</ref> On the northern edge of the country (the Caspian coastal plain), temperatures rarely fall below freezing and the area remains humid. Summer temperatures rarely exceed {{convert|29|°C|°F|1}}.<ref name="Nagarajan2010" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine-in-Iran |title=Weather and Climate: Iran, average monthly Rainfall, Sunshine, Temperature, Humidity, Wind Speed |newspaper=World Weather and Climate Information |access-date=29 November 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150922105410/https://weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine-in-Iran |archive-date=22 September 2015}}</ref> Annual precipitation is {{convert|680|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} in the eastern part of the plain and more than {{convert|1700|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} in the western part. Gary Lewis, the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Iran, has said that "] poses the most severe human security challenge in Iran today".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/farming-reforms-offer-hope-irans-water-crisis-131227395.html |title=Farming reforms offer hope for Iran's water crisis |last1=Moghtader |first1=Michelle |date=3 August 2014 |agency=Reuters |access-date=4 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140807031853/http://news.yahoo.com/farming-reforms-offer-hope-irans-water-crisis-131227395.html |archive-date=7 August 2014 }}</ref> Iran's climate is diverse, ranging from ] and ], to ] along the Caspian coast and northern forests.<ref name="HaftlangLang2003">{{cite book|author1=Kiyanoosh Kiyani Haftlang|author2=Kiyānūsh Kiyānī Haft Lang|title=The Book of Iran: A Survey of the Geography of Iran|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Gecy7sqblqoC&pg=PA17|year=2003|publisher=Alhoda UK|isbn=978-964-94491-3-5|page=17}}</ref> On the north edge of the country, temperatures rarely fall below freezing and the area remains humid. Summer temperatures rarely exceed {{convert|29|°C|°F|1}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine-in-Iran |title=Weather and Climate: Iran, average monthly Rainfall, Sunshine, Temperature, Humidity, Wind Speed |newspaper=World Weather and Climate Information |access-date=29 November 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150922105410/https://weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine-in-Iran |archive-date=22 September 2015}}</ref> Annual precipitation is {{convert|680|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} in the east part of the plain and more than {{convert|1700|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} in the west part. The UN Resident Coordinator for Iran, has said that "] poses the most severe human security challenge in Iran today".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/farming-reforms-offer-hope-irans-water-crisis-131227395.html |title=Farming reforms offer hope for Iran's water crisis |last1=Moghtader |first1=Michelle |date=3 August 2014 |agency=Reuters |access-date=4 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140807031853/http://news.yahoo.com/farming-reforms-offer-hope-irans-water-crisis-131227395.html |archive-date=7 August 2014 }}</ref>


To the west, settlements in the Zagros basin experience lower temperatures, severe winters with freezing average daily temperatures and heavy snowfall. The eastern and central basins are arid, with less than {{convert|200|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} of rain and have occasional deserts.<ref name="Nicholson2011">{{cite book|author=Sharon E. Nicholson|title=Dryland Climatology|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fqussIGJ0NcC&pg=PA367|year=2011|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-1-139-50024-1|page=367}}</ref> Average summer temperatures rarely exceed {{convert|38|°C|1}}.<ref name="Nagarajan2010">{{cite book|author=R. Nagarajan|title=Drought Assessment|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x1505bxl0EkC&pg=PA383|year=2010|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|isbn=978-90-481-2500-5|page=383}}</ref> The southern coastal plains of the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman have mild winters, and very humid and hot summers. The annual precipitation ranges from {{convert|135|to|355|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Nagarajan2010" /> To the west, settlements in the Zagros basin experience lower temperatures, severe winters with freezing average daily temperatures and heavy snowfall. The east and central basins are arid, with less than {{convert|200|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} of rain and have occasional deserts.<ref name="Nicholson2011">{{cite book|author=Sharon E. Nicholson|title=Dryland Climatology|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fqussIGJ0NcC&pg=PA367|year=2011|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-1-139-50024-1|page=367}}</ref> Average summer temperatures rarely exceed {{convert|38|°C|1}}. The southern coastal plains of the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman have mild winters, and very humid and hot summers. The annual precipitation ranges from {{convert|135|to|355|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Nagarajan2010">{{cite book |author=R. Nagarajan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x1505bxl0EkC&pg=PA383 |title=Drought Assessment |publisher=Springer Science & Business Media |year=2010 |isbn=978-90-481-2500-5 |page=383}}</ref>


=== Wildlife === === Biodiversity ===
{{See also|Wildlife of Iran|List of national parks and protected areas of Iran}} {{See also|Wildlife of Iran|List of national parks and protected areas of Iran|Forests of Iran}}
], native to the ]]] ], native to the ]]]
More than one-tenth of the country is ]ed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iranian Journal of Forest – 4th National Forest Conference of Iran |url=https://www.ijf-isaforestry.ir/news?newsCode=1782&lang=en |access-date=8 May 2024 |website=www.ijf-isaforestry.ir |archive-date=8 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508112629/https://www.ijf-isaforestry.ir/news?newsCode=1782&lang=en |url-status=live }}</ref> About 120 million hectares of forests and fields are government-owned for national exploitation.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Kernan |first=Henry S. |date=1957 |title=Forest Management in Iran |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/4322899 |journal=Middle East Journal |volume=11 |issue=2 |pages=198–202 |jstor=4322899 |issn=0026-3141 |access-date=8 May 2024 |archive-date=8 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508112629/https://www.jstor.org/stable/4322899 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Sotoudeh Foumani |first1=B. |last2=Rostami Shahraji |first2=T. |last3=Mohammadi Limaei |first3=S. |date=1 June 2017 |title=Role of political power in forest administration policy of Iran |url=https://cjes.guilan.ac.ir/article_2374.html |journal=Caspian Journal of Environmental Sciences |language=en |volume=15 |issue=2 |pages=181–199 |doi=10.22124/cjes.2017.2374 |issn=1735-3033 |access-date=8 May 2024 |archive-date=8 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508112630/https://cjes.guilan.ac.ir/article_2374.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Iran's forests can be divided into five vegetation regions: ] which forms the green belt of the north side of the country; the ] region, which are mainly scattered in the centre of Iran; ], which mainly contains oak forests in the west; the ], which is scattered in the southern coastal belt; the ], which contains rare and unique species. More than 8,200 ] species are grown. The land covered by natural flora is four times that of Europe's.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran Wildlife and Nature – including flora and fauna and their natural habitats. |url=http://www.aitotours.com/aboutiran/20/wildlife---nature/default.aspx |access-date=5 May 2024 |website=www.aitotours.com |archive-date=5 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505152636/http://www.aitotours.com/aboutiran/20/wildlife---nature/default.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> There are over 200 protected areas to preserve biodiversity and wildlife, with over 30 being ]s.
The wildlife of Iran includes ]s, the ], ]s, ]s, ]es, ]s, ], ], ], and ].<ref name="Fast2005">{{cite book|author=April Fast|title=Iran: The Land|url=https://archive.org/details/iranland0000fast|url-access=registration|year=2005|publisher=Crabtree Publishing Company|isbn=978-0-7787-9315-1|page=}}</ref><ref name="Firouz2005">{{cite book|author=Eskandar Firouz|title=The Complete Fauna of Iran|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t2EZCScFXloC&pg=PP1|year=2005|publisher=I.B. Tauris|isbn=978-1-85043-946-2}}</ref> ]s, ]s, ]s, ]s, and ]s are also native to Iran. One of the most famous animals of Iran is the critically endangered ] (''Acinonyx jubatus venaticus''), which today survives only in Iran. Iran lost all its ]s and the now extinct ]s by the early 20th century.<ref>{{cite book | author=Guggisberg, C.A.W. |year=1961 |title= Simba: The Life of the Lion | publisher=Howard Timmins, Cape Town}}</ref>


Iran's living fauna includes 34 ] species, ], ], ], ], ]es, ], ], ], ] and ]. ] species include ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name="Fast2005">{{cite book|author=April Fast|title=Iran: The Land|url=https://archive.org/details/iranland0000fast|url-access=registration|year=2005|publisher=Crabtree Publishing Company|isbn=978-0-7787-9315-1|page=}}</ref><ref name="Firouz2005">{{cite book|author=Eskandar Firouz|title=The Complete Fauna of Iran|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t2EZCScFXloC&pg=PP1|year=2005|publisher=I.B. Tauris|isbn=978-1-85043-946-2}}</ref> One of the most famous animals is the critically endangered ], which survives only in Iran. Iran lost all its ]s and the extinct ]s by the early 20th century.<ref>{{cite book | author=Guggisberg, C.A.W. |year=1961 |title= Simba: The Life of the Lion | publisher=Howard Timmins, Cape Town}}</ref> Domestic ungulates are represented by ], ], ], ], ], ] and ]. Bird species like ], ], ], ]s and ]s are native.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Firouz |first=Eskander |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t2EZCScFXloC&pg=PP1 |title=The Complete Fauna of Iran |date=14 October 2005 |publisher=Bloomsbury Academic |isbn=978-1-85043-946-2 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Humphreys |first1=Patrick |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=esV0hccod0kC&pg=PP1 |title=The Lion and the Gazelle: The Mammals and Birds of Iran |last2=Kahrom |first2=Esmail |date=31 December 1997 |publisher=Bloomsbury Academic |isbn=978-1-86064-229-6 |language=en}}</ref>
There are around 200 protected areas in Iran to preserve the biodiversity and wildlife of the country, and as many as 16 of them are ]s.


== Government and politics ==
{{anchor|Provinces and cities|Regions, provinces and cities|Subdivisions|Administrative divisions}}
{{Main|Government of Iran|Politics of Iran}}


=== Administrative divisions === === Supreme Leader ===
{{multiple image
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The ], "Rahbar", Leader of the Revolution or Supreme Leadership Authority, is the ] and responsible for supervision of policy. The president has limited power compared to the Rahbar. Key ministers are selected with the Rahbar's agreement and they have the ultimate say on foreign policy.<ref name="reuters.com">{{cite news |date=8 January 2018 |title=In jab at rivals, Rouhani says Iran protests about more than economy |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-rallies-rouhani/in-jab-at-hardliners-rouhani-says-iran-protests-were-not-only-economic-idUSKBN1EX0S9 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113092651/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-rallies-rouhani/in-jab-at-hardliners-rouhani-says-iran-protests-were-not-only-economic-idUSKBN1EX0S9 |archive-date=13 January 2018 |access-date=1 February 2018 |newspaper=Reuters}}</ref> The Rahbar is directly involved in ministerial appointments for Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Affairs, as well as other top ministries after submission of candidates from the president.
{{Main|Regions of Iran|Provinces of Iran|Counties of Iran}}
{{See also|List of cities in Iran by province}}
]
Iran is divided into ] with ] ({{lang|fa-Latn|ostān}}, {{lang|fa|استان}}),<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 June 2014 |script-title=fa:همشهری آنلاین-استان‌های کشور به ۵ منطقه تقسیم شدند |trans-title=Provinces were divided into five regions |language=fa |newspaper=Hamshahri Online |url=http://www.hamshahrionline.ir/details/263382/Iran/-provinces |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140623191332/http://www.hamshahrionline.ir/details/263382/Iran/-provinces |archive-date=23 June 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> each governed by an appointed governor. The provinces are divided into ], and subdivided into ] and sub-districts.


Regional policy is directly controlled by the Rahbar, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' task limited to protocol and ceremonial occasions. Ambassadors to Arab countries, for example, are chosen by the ], which directly reports to the Rahbar.<ref name="english.aawsat.com">{{cite web |last=Al-awsat |first=Asharq |date=25 September 2017 |title=Khamenei Orders New Supervisory Body to Curtail Government – ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive |url=https://english.aawsat.com/amir-taheri/features/khamenei-orders-new-supervisory-body-curtail-government |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010083335/https://english.aawsat.com/amir-taheri/features/khamenei-orders-new-supervisory-body-curtail-government |archive-date=10 October 2017 |access-date=23 October 2017}}</ref> The Rahbar can order laws to be amended.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/12/iran-retirement-law-reemployment-retirees-khamenei-order.html |title=Khamenei orders controversial retirement law amended |work=Al-Monitor |date=5 December 2018 |access-date=12 December 2018 |archive-date=7 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207154816/https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/12/iran-retirement-law-reemployment-retirees-khamenei-order.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ] was estimated at $95&nbsp;billion in 2013 by Reuters, accounts of which are secret even to the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/investigates/iran/|title=Reuters Investigates – Assets of the Ayatollah|website=Reuters|date=11 November 2013|access-date=8 January 2018|archive-date=12 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112231535/http://www.reuters.com/investigates/iran/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="SetadWins">{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-setad-sanctions-exclusive/exclusive-khameneis-business-empire-gains-from-iran-sanctions-relief-idUSBREA0L1CO20140122|title=Exclusive: Khamenei's business empire gains from Iran sanctions relief|work=Reuters|author=Steve Stecklow, Babak Dehghanpisheh|date=22 January 2014|access-date=14 January 2018|archive-date=15 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115124809/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-setad-sanctions-exclusive/exclusive-khameneis-business-empire-gains-from-iran-sanctions-relief-idUSBREA0L1CO20140122|url-status=live}}</ref>
The country has one of the highest urban growth rates in the world. From 1950 to 2002, the urban proportion of the population increased from 27% to 60%.<ref name="payvand2">{{cite web |url=http://www.payvand.com/news/03/nov/1135.html |title=Iran: Focus on reverse migration |work=Payvand |access-date=17 April 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060326185508/http://www.payvand.com/news/03/nov/1135.html |archive-date=26 March 2006}}</ref> Iran's population is concentrated in its western half, especially in the north, north-west and west.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Population distribution – The World Factbook |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/archives/2021/field/population-distribution/ |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=cia.gov |archive-date=6 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006203129/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/archives/2021/field/population-distribution/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


The Rahbar is the ] of the ], controls military intelligence and security operations, and has sole power to declare war or peace. The heads of the judiciary, state radio and television networks, commanders of the police and military, and the members of the ] are all appointed by the Rahbar.
Tehran, with a population of around 8.8&nbsp;million (2016 census), is Iran's capital and largest city. The country's second most populous city, ], has a population of around 3.3&nbsp;million (2016 census), and is capital of the province of ]. ] has a population of around 2.2&nbsp;million (2016 census) and is Iran's third most populous city. It is the capital of ] and was also the third capital of the ].
{{Largest cities of Iran|class=info}}


The ] is responsible for electing the Rahbar, and has the power to dismiss him on the basis of qualifications and popular esteem.<ref name="loc">{{cite web |url=http://countrystudies.us/iran/81.htm |title=Iran – The Constitution |first=Library of Congress |last=Federal Research Division |access-date=14 April 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060923063550/http://countrystudies.us/iran/81.htm |archive-date=23 September 2006}}</ref> To date, the Assembly of Experts has not challenged any of the Rahbar's decisions nor attempted to dismiss him. The previous head of the judicial system, ], appointed by the Rahbar, said that it is illegal for the Assembly of Experts to supervise the Rahbar.<ref name="Al-awsat">{{cite web|url=http://english.aawsat.com/2015/12/article55345842/55345842 |title=Controversy in Iran Surrounding the Supervision of the Supreme Leader's Performance – ASHARQ AL-AWSAT |first=Asharq |last=Al-awsat |date=15 December 2015 |access-date=1 July 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625141325/http://english.aawsat.com/2015/12/article55345842/55345842 |archive-date=25 June 2016}}</ref> Many believe the Assembly of Experts has become a ceremonial body without any real power.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2016/02/iran-parliamentary-elections-assembly-of-experts/470580/ |title=Myths and Realities of Iran's Parliamentary Elections |magazine=The Atlantic |date=23 February 2016 |access-date=26 February 2017 |archive-date=16 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216170320/https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2016/02/iran-parliamentary-elections-assembly-of-experts/470580/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/anomalies-and-results-from-irans-assembly-of-experts-election |title=Anomalies in Iran's Assembly of Experts Election – The Washington Institute for Near East Policy |website=Washingtoninstitute.org |date=22 March 2016 |access-date=26 February 2017 |archive-date=17 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817025352/http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/anomalies-and-results-from-irans-assembly-of-experts-election |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Majid Rafizadeh |title=Why Khamenei wants the next Supreme Leader to be 'revolutionary' |website=AlArabiya News |date=24 June 2016 |url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/views/news/middle-east/2016/06/24/Why-Khamenei-wants-the-next-Supreme-Leader-to-be-revolutionary-.html |access-date=4 October 2022 |archive-date=4 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204170310/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/views/news/middle-east/2016/06/24/Why-Khamenei-wants-the-next-Supreme-Leader-to-be-revolutionary-.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Government and politics ==
{{Main|Politics of Iran|Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran}}


The political system is based on the ].<ref name="servcons">{{cite web |url=http://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/ir00000_.html |title=Constitution of Iran |publisher=] |location=Switzerland |access-date=2 April 2016 |archive-date=21 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821093931/http://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/ir00000_.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Iran ranked 154th in the 2022 '']''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023 |title=Democracy Index 2022: Frontline democracy and the battle for Ukraine |url=https://pages.eiu.com/rs/753-RIQ-438/images/DI-final-version-report.pdf |website=] |page= |language=en-GB |access-date=25 May 2023 |archive-date=30 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330123307/https://pages.eiu.com/rs/753-RIQ-438/images/DI-final-version-report.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> ] wrote in 2000 that "the Iranian regime combines the ideological bent of ] with the limited pluralism of ]".<ref>Juan José Linz, '' {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726124833/https://books.google.com/books?id=8cYk_ABfMJIC&pg=PA36|date=2020-07-26}}'' (Lynne Rienner, 2000), p. 36.</ref>
=== Supreme Leader ===
], the ], meeting with his counterpart, China's ]]]


=== President ===
The Supreme Leader ("Rahbar"), or ]<ref name="politicalsystem">{{cite web |script-title=fa:قانون اساسی جمهوری اسلامی ایران |url=http://fa.wikisource.org/قانون_اساسی_جمهوری_اسلامی_ایران |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080410011625/http://fa.wikisource.org/%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%88%D9%86_%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%B3%DB%8C_%D8%AC%D9%85%D9%87%D9%88%D8%B1%DB%8C_%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85%DB%8C_%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86 |archive-date=10 April 2008 |access-date=23 January 2008 |language=fa}}</ref> is the head of state and is responsible for delineation and supervision of policy.<ref name="leader">{{cite web|url=http://www.leader.ir/langs/en/index.php?p=leader_law |title=Leadership in the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran |publisher=Leader.ir |access-date=21 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130612094341/http://www.leader.ir/langs/en/index.php?p=leader_law |archive-date=12 June 2013}}</ref> The Iranian president has limited power compared to the Rahbar Khamenei.<ref name="reuters.com">{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-rallies-rouhani/in-jab-at-hardliners-rouhani-says-iran-protests-were-not-only-economic-idUSKBN1EX0S9|title=In jab at rivals, Rouhani says Iran protests about more than economy|date=8 January 2018|newspaper=Reuters|access-date=1 February 2018|archive-date=13 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113092651/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-rallies-rouhani/in-jab-at-hardliners-rouhani-says-iran-protests-were-not-only-economic-idUSKBN1EX0S9|url-status=live}}</ref> The current longtime Rahbar is ].<ref name="english.aawsat.com">{{cite web|url=https://english.aawsat.com/amir-taheri/features/khamenei-orders-new-supervisory-body-curtail-government|title=Khamenei Orders New Supervisory Body to Curtail Government – ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive|first=Asharq|last=Al-awsat|date=25 September 2017|access-date=23 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010083335/https://english.aawsat.com/amir-taheri/features/khamenei-orders-new-supervisory-body-curtail-government|archive-date=10 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="al-monitor.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/11/iran-green-climate-change-khamenei.html|title=Khamenei says Iran must go green – Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East|work=Al-Monitor|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222135539/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/11/iran-green-climate-change-khamenei.html|archive-date=22 December 2015}}</ref><ref name="irpop" /> Key ministers are selected with the Rahbar's agreement and he has the ultimate say on Iran's foreign policy.<ref name="reuters.com" /> The Rahbar is directly involved in ministerial appointments for Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Affairs, as well as other top ministries after submission of candidates from the president.<ref name="MagriPerteghella2017">{{cite book|author1=Paolo Magri|author2=Annalisa Perteghella|title=Post-Vote Iran: Giving engagement a chance|url=https://boioks.google.com/books?id=Reg4DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA58|year=2017|publisher=Ledizioni|isbn=978-88-6705-653-8|pages=58–61}}{{dead link|date=January 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Iran's regional policy is directly controlled by the office of the Rahbar with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' task limited to protocol and ceremonial occasions. All of Iran's ambassadors to Arab countries, for example, are chosen by the Quds Corps, which directly reports to the Rahbar.<ref name="english.aawsat.com" /> The Rahbar can also order laws to be amended.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/12/iran-retirement-law-reemployment-retirees-khamenei-order.html |title=Khamenei orders controversial retirement law amended |work=Al-Monitor |date=5 December 2018 |access-date=12 December 2018 |archive-date=7 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207154816/https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/12/iran-retirement-law-reemployment-retirees-khamenei-order.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ] is estimated at $95&nbsp;billion in 2013 by Reuters, accounts of which are secret even to the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/investigates/iran/|title=Reuters Investigates – Assets of the Ayatollah|website=Reuters|date=11 November 2013|access-date=8 January 2018|archive-date=12 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112231535/http://www.reuters.com/investigates/iran/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=SetadWins>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-setad-sanctions-exclusive/exclusive-khameneis-business-empire-gains-from-iran-sanctions-relief-idUSBREA0L1CO20140122|title=Exclusive: Khamenei's business empire gains from Iran sanctions relief|work=Reuters|author=Steve Stecklow, Babak Dehghanpisheh|date=22 January 2014|access-date=14 January 2018|archive-date=15 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115124809/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-setad-sanctions-exclusive/exclusive-khameneis-business-empire-gains-from-iran-sanctions-relief-idUSBREA0L1CO20140122|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{Main|President of Iran}}
] palace (]), the cabinet's meeting place, and ]'s office]]
The ] is ] and the second highest-ranking authority, after the Supreme Leader. The President is elected by ] for 4 years. Before ], nominees to become a presidential candidate must be approved by the ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-09 |title=Council of Guardians {{!}} Definition, Role, Selection, & History {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Council-of-Guardians |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref> The Council's members are chosen by the Leader, with the Leader having the power to dismiss the president.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gladstone |first1=Rick |title=Is Iran's Supreme Leader Truly Supreme? Yes, but President Is No Mere Figurehead |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/05/world/middleeast/iran-president-ebrahim-raisi.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/05/world/middleeast/iran-president-ebrahim-raisi.html |archive-date=28 December 2021 |url-access=limited |access-date=27 September 2021 |work=The New York Times |date=5 August 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The President can only be re-elected for one term.<ref name="photius">{{cite web |title=Iran The Presidency |url=http://www.photius.com/countries/iran/government/iran_government_the_presidency.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080622094238/http://www.photius.com/countries/iran/government/iran_government_the_presidency.html |archive-date=22 June 2008 |access-date=18 June 2011 |publisher=Photius.com}}</ref> The president is the deputy ] of the ], the head of ], and has the power to declare a ] after passage by the parliament.


The President is responsible for the implementation of the constitution, and for the exercise of executive powers in implementing the decrees and general policies as outlined by the Rahbar, except for matters directly related to the Rahbar, who has the final say.<ref name="leader">{{cite web |title=Leadership in the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran |url=http://www.leader.ir/langs/en/index.php?p=leader_law |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130612094341/http://www.leader.ir/langs/en/index.php?p=leader_law |archive-date=12 June 2013 |access-date=21 June 2013 |publisher=Leader.ir}}</ref> The President functions as the executive of affairs such as signing treaties and other international agreements, and administering national planning, budget, and state employment affairs, all as approved by the Rahbar.<ref name="Middle East Eye">{{cite web |title=Iran's Khamenei hits out at Rafsanjani in rare public rebuke |url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/khamenei-lashes-out-rafsanjani-and-rouhani-rare-iran-public-spat-1261460510 |work=Middle East Eye |access-date=3 June 2017 |archive-date=4 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404031405/http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/khamenei-lashes-out-rafsanjani-and-rouhani-rare-iran-public-spat-1261460510 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="en.iranwire.com">{{cite web |title=Asking for a Miracle: Khamenei's Economic Plan |url=https://iranwire.com/en/features/273 |website=IranWire &#124; خانه |access-date=22 October 2019 |archive-date=22 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022043451/https://iranwire.com/en/features/273 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The Rahbar is the ] of the ], controls the military intelligence and security operations, and has sole power to declare war or peace.<ref name="leader" /> The heads of the judiciary, the state radio and television networks, the commanders of the police and military forces, and six of the twelve members of the ] are directly appointed by the Rahbar.<ref name="leader" />


The President appoints ministers, subject to the approval of the Parliament, and the Rahbar, who can dismiss or reinstate any minister.<ref name="stalbertgazette.com">{{Cite news|url=http://www.stalbertgazette.com/article/GB/20110420/CP01/304209937/-1/sag0806/iranian-lawmakers-warn-ahmadinejad-to-back-intelligence-chief-as|title=Iranian lawmakers warn Ahmadinejad to accept intelligence chief as political feud deepens|work=CP|access-date=21 May 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808034040/http://www.stalbertgazette.com/article/GB/20110420/CP01/304209937/-1/sag0806/iranian-lawmakers-warn-ahmadinejad-to-back-intelligence-chief-as|archive-date=8 August 2017}}</ref><ref name="news.bbc.co.uk">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8168202.stm|title=BBC NEWS – Middle East – Iranian vice-president 'sacked'|date=25 July 2009|publisher=BBC|access-date=26 July 2016|archive-date=3 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003041952/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8168202.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Amir Saeed Vakil, Pouryya Askary|title=constitution in now law like order|date=2004|page=362}}</ref> The President supervises the ], coordinates government decisions, and selects government policies to be placed before the legislature.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://countrystudies.us/iran/84.htm |title=Iran – The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers |publisher=Countrystudies.us |access-date=18 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520124905/http://countrystudies.us/iran/84.htm |archive-date=20 May 2011}}</ref> Eight Vice Presidents serve under the President, as well as a cabinet of 22 ministers, all appointed by the president.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iranchamber.com/government/articles/structure_of_power.php |title=The Structure of Power in Iran |publisher=Iranchamber.com |date=24 June 2005 |access-date=18 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605074610/http://www.iranchamber.com/government/articles/structure_of_power.php |archive-date=5 June 2011}}</ref>
The ] is responsible for electing the Rahbar, and has the power to dismiss him on the basis of qualifications and popular esteem.<ref name="loc">{{cite web |url=http://countrystudies.us/iran/81.htm |title=Iran – The Constitution |first=Library of Congress |last=Federal Research Division |access-date=14 April 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060923063550/http://countrystudies.us/iran/81.htm |archive-date=23 September 2006}}</ref> To date, the Assembly of Experts has not challenged any of the Rahbar's decisions nor attempted to dismiss him.<ref name="Judiciary" /> The previous head of the judicial system, ], appointed by the Rahbar, said that it is illegal for the Assembly of Experts to supervise the Rahbar.<ref name="Al-awsat">{{cite web|url=http://english.aawsat.com/2015/12/article55345842/55345842 |title=Controversy in Iran Surrounding the Supervision of the Supreme Leader's Performance – ASHARQ AL-AWSAT |first=Asharq |last=Al-awsat |date=15 December 2015 |access-date=1 July 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625141325/http://english.aawsat.com/2015/12/article55345842/55345842 |archive-date=25 June 2016}}</ref> Many believe the Assembly of Experts has become a ceremonial body without any real power.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2016/02/iran-parliamentary-elections-assembly-of-experts/470580/ |title=Myths and Realities of Iran's Parliamentary Elections |magazine=The Atlantic |date=23 February 2016 |access-date=26 February 2017 |archive-date=16 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216170320/https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2016/02/iran-parliamentary-elections-assembly-of-experts/470580/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/anomalies-and-results-from-irans-assembly-of-experts-election |title=Anomalies in Iran's Assembly of Experts Election – The Washington Institute for Near East Policy |website=Washingtoninstitute.org |date=22 March 2016 |access-date=26 February 2017 |archive-date=17 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817025352/http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/anomalies-and-results-from-irans-assembly-of-experts-election |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Majid Rafizadeh |title=Why Khamenei wants the next Supreme Leader to be 'revolutionary' |website=AlArabiya News |date=24 June 2016 |url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/views/news/middle-east/2016/06/24/Why-Khamenei-wants-the-next-Supreme-Leader-to-be-revolutionary-.html |access-date=2022-10-04 |archive-date=4 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204170310/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/views/news/middle-east/2016/06/24/Why-Khamenei-wants-the-next-Supreme-Leader-to-be-revolutionary-.html |url-status=live }}</ref> There have been instances when the current Rahbar publicly criticised members of the Assembly of Experts, resulting in their arrest and dismissal.


=== Guardian Council === === Guardian Council ===
{{Main|Guardian Council}} {{Main|Guardian Council}}
Presidential candidates and parliamentary candidates must be approved by the ] (all members of which are directly or indirectly appointed by the Leader) or the Leader before running to ensure their allegiance.<ref>{{cite book|author=Chibli Mallat|title=The Renewal of Islamic Law: Muhammad Baqer As-Sadr, Najaf and the Shi'i International|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5oB4_tohQegC|access-date=21 June 2013|date=2004|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-0-521-53122-1}}</ref> The Leader very rarely does the vetting himself directly but has the power to do so, in which case additional approval of the Guardian Council would not be needed. The Leader can also revert the decisions of the Guardian Council.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2005/may/24/iran|title=Iran reverses ban on reformist candidates|author=<!--Not stated.--> and agencies|date=24 May 2005|website=The Guardian|access-date=10 August 2017|archive-date=21 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221144045/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2005/may/24/iran|url-status=live}}</ref> The Guardian Council can and has dismissed elected members of the Iranian parliament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/15/iran-bars-female-mp-for-shaking-hands-with-unrelated-man|title=Iran bars female MP for 'shaking hands with unrelated man'|first=Saeed Kamali|last=Dehghan|date=15 April 2016|website=The Guardian|access-date=10 August 2017|archive-date=11 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811010404/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/15/iran-bars-female-mp-for-shaking-hands-with-unrelated-man|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tehrantimes.com/news/402544/Minoo-Khaleghi-summoned-to-court|title=Minoo Khaleghi summoned to court|date=15 May 2016|access-date=10 August 2017|archive-date=11 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811010436/http://www.tehrantimes.com/news/402544/Minoo-Khaleghi-summoned-to-court|url-status=live}}</ref> Presidential and parliamentary candidates must be approved by the 12-member ] (all members of which are appointed by the Leader) or the Leader, before running to ensure their allegiance.<ref>{{cite book |author=Chibli Mallat |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5oB4_tohQegC |title=The Renewal of Islamic Law: Muhammad Baqer As-Sadr, Najaf and the Shi'i International |date=2004 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-53122-1 |access-date=21 June 2013}}</ref> The Leader rarely does the vetting, but has the power to do so, in which case additional approval of the Guardian Council is not needed. The Leader can revert the decisions of the Guardian Council.<ref>{{cite web |author=<!--Not stated.--> and agencies |date=24 May 2005 |title=Iran reverses ban on reformist candidates |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2005/may/24/iran |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221144045/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2005/may/24/iran |archive-date=21 December 2016 |access-date=10 August 2017 |website=The Guardian}}</ref>


The constitution gives the council three mandates: veto power over legislation passed by the ],<ref>Article 98 of the constitution</ref><ref>Articles 96 and 94 of the constitution.</ref> supervision of elections<ref name="IDP">{{cite web |title=THE GUARDIAN COUNCIL |url=https://irandataportal.syr.edu/the-guardian-council |access-date=7 September 2022 |website=Iran Data Portal. Political Institutions |archive-date=19 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519124159/https://irandataportal.syr.edu/the-guardian-council |url-status=live }}</ref> and approving or disqualifying candidates seeking to run in local, parliamentary, presidential, or Assembly of Experts elections.<ref name="Article 99 of the constitution">Article 99 of the constitution</ref> The council can nullify a law based on two accounts: being against ] (Islamic law), or being against the constitution.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061209085520/http://mellat.majlis.ir/archive/constitution/english.htm|date=9 December 2006}}</ref>
=== President ===
{{Main|President of Iran}}
], with Russian President ], and Turkish President ] at the ] in ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=RFE/RL |title=Putin Holds Meetings In Tehran With Iranian, Turkish Leaders |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-turkey-grain-ukraine/31948916.html |access-date=2024-03-27 |work=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty |language=en |archive-date=25 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240325025420/https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-turkey-grain-ukraine/31948916.html |url-status=live }}</ref>]]
After the Rahbar, the Constitution defines the ] as the highest state authority.<ref name="leader" /><ref name="photius">{{cite web |url=http://www.photius.com/countries/iran/government/iran_government_the_presidency.html |title=Iran The Presidency |publisher=Photius.com |access-date=18 June 2011 |archive-date=22 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080622094238/http://www.photius.com/countries/iran/government/iran_government_the_presidency.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The President is elected by ] for a term of four years, but is required to gain the Leader's official approval before being sworn in before the Parliament (Majlis). The Leader also has the power to dismiss the elected president.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gladstone |first1=Rick |title=Is Iran's Supreme Leader Truly Supreme? Yes, but President Is No Mere Figurehead |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/05/world/middleeast/iran-president-ebrahim-raisi.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/05/world/middleeast/iran-president-ebrahim-raisi.html |archive-date=28 December 2021 |url-access=limited |access-date=27 September 2021 |work=The New York Times |date=5 August 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The President can only be re-elected for one term.<ref name="photius" />


=== Supreme National Security Council ===
The President is responsible for the implementation of the constitution, and for the exercise of executive powers in implementing the decrees and general policies as outlined by the Rahbar, except for matters directly related to the Rahbar, which has the final say.<ref name="leader" /> The procedures for presidential election and all other elections in Iran are outlined by the Rahbar.<ref name="tehtrans">{{Cite news|url=http://www.tehrantimes.com/news/407304/Leader-outlines-elections-guidelines-calls-for-transparency|title=Leader outlines elections guidelines, calls for transparency|date=15 October 2016|work=Tehran Times|access-date=21 May 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143515/http://www.tehrantimes.com/news/407304/Leader-outlines-elections-guidelines-calls-for-transparency|url-status=live}}</ref> The President functions as the executive of affairs such as signing treaties and other international agreements, and administering national planning, budget, and state employment affairs, all as approved by the Rahbar.<ref name="Middle East Eye">{{cite web |title=Iran's Khamenei hits out at Rafsanjani in rare public rebuke |url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/khamenei-lashes-out-rafsanjani-and-rouhani-rare-iran-public-spat-1261460510 |work=Middle East Eye |access-date=3 June 2017 |archive-date=4 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404031405/http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/khamenei-lashes-out-rafsanjani-and-rouhani-rare-iran-public-spat-1261460510 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="en.iranwire.com">{{cite web |title=Asking for a Miracle: Khamenei's Economic Plan |url=https://iranwire.com/en/features/273 |website=IranWire &#124; خانه |access-date=22 October 2019 |archive-date=22 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022043451/https://iranwire.com/en/features/273 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="irpop">{{Cite news|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/05/khamenei-plans-increase-iran-population.html|title=Khamenei outlines 14-point plan to increase population|date=22 May 2014|work=Al-Monitor|access-date=21 May 2017|language=en-us|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801000839/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/05/khamenei-plans-increase-iran-population.html|archive-date=1 August 2017}}</ref>
{{Main|Supreme National Security Council}}
The Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) is at the top of the foreign policy decisions process.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran's Multifaceted Foreign Policy |url=https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/irans-multifaceted-foreign-policy |access-date=8 May 2024 |website=Council on Foreign Relations |language=en |archive-date=8 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508112631/https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/irans-multifaceted-foreign-policy |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1 April 2019 |title=Supreme National Security Council of Iran {{!}} The Iran Primer |url=https://iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2019/apr/01/supreme-national-security-council-iran |access-date=8 May 2024 |website=iranprimer.usip.org |language=en |archive-date=8 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508112628/https://iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2019/apr/01/supreme-national-security-council-iran |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Inside Iran – The Structure Of Power In Iran |url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/tehran/inside/govt.html |access-date=8 May 2024 |website=pbs.org |archive-date=7 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507165336/https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/tehran/inside/govt.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The council was formed during the ] for the protection and support of national interests, the revolution, territorial integrity and national sovereignty.<ref>{{Citation |last1=Thaler |first1=David E. |title=Formal Structures of the Islamic Republic |date=2010 |work=Mullahs, Guards, and Bonyads |pages=21–36 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.7249/mg878osd.10 |access-date=8 May 2024 |series=An Exploration of Iranian Leadership Dynamics |publisher=RAND Corporation |isbn=978-0-8330-4773-1 |last2=Nader |first2=Alireza |last3=Chubin |first3=Shahram |last4=Green |first4=Jerrold D. |last5=Lynch |first5=Charlotte |last6=Wehrey |first6=Frederic |jstor=10.7249/mg878osd.10 |archive-date=8 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508112628/https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.7249/mg878osd.10 |url-status=live }}</ref> It is mandated by Article 176 of the ] to be presided over by the ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 May 2023 |title=Iran's president appoints new official in powerful security post, replacing longtime incumbent |url=https://apnews.com/article/iran-supreme-national-security-council-shamkhani-892b335e8492782b19b28a92e066db7f |access-date=8 May 2024 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=8 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508112628/https://apnews.com/article/iran-supreme-national-security-council-shamkhani-892b335e8492782b19b28a92e066db7f |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Deep Dive: Reshuffle at Iran's Supreme National Security Council |url=https://amwaj.media/article/deep-dive-reshuffle-at-iran-s-supreme-national-security-council |access-date=8 May 2024 |website=Amwaj.media |language=en |archive-date=8 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508112631/https://amwaj.media/article/deep-dive-reshuffle-at-iran-s-supreme-national-security-council |url-status=live }}</ref>


The Leader selects the secretary of the Supreme Council, and the decisions of the council are effective after the confirmation by the Leader. The SNSC formulates nuclear policy, and would become effective if they are confirmed by the Leader.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran's switch of top security official hints at end of nuclear talks |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Iran-s-switch-of-top-security-official-hints-at-end-of-nuclear-talks |access-date=8 May 2024 |website=Nikkei Asia |language=en-GB |archive-date=8 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508112628/https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Iran-s-switch-of-top-security-official-hints-at-end-of-nuclear-talks |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iranian Supreme National Security Council: Latest News, Photos, Videos on Iranian Supreme National Security Council |url=https://www.ndtv.com/topic/iranian-supreme-national-security-council |access-date=8 May 2024 |website=NDTV.com |archive-date=8 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508112628/https://www.ndtv.com/topic/iranian-supreme-national-security-council |url-status=live }}</ref>
The President appoints the ministers, subject to the approval of the Parliament, as well as the approval of the Rahbar, who can dismiss or reinstate any of the ministers at any time.<ref name="stalbertgazette.com">{{Cite news|url=http://www.stalbertgazette.com/article/GB/20110420/CP01/304209937/-1/sag0806/iranian-lawmakers-warn-ahmadinejad-to-back-intelligence-chief-as|title=Iranian lawmakers warn Ahmadinejad to accept intelligence chief as political feud deepens|work=CP|access-date=21 May 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808034040/http://www.stalbertgazette.com/article/GB/20110420/CP01/304209937/-1/sag0806/iranian-lawmakers-warn-ahmadinejad-to-back-intelligence-chief-as|archive-date=8 August 2017}}</ref><ref name="news.bbc.co.uk">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8168202.stm|title=BBC NEWS – Middle East – Iranian vice-president 'sacked'|date=25 July 2009|publisher=BBC|access-date=26 July 2016|archive-date=3 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003041952/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8168202.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Amir Saeed Vakil, Pouryya Askary|title=constitution in now law like order|date=2004|page=362}}</ref> The President supervises the ], coordinates government decisions, and selects government policies to be placed before the legislature.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://countrystudies.us/iran/84.htm |title=Iran – The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers |publisher=Countrystudies.us |access-date=18 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520124905/http://countrystudies.us/iran/84.htm |archive-date=20 May 2011}}</ref> Eight Vice Presidents serve under the President, as well as a cabinet of twenty-two ministers, who must all be approved by the legislature.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iranchamber.com/government/articles/structure_of_power.php |title=The Structure of Power in Iran |publisher=Iranchamber.com |date=24 June 2005 |access-date=18 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605074610/http://www.iranchamber.com/government/articles/structure_of_power.php |archive-date=5 June 2011}}</ref>


=== Legislature === === Legislature ===
{{Main|Islamic Consultative Assembly}} {{Main|Islamic Consultative Assembly}}
{{See also|Specialized Commissions of the Parliament of Iran|Supreme Audit Court of Iran|Majlis Research Center}} {{See also|Specialized Commissions of the Parliament of Iran|Supreme Audit Court of Iran|Majlis Research Centre}}{{multiple image|
| align =
], also known as the Iranian Parliament|left]]
| direction = vertical
The legislature of Iran, known as the ], is a ] body comprising 290 members elected for four-year terms.<ref name="Majlis">{{cite web|url=http://www.electionguide.org/country.php?ID=103 |title=IFES Election Guide |publisher=Electionguide.org |access-date=18 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616042705/http://www.electionguide.org/country.php?ID=103 |archive-date=16 June 2011}}</ref> It drafts legislation, ratifies international ], and approves the national budget. All parliamentary candidates and all legislation from the assembly must be approved by the Guardian Council.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://countrystudies.us/iran/86.htm |title=Iran – The Council of Guardians |publisher=Countrystudies.us |access-date=18 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520124440/http://countrystudies.us/iran/86.htm |archive-date=20 May 2011}}</ref>
| width = 220
| image1 = Iranian Parliament 2.jpg
| caption1 = The building of Iranian Parliament (]—ICA)
| image2 = مجلس شورای اسلامی ایران.jpg
| caption2 = The ICA comprises 290 members.
| total_width =
| alt1 =
}}
The ], known as the ] (ICA), Iranian Parliament or "Majles", is a ] body comprising 290 members elected for four-years.<ref name="Majlis">{{cite web|url=http://www.electionguide.org/country.php?ID=103 |title=IFES Election Guide |publisher=Electionguide.org |access-date=18 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616042705/http://www.electionguide.org/country.php?ID=103 |archive-date=16 June 2011}}</ref> It drafts legislation, ratifies international ], and approves the national budget. All parliamentary candidates and legislation from the assembly must be approved by the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://countrystudies.us/iran/86.htm |title=Iran – The Council of Guardians |publisher=Countrystudies.us |access-date=18 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520124440/http://countrystudies.us/iran/86.htm |archive-date=20 May 2011}}</ref><ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061101092818/http://www.rferl.org/newsline/2006/10/031006.asp|date=1 November 2006}} provides an example the need for approval of the Guardian Council.</ref> The Guardian Council can and has dismissed elected members of the parliament.<ref>{{cite web |last=Dehghan |first=Saeed Kamali |date=15 April 2016 |title=Iran bars female MP for 'shaking hands with unrelated man' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/15/iran-bars-female-mp-for-shaking-hands-with-unrelated-man |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811010404/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/15/iran-bars-female-mp-for-shaking-hands-with-unrelated-man |archive-date=11 August 2017 |access-date=10 August 2017 |website=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=15 May 2016 |title=Minoo Khaleghi summoned to court |url=http://www.tehrantimes.com/news/402544/Minoo-Khaleghi-summoned-to-court |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811010436/http://www.tehrantimes.com/news/402544/Minoo-Khaleghi-summoned-to-court |archive-date=11 August 2017 |access-date=10 August 2017}}</ref> The parliament has no legal status without the Guardian Council, and the Council holds absolute veto power over legislation.<ref name="Archived copy">{{cite web |title=خانه ملت |url=http://mellat.majlis.ir/constitution/english.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090705083907/http://mellat.majlis.ir/constitution/english.htm |archive-date=5 July 2009 |access-date=11 January 2022 |website=mellat.majlis.ir}}</ref>


The Guardian Council comprises twelve jurists, including six appointed by the Rahbar. Others are elected by the Parliament, from among the jurists nominated by the Head of the ].<ref name="autogenerated4">{{cite web|url=http://www.photius.com/countries/iran/government/iran_government_the_council_of_guard~276.html |title=Iran The Council of Guardians |publisher=Photius.com |access-date=18 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624023650/http://www.photius.com/countries/iran/government/iran_government_the_council_of_guard~276.html |archive-date=24 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Manou & Associates Inc. |url=http://www.iranonline.com/iran/iran-info/Government/constitution-6-2.html |title=Iranian Government Constitution, English Text |publisher=Iranonline.com |access-date=18 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617152445/http://www.iranonline.com/iran/iran-info/government/constitution-6-2.html |archive-date=17 June 2011}}</ref> The Council interprets the constitution and may veto the Parliament. If a law is deemed incompatible with the constitution or ] (Islamic law), it is referred back to the Parliament for revision.<ref name="photius" /> The ] has the authority to mediate disputes between the Parliament and the Guardian Council, and serves as an advisory body to the Rahbar, making it one of the most powerful governing bodies in the country.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/middle_east/03/iran_power/html/expediency_council.stm | access-date = 3 February 2008 | work = BBC News | title = Expediency council | archive-date = 5 March 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080305232619/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/middle_east/03/iran_power/html/expediency_council.stm | url-status = live }}</ref> ] are elected by public vote to four-year terms. The ] has the authority to mediate disputes between Parliament and the Guardian Council, and serves as an advisory body to the Supreme Leader, making it one of the most powerful governing bodies in Iran.<ref>{{cite news |title=Expediency council |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/middle_east/03/iran_power/html/expediency_council.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080305232619/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/middle_east/03/iran_power/html/expediency_council.stm |archive-date=5 March 2008 |access-date=3 February 2008 |work=BBC News}}</ref><ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061209085520/http://mellat.majlis.ir/archive/constitution/english.htm|date=9 December 2006}}</ref>

The Parliament has 207 constituencies, including the 5 ] for religious minorities. The remaining 202 are territorial, each covering one or more of Iran's ].


=== Law === === Law ===
{{Main|Judicial system of the Islamic Republic of Iran}} {{Main|Judicial system of the Islamic Republic of Iran}}
Iran uses the ] law as its legal system, with elements of ]. The Supreme Leader appoints the head of the Supreme Court and chief public prosecutor. There are several types of courts, including public courts that deal with civil and criminal cases, and ] which deal with certain offences, such as crimes against ]. The decisions of the revolutionary courts are final and cannot be appealed.
] at the ].]]

The Rahbar appoints the head of the Supreme Court and the chief public prosecutor.<ref name="Judiciary">{{cite web|url=http://www.iranchamber.com/government/articles/structure_of_power.php |title=Iran Chamber Society: The Structure of Power in Iran |publisher=Iranchamber.com |date=24 June 2005 |access-date=18 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605074610/http://www.iranchamber.com/government/articles/structure_of_power.php |archive-date=5 June 2011}}</ref> There are several types of courts, including public courts that deal with civil and criminal cases, and ] which deal with certain categories of offences, such as crimes against ]. The decisions of the revolutionary courts are final and cannot be appealed.<ref name="Judiciary" />
The Chief Justice is the head of the judicial system and responsible for its administration and supervision. He is the highest judge of the ]. The Chief Justice nominates candidates to serve as minister of justice, and the President selects one. The Chief Justice can serve for two five-year terms.<ref>{{cite web |author=Axel Tschentscher, LL.M. |url=https://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/ir00000_.html |title=ICL > Iran > Constitution |work=Servat.unibe.ch |access-date=10 January 2022 |archive-date=22 April 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200422220809/https://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/ir00000_.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The ] handles crimes allegedly committed by ]s, although it has taken on cases involving ]. The Special Clerical Court functions independently of the regular judicial framework and is accountable only to the Rahbar. The Court's rulings are final and cannot be appealed.<ref name="Judiciary">{{cite web |date=24 June 2005 |title=Iran Chamber Society: The Structure of Power in Iran |url=http://www.iranchamber.com/government/articles/structure_of_power.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605074610/http://www.iranchamber.com/government/articles/structure_of_power.php |archive-date=5 June 2011 |access-date=18 June 2011 |publisher=Iranchamber.com}}</ref> The Assembly of Experts, which meets for one week annually, comprises 86 "virtuous and learned" clerics elected by adult suffrage for 8-year terms.

=== Administrative divisions ===
{{Main|Regions of Iran|Provinces of Iran|Counties of Iran}}
{{See also|List of cities in Iran by province}}


Iran is subdivided into thirty-one ]s ({{langx|fa|استان}} ''ostân''), each governed from a local centre, usually the largest local city, which is called the capital (Persian: {{lang|fa|مرکز}}, '']'') of that province. The provincial authority is headed by a ] ({{lang|fa|استاندار}} ''ostândâr''), who is appointed by the ] subject to approval of ].<ref name="govgen">{{cite web |last=IRNA |first=Online Edition |title=Paris for further cultural cooperation with Iran |url=http://www2.irna.com/en/news/view/line-203/0710215516003338.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071023184320/http://www2.irna.com/en/news/view/line-203/0710215516003338.htm |archive-date=23 October 2007 |access-date=2007-10-21 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
The Chief Justice is the head of the judicial system and is responsible for its administration and supervision. He is also the highest judge of the ]. The Chief Justice nominates some candidates for serving as minister of justice, and then the President select one of them. The Chief Justice can serve for two five-year terms.<ref>{{cite web |author=Axel Tschentscher, LL.M. |url=https://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/ir00000_.html |title=ICL > Iran > Constitution |work=Servat.unibe.ch |access-date=10 January 2022 |archive-date=22 April 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200422220809/https://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/ir00000_.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


{{center|{{Provinces of Iran Labelled Map}}}}
The ] handles crimes allegedly committed by ]s, although it has also taken on cases involving ]. The Special Clerical Court functions independently of the regular judicial framework and is accountable only to the Rahbar. The Court's rulings are final and cannot be appealed.<ref name="Judiciary" /> The Assembly of Experts, which meets for one week annually, comprises 86 "virtuous and learned" clerics elected by adult suffrage for eight-year terms.
{{center|<small>Map of Iran's Provinces</small>}}


=== Foreign relations === === Foreign relations ===
{{Main|Foreign relations of Iran}} {{Main|Foreign relations of Iran}}
] ]
Iran maintains diplomatic relations with ], but not the United States and ]—a state which Iran derecognised in 1979.<ref name="MousavianShahidsaless2014">{{cite book|author1=Seyed Hossein Mousavian|author2=Shahir Shahidsaless|title=Iran and the United States: An Insider's View on the Failed Past and the Road to Peace|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ppe9AwAAQBAJ&pg=PA33|year=2014|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing|isbn=978-1-62892-870-9|page=33}}</ref>


Iran has an ] due to different political and ideologies. ] have been involved in modern proxy conflicts such as in ], ], and the ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Qaed |first=Anas Al |date=25 September 2023 |title=Unseen Tensions: The Undercurrents of Iran-Turkey Relations in the South Caucasus |url=https://gulfif.org/unseen-tensions-the-undercurrents-of-iran-turkey-relations-in-the-south-caucasus/ |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=Gulf International Forum |language=en |archive-date=1 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501174027/https://gulfif.org/unseen-tensions-the-undercurrents-of-iran-turkey-relations-in-the-south-caucasus/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Cold War Between Turkey and Iran – Foreign Policy Research Institute |url=https://www.fpri.org/article/2012/06/the-cold-war-between-turkey-and-iran/ |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=www.fpri.org |language=en-US |archive-date=1 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501174028/https://www.fpri.org/article/2012/06/the-cold-war-between-turkey-and-iran/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |title=Turkish and Iranian Involvement in Iraq and Syria |url=https://www.swp-berlin.org/publikation/turkish-and-iranian-involvement-in-iraq-and-syria |access-date=1 May 2024 |journal=SWP Comment |date=2022 |language=de |doi=10.18449/2022c58 |last1=Azizi |first1=Hamidreza |last2=اevik |first2=Salim |archive-date=1 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501174028/https://www.swp-berlin.org/publikation/turkish-and-iranian-involvement-in-iraq-and-syria |url-status=live }}</ref> However, they have shared common interests, such as the issue of ] and the ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 August 2017 |title=Iran and Turkey Agree on Opposing Kurdish Independence, but Not Much More |url=https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2017/08/25/iran-and-turkey-agree-on-opposing-kurdish-independence-but-not-much-more/ |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=FDD |language=en |archive-date=1 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501174028/https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2017/08/25/iran-and-turkey-agree-on-opposing-kurdish-independence-but-not-much-more/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Five things to know about the blockade against Qatar |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/6/5/qatar-blockade-five-things-to-know-about-the-gulf-crisis |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=30 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430114242/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/6/5/qatar-blockade-five-things-to-know-about-the-gulf-crisis |url-status=live }}</ref> Iran has a close and strong relationship with ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=A New Phase in Cooperation between Tajikistan and Iran |url=https://www.eurasian-research.org/publication/a-new-phase-in-cooperation-between-tajikistan-and-iran/ |access-date=8 May 2024 |language=en-US |archive-date=28 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328203848/https://www.eurasian-research.org/publication/a-new-phase-in-cooperation-between-tajikistan-and-iran/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Citation |last=Lal |first=Rollie |title=Iran |date=2006 |work=Central Asia and Its Asian Neighbors |pages=11–18 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.7249/mg440af.10 |access-date=8 May 2024 |series=Security and Commerce at the Crossroads |edition=1 |publisher=RAND Corporation |jstor=10.7249/mg440af.10 |isbn=978-0-8330-3878-4 |archive-date=8 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508112628/https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.7249/mg440af.10 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=uz |first=Daryo |date=11 June 2023 |title=Iranian President to visit to Tajikistan to bolster bilateral relations |url=https://daryo.uz/en/2023/11/06/iranian-president-to-visit-to-tajikistan-to-bolster-bilateral-relations |access-date=8 May 2024 |website=Daryo.uz |language=en |archive-date=8 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508112629/https://daryo.uz/en/2023/11/06/iranian-president-to-visit-to-tajikistan-to-bolster-bilateral-relations |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1 November 2011 |title=Iran Extends Influence in Central Asia's Tajikistan |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/article--iran-extends-influence-in-central-asias-tajikistan-133111348/168606.html |access-date=8 May 2024 |website=Voice of America |language=en |archive-date=21 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521202950/https://www.voanews.com/a/article--iran-extends-influence-in-central-asias-tajikistan-133111348/168606.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Iran has deep economic relations and alliance with ], ] and Syria, with Syria often described as Iran's "closest ally".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bakri |first=Nada |date=27 August 2011 |title=Iran Calls on Syria to Recognize Citizens' Demands |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/28/world/middleeast/28syria.html |access-date=1 May 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=2 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302112046/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/28/world/middleeast/28syria.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Syria and Iran: What's Behind the Enduring Alliance? |url=https://www.brookings.edu/articles/syria-and-iran-whats-behind-the-enduring-alliance/ |access-date=8 May 2024 |website=Brookings |language=en-US |archive-date=8 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508112628/https://www.brookings.edu/articles/syria-and-iran-whats-behind-the-enduring-alliance/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Yan |first=Holly |date=29 August 2013 |title=Syria allies: Why Russia, Iran and China are standing by the regime |url=https://www.cnn.com/2013/08/29/world/meast/syria-iran-china-russia-supporters/index.html |access-date=8 May 2024 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=8 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508112628/https://www.cnn.com/2013/08/29/world/meast/syria-iran-china-russia-supporters/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Since the time of the Iranian Revolution, Iran's foreign relations have often been portrayed as being based on two strategic principles: eliminating outside influences in its region and pursuing extensive diplomatic contacts with developing and ].<ref>{{cite book|title=Iran Country Study Guide Volume 1 Strategic Information and Developments |isbn=978-1-4387-7462-6 |page=141|publisher=IBP |date=3 March 2012 }}</ref>
], which extensively uses ] in its facade, ]]]


] is a key trading partner, especially in regard to its excess oil reserves.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why Iran and Russia can dodge Western sanctions – DW – 04/26/2024 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/why-iran-and-russia-can-dodge-western-sanctions/a-68928255 |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=dw.com |language=en |archive-date=30 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430234742/https://www.dw.com/en/why-iran-and-russia-can-dodge-western-sanctions/a-68928255 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=3 March 2024 |title=Iran, Russia discuss developing oil, gas fields |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/212563/Iran-Russia-discuss-developing-oil-gas-fields |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en |archive-date=1 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501174028/https://en.mehrnews.com/news/212563/Iran-Russia-discuss-developing-oil-gas-fields |url-status=live }}</ref> Both share a close economic and military alliance, and are subject to heavy sanctions by Western nations.<ref>{{Cite news |title=US asks Iran to stop selling drones to Russia |url=https://www.ft.com/content/c237c531-a51e-4205-a934-0a13e0a50482 |access-date=1 May 2024 |newspaper=Financial Times |date=16 August 2023 |archive-date=17 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517223516/https://www.ft.com/content/c237c531-a51e-4205-a934-0a13e0a50482 |url-status=live |last1=England |first1=Andrew |last2=Schwartz |first2=Felicia }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bertrand |first=Natasha |date=25 July 2023 |title=Iran helping Russia build drone stockpile that is expected to be 'orders of magnitude larger' than previous arsenal, US says {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/25/politics/us-russia-iran-drones/index.html |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=30 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430192702/https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/25/politics/us-russia-iran-drones/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1 March 2023 |title=Timeline: Iran-Russia Collaboration on Drones {{!}} The Iran Primer |url=https://iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2023/mar/01/timeline-iran-russia-collaboration-drones |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=iranprimer.usip.org |language=en |archive-date=1 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501095358/https://iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2023/mar/01/timeline-iran-russia-collaboration-drones |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Iddon |first=Paul |title=Iran Might Receive Its First Su-35 Flanker Fighters From Russia Next Week |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/pauliddon/2024/04/20/iran-might-receive-its-first-su-35-flanker-fighters-from-russia-next-week/ |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=Forbes |language=en |archive-date=1 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501174027/https://www.forbes.com/sites/pauliddon/2024/04/20/iran-might-receive-its-first-su-35-flanker-fighters-from-russia-next-week/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Iran is the only country in Western Asia that has been invited to join the ], the Russia-based international treaty organisation that parallels ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Valvo |first=Giovanni |date=14 December 2012 |title=Syria, Iran And The Future Of The CSTO – Analysis |url=https://www.eurasiareview.com/14122012-syria-iran-and-the-future-of-the-csto-analysis/ |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=Eurasia Review |language=en-US |archive-date=9 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509095412/https://www.eurasiareview.com/14122012-syria-iran-and-the-future-of-the-csto-analysis/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{As of|2009}}, the government of Iran maintains diplomatic relations with 99 members of the United Nations,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mfa.gov.ir/cms/cms/Tehran/fa/mission/mission2.html |title=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamic Republic of Iran|year=2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228095004/http://www.mfa.gov.ir/cms/cms/Tehran/fa/mission/mission2.html |archive-date=28 February 2009|access-date=8 November 2011}}</ref> but not with the ], and not with ]—a state which Iran has derecognised since the Revolution.<ref name="MousavianShahidsaless2014">{{cite book|author1=Seyed Hossein Mousavian|author2=Shahir Shahidsaless|title=Iran and the United States: An Insider's View on the Failed Past and the Road to Peace|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ppe9AwAAQBAJ&pg=PA33|year=2014|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing|isbn=978-1-62892-870-9|page=33}}</ref> Among Muslim nations, Iran has an adversarial relationship with ] due to different political and Islamic ideologies.<ref>Guffey, Robert A. (2009). ''Saudi-Iranian Relations Since the Fall of Saddam: Rivalry, Cooperation and Implication for US Policy''. RAND Corporation. {{ISBN|978-0-8330-4657-4}}.</ref>
], which extensively uses ] in its facade, ].]]
Iran is a member of dozens of international organizations, including the ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ],<ref name=rubin80>{{cite book|last=Rubin |first=Barry |title=Paved with Good Intentions |year=1980 |publisher=Penguin Books |location=New York |page=83 |url=http://www.gloria-center.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Paved-with-Good-Intentions-final.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021121704/http://www.gloria-center.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Paved-with-Good-Intentions-final.pdf |archive-date=21 October 2013}}</ref> ], and the ], and currently has observer status at the ].


Relations between Iran and ] are strong economically; they have developed a friendly, economic and strategic relationship. In 2021, Iran and China signed a ] that will strengthen the relations between the two countries and would include "political, strategic and economic" components.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 March 2021 |title=Iran-China to sign 25-year cooperation pact: Tehran |url=https://arab.news/9v6ju |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref> ] dates back to at least 200 BC and possibly earlier.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garver |first=John W. |date=11 December 2006 |title=Twenty Centuries of Friendly Cooperation: The Sino-Iranian Relationship |url=https://www.theglobalist.com/twenty-centuries-of-friendly-cooperation-the-sino-iranian-relationship/ |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=The Globalist |language=en-US |archive-date=29 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529201451/http://www.theglobalist.com/twenty-centuries-of-friendly-cooperation-the-sino-iranian-relationship/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Fishberg |first=Maurice |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pfIQnqoQz0oC&pg=PA233 |title=Materials for the Physical Anthropology of the Eastern European Jews |date=1907 |publisher=New Era Print. Company |language=en}}</ref> Iran is one of the few countries in the world that has a good relationship with both ] and ].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Azad |first=Shirzad |date=2012 |title=Iran and the Two Koreas: A Peculiar Pattern of Foreign Policy |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/23595522 |journal=The Journal of East Asian Affairs |volume=26 |issue=2 |pages=163–192 |jstor=23595522 |issn=1010-1608 |access-date=1 May 2024 |archive-date=1 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501174027/https://www.jstor.org/stable/23595522 |url-status=live }}</ref>
] has become the ], mainly the United States. As of November 2023 Iran has ] enriched to up to 60% fissile content, close to weapon grade.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Francois |date=2023-11-15 |title=Iran's nuclear enrichment advances as it stonewalls UN, IAEA reports show. |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/irans-nuclear-enrichment-advances-it-stonewalls-un-iaea-reports-show-2023-11-15/ |website=Reuters |access-date=20 December 2023 |archive-date=6 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206001632/http://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/irans-nuclear-enrichment-advances-it-stonewalls-un-iaea-reports-show-2023-11-15/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-15 |title=Iran advances nuclear enrichment while still barring inspectors; IAEA |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/15/iran-advances-nuclear-enrichment-while-still-barring-inspectors-iaea |website=Aljazeera |access-date=20 December 2023 |archive-date=20 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220233722/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/15/iran-advances-nuclear-enrichment-while-still-barring-inspectors-iaea |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-26 |title=Iran Resumes Pace of 60% Uranium Enrichment, IAEA Says |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/iran-resumes-pace-of-60-uranium-enrichment-iaea-says-/7413491.html |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=Voice of America |language=en |archive-date=11 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111105437/https://www.voanews.com/a/iran-resumes-pace-of-60-uranium-enrichment-iaea-says-/7413491.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Iran has been seeking nuclear weapons for decades.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-01-28 |title=An atomic threat made in America |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/chi-061209atoms-day1-story-htmlstory.html |access-date=2023-12-28 |website=Chicago Tribune |archive-date=5 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140405050620/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-061209atoms-day1-story,0,2034260.htmlstory |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Canada |first=Global Affairs |date=2015-10-19 |title=Canadian Sanctions Related to Iran |url=https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/international_relations-relations_internationales/sanctions/iran.aspx?lang=eng |access-date=2023-12-28 |website=GAC |archive-date=28 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228232754/https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/international_relations-relations_internationales/sanctions/iran.aspx?lang=eng |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Womuhai |first=Julian Godfray, Norman |date=2023-09-27 |title=The UK, France and Germany announce continuation of Iranian nuclear-related sanctions |url=https://sanctionsnews.bakermckenzie.com/the-uk-france-and-germany-announce-continuation-of-iranian-nuclear-related-sanctions/ |access-date=2023-12-28 |website=Global Sanctions and Export Controls Blog |language=en-US |archive-date=28 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228232753/https://sanctionsnews.bakermckenzie.com/the-uk-france-and-germany-announce-continuation-of-iranian-nuclear-related-sanctions/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Some analysts already regard the country as a de facto nuclear power.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Iran puts its nuclear programme beyond the reach of American bombs |url=https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2023/05/30/iran-puts-its-nuclear-programme-beyond-the-reach-of-american-bombs |access-date=2024-01-18 |newspaper=The Economist |issn=0013-0613}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-19 |title=Does Iran already have nuclear weapons? |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/feb/19/does-iran-already-have-nuclear-weapons/ |website=The Washington Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pletka |first=Danielle |date=2024-04-18 |title=Whatever Happened to Biden's Iran Policy? |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/03/26/bidens-iran-policy-nuclear-deal-jcpoa/ |access-date=2024-03-28 |website=Foreign Policy |language=en-US}}</ref> Many countries have expressed concern that Iran could divert civilian nuclear technology into a ]. This has led the ] to impose ]. On 14 July 2015, Iran and the ] agreed to the ] (JCPOA), aiming to end ] in exchange for Iran's restriction in producing ] after demonstrating a peaceful nuclear research project that would meet the ] standards.<ref>{{cite web |author=Kutsch, Tom |date=14 July 2015 |title=Iran, world powers strike historic nuclear deal |publisher=Aljazeera America |access-date=15 July 2015 |url=http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/7/14/iran-world-powers-strike-historic-nuclear-deal.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715175516/http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/7/14/iran-world-powers-strike-historic-nuclear-deal.html |archive-date=15 July 2015}}</ref>

Iran is a member of dozens of international organisations, including the ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and the ], and currently has observer status at the ].


=== Military === === Military ===
{{Main|Military history of Iran|Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces}} {{Main|Military history of Iran|Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces}}


]. Iran is the world's 6th ], and the 5th country in the world with ].]] ] ]. Iran is the world's 6th ], and the 5th country in the world with ]]]


The Iranian military is organized under a unified structure, the ], comprising the ] (Artesh), which includes the ], ], ], and ]; the ] (Sepah), which consists of the ], ], ], ], and ]; and the ] (Faraja), which serves an analogous function to a ]. While the IRIAF protects the country's sovereignty in a traditional capacity, the IRGC is mandated to ensure the integrity of the Islamic Republic, principally against foreign interference, coups, and internal riots.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227172931/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7064353.stm|date=27 December 2008}}. BBC News. 18 October 2009.</ref> ], it is mandatory for all male citizen aged 18 to serve around 14 months in the IRIAF or the IRGC.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-16 |title=خبر فوری از کاهش مدت خدمت سربازی از زبان سخنگوی شورای نگهبان |url=https://www.khabaronline.ir/news/1884809/%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%B1-%D9%85%D9%87%D9%85-%D8%B3%D8%AE%D9%86%DA%AF%D9%88%DB%8C-%D8%B4%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D9%86%DA%AF%D9%87%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%87-%DA%A9%D8%A7%D9%87%D8%B4-%D9%85%D8%AF%D8%AA-%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B2%DB%8C |access-date=2024-03-16 |website=www.khabaronline.ir |language=fa}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-16 |title=کاهش مدت سربازی به‌طور رسمی/ میانگین مدت: با آموزشی، 14 ماه |url=https://www.jamaran.news/%D8%A8%D8%AE%D8%B4-%D8%AC%DB%8C-%D9%BE%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B3-70/1626400-%DA%A9%D8%A7%D9%87%D8%B4-%D9%85%D8%AF%D8%AA-%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B2%DB%8C-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D8%B7%D9%88%D8%B1-%D8%B1%D8%B3%D9%85%DB%8C-%D9%85%DB%8C%D8%A7%D9%86%DA%AF%DB%8C%D9%86-%D9%85%D8%AF%D8%AA-%D8%A8%D8%A7-%D8%A2%D9%85%D9%88%D8%B2%D8%B4%DB%8C-%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%87 |access-date=2024-03-16 |website=پایگاه خبری جماران |language=fa}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-16 |title=اخبار سیاسی ۲۶ اسفند؛ کمک رهبرانقلاب به زندانیان نیازمند/تایید کاهش مدت سربازی |url=https://www.isna.ir/news/1402122618464/%D8%A7%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%B3%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%B3%DB%8C-%DB%B2%DB%B6-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%81%D9%86%D8%AF-%DA%A9%D9%85%DA%A9-%D8%B1%D9%87%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%82%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D8%B2%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%86%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%B2%D9%85%D9%86%D8%AF-%D8%AA%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%8C%D8%AF |access-date=2024-03-16 |website=ایسنا |language=fa}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=روزبهی |first=محدثه |date=2024-03-16 |title=تایید مصوبه کاهش مدت سربازی در شورای نگهبان |url=https://www.ekhtebar.ir/%D8%AA%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%8C%D8%AF-%D9%85%D8%B5%D9%88%D8%A8%D9%87-%DA%A9%D8%A7%D9%87%D8%B4-%D9%85%D8%AF%D8%AA-%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B2%DB%8C-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%B4%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D9%86%DA%AF/ |access-date=2024-03-16 |website=پایگاه خبری اختبار |language=fa-IR}}</ref> The military is organised under a unified structure, the ], comprising the ], which includes the ], ], ], and ]; the ], which consists of the ], ], ], ], and ]; and the ] (Faraja), which serves an analogous function to a ]. While the IRIAF protects the country's sovereignty in a traditional capacity, the IRGC is mandated to ensure the integrity of the Republic, against foreign interference, coups, and internal riots.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227172931/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7064353.stm|date=27 December 2008}}. BBC News. 18 October 2009.</ref> ], it is mandatory for all male citizen aged 18 to serve around 14 months in the IRIAF or IRGC.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 March 2024 |title=اخبار سیاسی ۲۶ اسفند؛ کمک رهبرانقلاب به زندانیان نیازمند/تایید کاهش مدت سربازی |url=https://www.isna.ir/news/1402122618464/%D8%A7%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%B3%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%B3%DB%8C-%DB%B2%DB%B6-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%81%D9%86%D8%AF-%DA%A9%D9%85%DA%A9-%D8%B1%D9%87%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%82%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D8%B2%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%86%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%B2%D9%85%D9%86%D8%AF-%D8%AA%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%8C%D8%AF |access-date=16 March 2024 |website=ایسنا |language=fa |archive-date=16 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316122351/https://www.isna.ir/news/1402122618464/%D8%A7%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%B3%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%B3%DB%8C-%DB%B2%DB%B6-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%81%D9%86%D8%AF-%DA%A9%D9%85%DA%A9-%D8%B1%D9%87%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%82%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D8%B2%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%86%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%B2%D9%85%D9%86%D8%AF-%D8%AA%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%8C%D8%AF |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=روزبهی |first=محدثه |date=16 March 2024 |title=تایید مصوبه کاهش مدت سربازی در شورای نگهبان |url=https://www.ekhtebar.ir/%D8%AA%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%8C%D8%AF-%D9%85%D8%B5%D9%88%D8%A8%D9%87-%DA%A9%D8%A7%D9%87%D8%B4-%D9%85%D8%AF%D8%AA-%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B2%DB%8C-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%B4%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D9%86%DA%AF/ |access-date=16 March 2024 |website=پایگاه خبری اختبار |language=fa-IR |archive-date=16 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316171553/https://www.ekhtebar.ir/%D8%AA%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%8C%D8%AF-%D9%85%D8%B5%D9%88%D8%A8%D9%87-%DA%A9%D8%A7%D9%87%D8%B4-%D9%85%D8%AF%D8%AA-%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B2%DB%8C-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%B4%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D9%86%DA%AF/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


Iran has over 610,000 active troops and around 350,000 reservists, totalling nearly 1 million trained military personnel, one of the world's highest ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hussain |first=Murtaza |title=Why war with Iran would spell disaster |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2012/9/12/why-war-with-iran-would-spell-disaster |access-date=2024-03-15 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite report |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep29480.7 |title=Regular Military Power |last=Jones |first=Seth G. |date=2020 |publisher=Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) |pages=19–27|jstor=resrep29480.7 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-12 |title=The Largest Armies in the World |url=https://www.worldatlas.com/society/the-largest-armies-in-the-world.html |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=WorldAtlas |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaskanis |first=Angelos |date=2023-12-02 |title=Iran's Military Capabilities: Exploring the Power of the |url=https://brusselsmorning.com/irans-military-capabilities/36049/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |language=en-GB}}</ref> The Basij'','' a ] volunteer militia within the IRGC, has over 20 million members, 600,000 members available for immediate call-up, 300,000 reservists, and a million that could be mobilized when necessary.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Aryan |first=Hossein |date=2009-02-05 |title=Pillar Of The State |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/Irans_Basij_Force_Mainstay_Of_Domestic_Security/1357081.html |access-date=2024-03-15 |work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=ارتش بیست میلیونی |url=http://www.imam-khomeini.ir/fa/n151194/%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AA%D8%B4_%D8%A8%DB%8C%D8%B3%D8%AA_%D9%85%DB%8C%D9%84%DB%8C%D9%88%D9%86%DB%8C |access-date=2024-03-15 |website=www.imam-khomeini.ir}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-03 |title=Iran's Revolutionary Guards: Powerful group with wide regional reach |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/world/irans-revolutionary-guards-powerful-group-with-wide-regional-reach-2878423 |website=DH}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-15 |title=Iran's Basij Force -- The Mainstay Of Domestic Security |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/Irans_Basij_Force_Mainstay_Of_Domestic_Security/1357081.html |website=Radio Free Europe}}</ref> Faraja, the Iranian uniformed ], has over 260,000 active personnel. Most statistical organizations do not include the Basij and Faraja in their ratings report. Iran has over 610,000 active troops and around 350,000 reservists, totalling over 1 million military personnel, one of the world's highest ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hussain |first=Murtaza |title=Why war with Iran would spell disaster |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2012/9/12/why-war-with-iran-would-spell-disaster |access-date=15 March 2024 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=29 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229012940/https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2012/9/12/why-war-with-iran-would-spell-disaster |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite report |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep29480.7 |title=Regular Military Power |last=Jones |first=Seth G. |date=2020 |publisher=Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) |pages=19–27 |jstor=resrep29480.7 |access-date=7 June 2024 |archive-date=18 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240318122543/https://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep29480.7 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 February 2024 |title=The Largest Armies in the World |url=https://www.worldatlas.com/society/the-largest-armies-in-the-world.html |access-date=18 March 2024 |website=WorldAtlas |language=en-US |archive-date=18 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240318122543/https://www.worldatlas.com/society/the-largest-armies-in-the-world.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaskanis |first=Angelos |date=2 December 2023 |title=Iran's Military Capabilities: Exploring the Power of the |url=https://brusselsmorning.com/irans-military-capabilities/36049/ |access-date=18 March 2024 |language=en-GB |archive-date=18 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240318122543/https://brusselsmorning.com/irans-military-capabilities/36049/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Basij'','' a ] volunteer militia within the IRGC, has over 20 million members, 600,000 available for immediate call-up, 300,000 reservists, and a million that could be mobilised when necessary.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Aryan |first=Hossein |date=5 February 2009 |title=Pillar Of The State |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/Irans_Basij_Force_Mainstay_Of_Domestic_Security/1357081.html |access-date=15 March 2024 |work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |language=en |archive-date=23 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923021108/http://www.rferl.org/content/Irans_Basij_Force_Mainstay_Of_Domestic_Security/1357081.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=ارتش بیست میلیونی |url=http://www.imam-khomeini.ir/fa/n151194/%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AA%D8%B4_%D8%A8%DB%8C%D8%B3%D8%AA_%D9%85%DB%8C%D9%84%DB%8C%D9%88%D9%86%DB%8C |access-date=15 March 2024 |website=www.imam-khomeini.ir |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315102527/http://www.imam-khomeini.ir/fa/n151194/%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AA%D8%B4_%D8%A8%DB%8C%D8%B3%D8%AA_%D9%85%DB%8C%D9%84%DB%8C%D9%88%D9%86%DB%8C |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=3 April 2024 |title=Iran's Revolutionary Guards: Powerful group with wide regional reach |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/world/irans-revolutionary-guards-powerful-group-with-wide-regional-reach-2878423 |website=DH |access-date=15 March 2024 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315102530/https://www.deccanherald.com/world/irans-revolutionary-guards-powerful-group-with-wide-regional-reach-2878423 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=15 June 2024 |title=Iran's Basij Force The Mainstay Of Domestic Security |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/Irans_Basij_Force_Mainstay_Of_Domestic_Security/1357081.html |website=Radio Free Europe |access-date=15 March 2024 |archive-date=23 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923021108/http://www.rferl.org/content/Irans_Basij_Force_Mainstay_Of_Domestic_Security/1357081.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Faraja, the Iranian uniformed ], has over 260,000 active personnel. Most statistical organisations do not include the Basij and Faraja in their ratings report.


Excluding the Basij and Faraja, Iran has been identified as a major military power, owing it to the size and capabilities of its armed forces. It possess the world's 14th strongest military.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2024 Iran Military Strength |url=https://www.globalfirepower.com/country-military-strength-detail.php?country_id=iran |access-date=2024-03-14 |website=globalfirepower.com |language=en-US}}</ref> It ranks 13th globally in terms of overall military strength,<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |last=Spirlet |first=Sinéad Baker, Thibault |title=The world's most powerful militaries in 2023, ranked |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/ranked-world-most-powerful-militaries-2023-firepower-us-china-russia-2023-5 |access-date=2023-12-28 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref> 7th in the number of active military personnel,<ref name="auto1" /> and 9th in the size of both its ground force and armoured force. Iran's armed forces are the largest in ] and comprise the greatest ] fleet in the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=General Ghorbani: Iran helicopter fleet, strongest in Middle East |url=http://iranpress.com/aliaspage/7560 |access-date=2023-12-24 |website=iranpress.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-13 |title=سازمان صنایع دریایی - پایگاه اطلاعات دریایی ایران |url=http://www.imarine.ir/marine-industries-organization/ |access-date=2023-12-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813214257/http://www.imarine.ir/marine-industries-organization/ |archive-date=13 August 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran - Army Navy Air Force {{!}} budget, equipment, personnel |url=https://armedforces.eu/Iran |access-date=2023-12-24 |website=ArmedForces |language=en}}</ref> Iran is among the top 15 countries in terms of military budget.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-26 |title=Iran Boosts Military Budget To Stand Among Top 15 |url=https://www.iranintl.com/en/202204261827 |access-date=2023-12-10 |website=Iran International}}</ref> In 2021, its military spending increased for the first time in four years, to $24.6 billion, 2.30% of the national GDP.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-10 |title=Iran Military Spending=Defense Budget 1960-2023 |url=https://www.macrotrends.net/countries/IRN/iran/military-spending-defense-budget |access-date=2023-12-10 |website=Macrotrends}}</ref> Funding for the IRGC accounted for 34% of Iran's total military spending in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-25 |title=World military expenditure passes $2 trillion for first time |url=https://www.sipri.org/media/press-release/2022/world-military-expenditure-passes-2-trillion-first-time |access-date=2023-12-10 |website=Sipri}}</ref> Excluding the Basij and Faraja, Iran has been identified as a major military power, owing it to the size and capabilities of its armed forces. It possesses the world's 14th strongest military.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2024 Iran Military Strength |url=https://www.globalfirepower.com/country-military-strength-detail.php?country_id=iran |access-date=14 March 2024 |website=globalfirepower.com |language=en-US}}</ref> It ranks 13th globally in terms of overall military strength, 7th in the number of active military personnel,<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |last=Spirlet |first=Sinéad Baker, Thibault |title=The world's most powerful militaries in 2023, ranked |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/ranked-world-most-powerful-militaries-2023-firepower-us-china-russia-2023-5 |access-date=28 December 2023 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US |archive-date=24 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224124226/https://www.businessinsider.com/ranked-world-most-powerful-militaries-2023-firepower-us-china-russia-2023-5 |url-status=live }}</ref> and 9th in the size of both its ground force and armoured force. Iran's armed forces are the largest in ] and comprise the greatest ] fleet in the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=General Ghorbani: Iran helicopter fleet, strongest in Middle East |url=http://iranpress.com/aliaspage/7560 |access-date=24 December 2023 |website=iranpress.com |language=en |archive-date=24 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224125731/https://iranpress.com/aliaspage/7560 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=13 August 2021 |title=سازمان صنایع دریایی پایگاه اطلاعات دریایی ایران |url=http://www.imarine.ir/marine-industries-organization/ |access-date=24 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813214257/http://www.imarine.ir/marine-industries-organization/ |archive-date=13 August 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran Army Navy Air Force {{!}} budget, equipment, personnel |url=https://armedforces.eu/Iran |access-date=24 December 2023 |website=ArmedForces |language=en |archive-date=3 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203224400/https://armedforces.eu/Iran |url-status=live }}</ref> Iran is among the top 15 countries in terms of military budget.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 April 2022 |title=Iran Boosts Military Budget To Stand Among Top 15 |url=https://www.iranintl.com/en/202204261827 |access-date=10 December 2023 |website=Iran International |archive-date=10 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210121648/https://www.iranintl.com/en/202204261827 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2021, its military spending increased for the first time in four years, to $24.6 billion, 2.3% of the national GDP.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 December 2023 |title=Iran Military Spending=Defense Budget 1960–2023 |url=https://www.macrotrends.net/countries/IRN/iran/military-spending-defense-budget |access-date=10 December 2023 |website=Macrotrends |archive-date=10 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210121648/https://www.macrotrends.net/countries/IRN/iran/military-spending-defense-budget |url-status=live }}</ref> Funding for the IRGC accounted for 34% of Iran's total military spending in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 April 2022 |title=World military expenditure passes $2 trillion for first time |url=https://www.sipri.org/media/press-release/2022/world-military-expenditure-passes-2-trillion-first-time |access-date=10 December 2023 |website=Sipri |archive-date=9 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209052355/https://www.sipri.org/media/press-release/2022/world-military-expenditure-passes-2-trillion-first-time |url-status=live }}</ref>
]. Iran is considered as a global leader and superpower in ].]]
Since the Revolution, to overcome foreign embargoes, Iran has developed a domestic military industry capable of producing indigenous ]s, ]s, ]s, ]s, ], ] systems, ]s, ], and ].<ref name="AskariMohseni2010">{{cite book |author1=Hossein Askari |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GxdtLyJZxDUC&pg=PA93 |title=The Militarization of the Persian Gulf: An Economic Analysis |author2=Amin Mohseni |author3=Shahrzad Daneshvar |publisher=Edward Elgar Publishing |year=2010 |isbn=978-1-84980-186-7 |page=93}}</ref> Official announcements have highlighted the development of advanced weaponry, particularly in rocketry.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Iran tests new long-range missile|work=BBC|date=12 November 2008|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7725951.stm|access-date=12 November 2008}}</ref><ref group="n">Examples include the ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ].{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}</ref> Consequently, Iran has the largest and most diverse ] arsenal in the Middle East and is only the 5th country in the world with ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Motamedi |first=Maziar |date=2023-06-06 |title=Fattah: Iran unveils its first hypersonic missile |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/6/6/fattah-iran-unveils-its-first-hypersonic-missile |website=Aljazeera}}</ref><ref>. ]. Retrieved: 4 August 2016.</ref> It is the world's 6th missile power.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-08-18 |title=Ex-official: Iran is world's 6th missile power |url=https://apnews.com/article/6c529bfa076b43c290f46d2f79c284a8 |access-date=2024-03-14 |website=AP News |language=en-US}}</ref> Iran designs and produces a variety of ]s (UAVs) and is considered a global leader and superpower in ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-17 |title=Iran is emerging as a drone superpower |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221117-iran-is-emerging-as-a-drone-superpower/ |access-date=2023-12-08 |website=Middle East Monitor}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-08 |title=Iran becoming global drone producer on back of Ukraine war, says US |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/14/us-says-iran-becoming-a-drone-leader-as-russia-uses-its-craft-in-ukraine |access-date=2023-12-08 |website=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran's drone diplomacy is a danger to the West |url=https://fathomjournal.org/irans-drone-diplomacy-is-a-danger-to-the-west/ |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=Fathom}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |last=News9Plus |title=Watch How Iran Became a Drone Superpower on News9 Plus |date=2018-04-30 |url=https://www.news9plus.com/shortvideo/how-iran-became-a-drone-superpower |access-date=2024-03-17 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-28 |title=How to Curb the Threat of Iranian Drones {{!}} Hudson |url=https://www.hudson.org/defense-strategy/how-curb-threat-iranian-drones |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=www.hudson.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-17 |title=Iran is becoming a drone superpower |url=https://thehill.com/opinion/international/453437-iran-is-becoming-a-drone-superpower/ |website=The Hill}}</ref> It is one of the world's five countries with ] capabilities and is identified as "one of the most active players in the international cyber arena".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-21 |title=رادیو زمانه هک شد |url=https://www.bbc.com/persian/iran/2010/01/100130_u02-radiozamaneh-hackers |website=BBC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-21 |title=How Iran's political battle is fought in cyberspace |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8505645.stm |website=BBC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-21 |title=What rules apply in cyber-wars |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8114444.stm |website=BBC}}</ref>


Since the Revolution, to overcome foreign embargoes, Iran has developed a domestic military industry capable of producing indigenous ]s, ]s, ]s, ]s, ], ] systems, ]s, ], and ].<ref name="AskariMohseni2010">{{cite book |author1=Hossein Askari |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GxdtLyJZxDUC&pg=PA93 |title=The Militarization of the Persian Gulf: An Economic Analysis |author2=Amin Mohseni |author3=Shahrzad Daneshvar |publisher=Edward Elgar Publishing |year=2010 |isbn=978-1-84980-186-7 |page=93}}</ref> Official announcements have highlighted the development of advanced weaponry, particularly in rocketry.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Iran tests new long-range missile|work=BBC|date=12 November 2008|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7725951.stm|access-date=12 November 2008|archive-date=14 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614195959/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7725951.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref group="n">Examples include the ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ].{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}</ref> Consequently, Iran has the largest and most diverse ] arsenal in the Middle East and is only the 5th country in the world with ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Motamedi |first=Maziar |date=6 June 2023 |title=Fattah: Iran unveils its first hypersonic missile |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/6/6/fattah-iran-unveils-its-first-hypersonic-missile |website=Aljazeera |access-date=6 December 2023 |archive-date=6 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606223808/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/6/6/fattah-iran-unveils-its-first-hypersonic-missile |url-status=live }}</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617121201/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-31984423 |date=17 June 2018 }}. ]. Retrieved: 4 August 2016.</ref> It is the world's 6th missile power.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 August 2013 |title=Ex-official: Iran is world's 6th missile power |url=https://apnews.com/article/6c529bfa076b43c290f46d2f79c284a8 |access-date=14 March 2024 |website=AP News |language=en-US |archive-date=14 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314192652/https://apnews.com/article/6c529bfa076b43c290f46d2f79c284a8 |url-status=live }}</ref> Iran designs and produces a variety of ]s (UAVs) and is considered a global leader and superpower in ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 December 2023 |title=Iran becoming global drone producer on back of Ukraine war, says US |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/14/us-says-iran-becoming-a-drone-leader-as-russia-uses-its-craft-in-ukraine |access-date=8 December 2023 |website=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=17 March 2024 |title=Iran is becoming a drone superpower |url=https://thehill.com/opinion/international/453437-iran-is-becoming-a-drone-superpower/ |website=The Hill |access-date=17 March 2024 |archive-date=23 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123134835/https://thehill.com/opinion/international/453437-iran-is-becoming-a-drone-superpower/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=8 April 2024 |title=Iran's Better, Stealthier Drones Are Remaking Global Warfare |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-04-08/iran-s-drone-tech-innovations-are-redefining-global-warfare |access-date=5 May 2024 |work=Bloomberg.com |language=en |archive-date=10 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410042411/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-04-08/iran-s-drone-tech-innovations-are-redefining-global-warfare |url-status=live }}</ref> It is one of the world's five countries with ] capabilities and is identified as "one of the most active players in the international cyber arena".<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 December 2023 |title=رادیو زمانه هک شد |url=https://www.bbc.com/persian/iran/2010/01/100130_u02-radiozamaneh-hackers |website=BBC |access-date=20 December 2023 |archive-date=20 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220235325/https://www.bbc.com/persian/iran/2010/01/100130_u02-radiozamaneh-hackers |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=21 December 2023 |title=How Iran's political battle is fought in cyberspace |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8505645.stm |website=BBC |access-date=20 December 2023 |archive-date=14 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100214115913/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8505645.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=21 December 2023 |title=What rules apply in cyber-wars |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8114444.stm |website=BBC}}</ref> Iran is an key exporter of arms since 2000s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How Iran's Revived Weapons Exports Could Boost Its Proxies |url=https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/how-irans-revived-weapons-exports-could-boost-its-proxies |access-date=2021-03-27 |website=The Washington Institute |language=en |archive-date=14 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614045833/https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/how-irans-revived-weapons-exports-could-boost-its-proxies |url-status=live }}</ref>
Following Russia's purchase of Iranian drones during the ],<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-08-17 |title=Inside the Russian effort to build 6,000 attack drones with Iran's help |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2023/08/17/russia-iran-drone-shahed-alabuga/ |access-date=2024-01-11 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-01 |title=Timeline: Iran-Russia Collaboration on Drones {{!}} The Iran Primer |url=https://iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2023/mar/01/timeline-iran-russia-collaboration-drones |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=iranprimer.usip.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Nissenbaum |first1=Dion |last2=Strobel |first2=Warren P. |date=2023-02-05 |title=WSJ News Exclusive {{!}} Moscow, Tehran Advance Plans for Iranian-Designed Drone Facility in Russia |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/moscow-tehran-advance-plans-for-iranian-designed-drone-facility-in-russia-11675609087 |access-date=2024-01-11 |work=Wall Street Journal |language=en-US |issn=0099-9660}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-15 |title=Russia aims to obtain more attack drones from Iran after depleting stockpile, White House says |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-iran-military-cooperation-d982dd3faf78fbb17dfc8b9c1cb9dae7 |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> in November 2023, the ] (IRIAF) finalized arrangements to acquire Russian ] fighter jets, ] attack helicopters, air defence and missile systems.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-11 |title=Iran finalises deal buy russian fighter jets |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/iran-finalises-deal-buy-russian-fighter-jets-tasnim-2023-11-28/ |website=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-28 |title=Iran Finalizes Deal to Buy Russian Fighter Jets - Tasnim |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/iran-finalizes-deal-to-buy-russian-fighter-jets---tasnim-/7373046.html |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Helou |first=Agnes |date=2023-11-28 |title=Iran claims it has finalized long-awaited deal for Russian fighter jets, helos |url=https://breakingdefense.sites.breakingmedia.com/2023/11/iran-claims-it-has-finalized-long-awaited-deal-for-russian-fighter-jets-helos/ |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dangwal |first=Ashish |date=2023-11-28 |title=Su-35 Flankers: Iran Says 'Deal Done' To Acquire Russian Military Aircraft Inc Su-35 Fighters, Mi-28 Choppers |url=https://www.eurasiantimes.com/su-35-flankers-iran-says-deal-done-to-acquire-russian-military-aircraft/ |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News |language=en-US}}</ref>


Following Russia's purchase of Iranian drones during the ],<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 August 2023 |title=Inside the Russian effort to build 6,000 attack drones with Iran's help |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2023/08/17/russia-iran-drone-shahed-alabuga/ |access-date=11 January 2024 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en |archive-date=3 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403184443/https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2023/08/17/russia-iran-drone-shahed-alabuga/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Nissenbaum |first1=Dion |last2=Strobel |first2=Warren P. |date=5 February 2023 |title=WSJ News Exclusive {{!}} Moscow, Tehran Advance Plans for Iranian-Designed Drone Facility in Russia |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/moscow-tehran-advance-plans-for-iranian-designed-drone-facility-in-russia-11675609087 |access-date=11 January 2024 |work=Wall Street Journal |language=en-US |issn=0099-9660 |archive-date=29 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529170949/https://www.wsj.com/articles/moscow-tehran-advance-plans-for-iranian-designed-drone-facility-in-russia-11675609087 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=15 May 2023 |title=Russia aims to obtain more attack drones from Iran after depleting stockpile, White House says |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-iran-military-cooperation-d982dd3faf78fbb17dfc8b9c1cb9dae7 |access-date=11 January 2024 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=17 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217074921/https://apnews.com/article/russia-iran-military-cooperation-d982dd3faf78fbb17dfc8b9c1cb9dae7 |url-status=live }}</ref> in November 2023, the ] (IRIAF) finalized arrangements to acquire Russian ] fighter jets, ] attack helicopters, air defence and missile systems.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 January 2024 |title=Iran finalises deal buy russian fighter jets |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/iran-finalises-deal-buy-russian-fighter-jets-tasnim-2023-11-28/ |website=Reuters |access-date=11 January 2024 |archive-date=12 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212140807/https://www.reuters.com/world/iran-finalises-deal-buy-russian-fighter-jets-tasnim-2023-11-28/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=28 November 2023 |title=Iran Finalizes Deal to Buy Russian Fighter Jets – Tasnim |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/iran-finalizes-deal-to-buy-russian-fighter-jets---tasnim-/7373046.html |access-date=11 January 2024 |website=Voice of America |language=en |archive-date=11 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111105438/https://www.voanews.com/a/iran-finalizes-deal-to-buy-russian-fighter-jets---tasnim-/7373046.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The ] has had joint exercises with ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 March 2023 |title=China, Russia, Iran hold joint naval drills in Gulf of Oman |url=https://apnews.com/article/china-russia-iran-naval-drills-oman-gulf-9f515b3246e4cbe0d98a35e8399dc177 |access-date=14 January 2024 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=2 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102234018/https://apnews.com/article/china-russia-iran-naval-drills-oman-gulf-9f515b3246e4cbe0d98a35e8399dc177 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The ] has had joint exercises with ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-06-02 |title=Iranian Navy ships could reach the Atlantic by Thursday |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/06/02/iranian-navy-ships-atlantic-by-thursday-491600 |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=POLITICO |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-06-25 |title=Iranian Naval Passage Through Atlantic Prompts US Concern |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/middle-east_voa-news-iran_iranian-naval-passage-through-atlantic-prompts-us-concern/6207470.html |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-02-19 |title=Iran, Russia and China launch joint naval exercises in Indian Ocean |url=https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2021/02/19/iran-f19.html |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=World Socialist Web Site |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-15 |title=China, Russia, Iran hold joint naval drills in Gulf of Oman |url=https://apnews.com/article/china-russia-iran-naval-drills-oman-gulf-9f515b3246e4cbe0d98a35e8399dc177 |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-12-30 |title=Iran seeking joint naval drills in Caspian Sea with regional states: Khanzadi |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/153859/Iran-seeking-joint-naval-drills-in-Caspian-Sea-with-regional |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en}}</ref>


=== Regional influence === === Nuclear programme ===
{{Main|Nuclear programme of Iran}}
{{Main|Iranian influence in Lebanon|Iranian intervention in the Syrian civil war|Iranian intervention in Iraq (2014–present)}}
]
Since the ], Iran has grown its influence across and beyond the region.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-07 |title=A Revolution and A War: How Iran Transformed Today's Middle East |url=https://www.thecairoreview.com/essays/a-revolution-and-a-war-how-iran-transformed-todays-middle-east/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=The Cairo Review of Global Affairs |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-08-01 |title=The Challenge of Iran {{!}} The Iran Primer |url=https://iranprimer.usip.org/resource/challenge-iran |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=iranprimer.usip.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran, a Geopolitical Player in the Middle East |url=https://www.iemed.org/publication/iran-a-geopolitical-player-in-the-middle-east/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=www.iemed.org |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Team |first=G. P. F. |date=2018-02-16 |title=Iranian Expansion Spreads Beyond the Middle East |url=https://geopoliticalfutures.com/iranian-expansion-spreads-beyond-middle-east/ |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=Geopolitical Futures |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=New report reveals extent of Iran's growing Middle East influence |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/7/new-report-reveals-extent-of-irans-growing-middle-east-influence |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> It has built military forces with a wide network of state and none-state actors, starting with ] in ] in 1982.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What Is Hezbollah? |url=https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/what-hezbollah |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Council on Foreign Relations |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Kane |first=J. Robert |date=2018 |title=A Life Cycle Analysis of Hezbollah: Where the Group Came from and Where It Is Going |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/26566567 |journal=American Intelligence Journal |volume=35 |issue=2 |pages=67–73 |jstor=26566567 |issn=0883-072X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Hezbollah's Record on War & Politics {{!}} Wilson Center |url=https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/hezbollahs-record-war-politics |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=wilsoncenter.org |language=en}}</ref> Since its establishment as a primary branch to the ], the ] has been key to Iranian influence, through its ].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-04-08 |title=Profile: Iran's Revolutionary Guards |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-47852262 |access-date=2024-01-30 |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-13 |title=Iran Deal: U.S. Sanctions on the IRGC {{!}} The Iran Primer |url=https://iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2022/apr/13/iran-deal-us-sanctions-irgc |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=iranprimer.usip.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-19 |title=Timeline: Iran and Hezbollah {{!}} The Iran Primer |url=https://iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2023/oct/19/timeline-iran-and-hezbollah |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=iranprimer.usip.org |language=en}}</ref><ref name="auto10">{{Cite web |title=Hezbollah's Regional Activities in Support of Iran's Proxy Networks |url=https://www.mei.edu/publications/hezbollahs-regional-activities-support-irans-proxy-networks |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Middle East Institute |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=DeVore |first=Marc R. |date=2012 |title=Exploring the Iran-Hezbollah Relationship: A Case Study of how State Sponsorship affects Terrorist Group Decision-Making |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/26296878 |journal=Perspectives on Terrorism |volume=6 |issue=4/5 |pages=85–107 |jstor=26296878 |issn=2334-3745}}</ref> The instability in Lebanon (from the 1980s),<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Kliot |first=N. |date=1987 |title=The Collapse of the Lebanese State |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/4283154 |journal=Middle Eastern Studies |volume=23 |issue=1 |pages=54–74 |doi=10.1080/00263208708700688 |jstor=4283154 |issn=0026-3206}}</ref> ] (from 2003) <ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-03-19 |title=War, insurgency, IS and instability: Iraq since the 2003 US invasion |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/19/war-insurgency-is-and-instability-iraq-since-the-2003-us-invasion |access-date=2024-01-30 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> and ] (from 2014) <ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-17 |title=The Saudi-led War in Yemen: Frequently Asked Questions {{!}} Friends Committee On National Legislation |url=https://www.fcnl.org/issues/middle-east-iran/saudi-led-war-yemen-frequently-asked-questions |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=www.fcnl.org |language=en}}</ref> have allowed Iran to build strong alliances and foothold beyond its borders. Iran has a prominent influence in the social services, education, economy and the politics of Lebanon,<ref name="auto3">{{Cite journal |jstor=resrep20960.6 |title=Hezbollahʼs Intervention in the Syrian Conflict |last1=Ali |first1=Mohanad Hage |journal=Power Points Defining the Syria-Hezbollah Relationship |date=30 January 2024 |pages=8–13 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Akbar |first=Ali |date=2023-08-08 |title=Iran's soft power in the Middle East via the promotion of the Persian language |journal=Contemporary Politics |language=en |volume=29 |issue=4 |pages=424–445 |doi=10.1080/13569775.2023.2169305 |issn=1356-9775|doi-access=free }}</ref> and analysts have argued that Lebanon provides Iran access to the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tehran's Corridor to the Mediterranean Sea – EUROPolitika |url=https://www.europolitika.com/tehrans-corridor-to-the-mediterranean-sea/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |language=tr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-23 |title=Iran Threatens Mediterranean Closure Over Gaza Without Saying How |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/iran-threatens-mediterranean-closure-over-gaza-without-saying-how/7409793.html |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref> Hezbollah's strategic successes against ], such as its symbolic victory during the ], elevated Iran's influence in ] and strengthened its appeal across the ].<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web |title=Institute for the Study of War |url=http://dev-isw.bivings.com/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en |archive-date=25 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325065358/https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-24 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran Thrives In The Levant On Weakened States Threatened By Sunni Radicalism |url=https://www.hoover.org/research/iranian-corridor-middle-east-geopolitics-sectarianism-and-economic-integration |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Hoover Institution |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite report |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/ADA560123 |title=How to Contain Iranian Influence in the Levant |language=en}}</ref>


Iran's nuclear programme dates back to the 1950s.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 January 2007 |title=An atomic threat made in America |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/chi-061209atoms-day1-story-htmlstory.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140405050620/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-061209atoms-day1-story,0,2034260.htmlstory |archive-date=5 April 2014 |access-date=28 December 2023 |website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref> Iran revived it after the Revolution, and its extensive nuclear fuel cycle, including enrichment capabilities, became the ] and sanctions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 February 2012 |title=Iran's Nuclear Program – Council on Foreign Relations |url=http://www.cfr.org/iran/irans-nuclear-program/p16811 |access-date=1 May 2024 |archive-date=20 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220182315/http://www.cfr.org/iran/irans-nuclear-program/p16811 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Many countries have expressed concern Iran could divert civilian nuclear technology into a ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 March 2023 |title=Iran Could Make Fuel for Nuclear Bomb in Less Than 2 Weeks, Milley Says |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/iran-could-make-fuel-for-nuclear-bomb-in-less-than-2-weeks-milley-says-/7019023.html |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=Voice of America |language=en |archive-date=1 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501174027/https://www.voanews.com/a/iran-could-make-fuel-for-nuclear-bomb-in-less-than-2-weeks-milley-says-/7019023.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2015, Iran and the ] agreed to the ] (JCPOA), aiming to end ] in exchange for restriction in producing ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran Deal |url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/node/328996 |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=The White House |language=en |archive-date=27 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240427112948/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/node/328996 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Since the ] and the arrival of ] in the mid-2010s, Iran has financed and trained militia groups in Iraq, including the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Institute for the Study of War |url=http://dev-isw.bivings.com/ |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en |archive-date=25 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325065358/https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-24 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Feyli |first=Luca Nevola, Miran |date=2023-05-23 |title=The Muqawama and Its Enemies: Shifting Patterns in Iran-Backed Shiite Militia Activity in Iraq |url=https://acleddata.com/2023/05/23/the-muqawama-and-its-enemies-shifting-patterns-in-iran-backed-shiite-militia-activity-in-iraq/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=ACLED |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="auto4">{{Cite web |last=Knights |first=Crispin Smith, Michael |date=2023-03-20 |title=Remaking Iraq: How Iranian-Backed Militias Captured the Country |url=https://www.justsecurity.org/85566/remaking-iraq-how-iranian-backed-militias-captured-the-country/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Just Security |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Growing Influence of Iranian-Backed Militias in Iraq |url=https://www.thecipherbrief.com/column_article/the-growing-influence-of-iranian-backed-militias-in-iraq |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=The Cipher Brief |language=en-US}}</ref> Since the ] in 1980s and the fall of ], Iran has shaped Iraq's politics.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How Much Influence Does Iran Have in Iraq? |url=https://www.cfr.org/in-brief/how-much-influence-does-iran-have-iraq |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Council on Foreign Relations |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran is still the main foreign power in Iraq |url=https://www.ispionline.it/en/publication/iran-is-still-the-main-foreign-power-in-iraq-121476 |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=ISPI |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Motamedi |first=Maziar |title=Where does Iran stand on neighbouring Iraq's political turmoil? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/31/where-does-iran-stand-on-neighbouring-iraqs-political-turmoil |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> Following Iraq's struggle against the ISIS in 2014, companies linked to the IRGC such as ], started to build roads, power plants, hotels and businesses in Iraq, creating an economic corridor worth around $9 billion before ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=افزایش صادرات ایران به عراق تا 9 میلیارد دلار/ در تجارت با منطقه جایگاه مناسبی نداریم |url=https://khabarfarsi.com/u/111389054 |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=KhabarFarsi.com |language=fa}}</ref> This number is expected to grow to $20 billion in the coming years.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-07-23 |title=Iran-Iraq $20b trade target not out of reach: CBI governor |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/438485/Iran-Iraq-20b-trade-target-not-out-of-reach-CBI-governor |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Tehran Times |language=en}}</ref><ref name="auto11">{{Cite web |date=2020-11-16 |title=Iran, Iraq targeting annual trade vol. $20b |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/165930/Iran-Iraq-targeting-annual-trade-vol-20b |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en}}</ref>
] has persisted as a vital part of Iran's regional influence.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aaberg |first=John |date=2019-09-15 |title=Understanding Iranian Proxy Warfare: A Historical Analysis of the Relational Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Iraqi Insurgencies |url=http://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1482158/FULLTEXT01.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=Diva Portal}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Rise of the Iranian Empire |url=http://www.thetower.org/article/the-rise-of-the-iranian-empire/ |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=The Tower |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dagres |first=Holly |date=2019-01-28 |title=Persia is back, but in a different form |url=https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/iransource/persia-is-back-but-in-a-different-form/ |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=Atlantic Council |language=en-US}}</ref>]]
During ], Iran provided military support to the ],<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Houthis, Iran, and tensions in the Red Sea |url=https://www.mei.edu/publications/houthis-iran-and-tensions-red-sea |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Middle East Institute |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-23 |title=How Iran Helped Houthis Expand Their Reach |url=https://warontherocks.com/2021/08/how-iran-helped-houthis-expand-their-reach/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=War on the Rocks |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lester |first=Stephanie |date=2019-12-19 |title=Media Guide: Iran and the Yemeni Civil War |url=http://www.us-iran.org/resources/2019/12/19/media-guide-iran-and-the-yemeni-civil-war |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=American Iranian Council |language=en-US}}</ref> a ] movement that has been fighting Yemen's ] government since 2004.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-29 |title=5 Things to Know About the Houthis, Their Attacks on Israel and the U.S., and Their Treatment of Yemen's Jews {{!}} AJC |url=https://www.ajc.org/news/5-things-to-know-about-the-houthis-their-attacks-on-israel-and-the-us-and-their-treatment-of |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=www.ajc.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ignatius |first=David |date=2024-01-16 |title=Opinion {{!}} The Houthis sink an arrow into the West's Achilles' heel |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/01/16/red-sea-houthis-supply-chain-disruption/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> They gained ] in recent years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Yemen's Houthi rebels seize cargo ship in Red Sea |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/19/yemens-houthi-rebels-seize-cargo-ship-in-red-sea-israel-blames-iran |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-02 |title=A ship earlier hit by Yemen's Houthi rebels sinks in the Red Sea, the first vessel lost in conflict |url=https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-rubymar-sinks-red-sea-fb64a490ce935756337ee3606e15d093 |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Clinch |first=Matt |date=2022-03-25 |title=Yemen's Houthis claim attack on Aramco facility after reports of a huge fire in Saudi city of Jeddah |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/03/25/reports-of-huge-fire-at-aramco-oil-facility-in-saudi-arabia.html |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref> Iran also has considerable influence in ] and ] through various militant groups such as ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-02-13 |title=Mission Accomplished? What's Next for Iran's Afghan Fighters in Syria |url=https://warontherocks.com/2018/02/mission-accomplished-whats-next-irans-afghan-fighters-syria/ |access-date=2024-03-25 |website=War on the Rocks |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Liwa al-Fatemiyoun :: Jihad Intel |url=https://jihadintel.meforum.org/group/180/liwa-al-fatemiyoun |access-date=2024-03-25 |website=jihadintel.meforum.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-05-02 |title=Meet the Zainebiyoun Brigade: An Iranian Backed Pakistani Shia Militia Fighting in Syria – The OSINT Blog |url=https://theosintblog.com/2016/04/28/meet-the-zainebiyoun-brigade-an-iranian-backed-pakistani-shia-militia-fighting-in-syria/ |access-date=2024-03-25 |archive-date=2 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160502213753/https://theosintblog.com/2016/04/28/meet-the-zainebiyoun-brigade-an-iranian-backed-pakistani-shia-militia-fighting-in-syria/ |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-07-28 |title=Iran's Tricky Balancing Act in Afghanistan |url=https://warontherocks.com/2021/07/irans-tricky-balancing-act-in-afghanistan/ |access-date=2024-03-25 |website=War on the Rocks |language=en-US}}</ref>


In 2018, however, the ] from the deal under the ], and reimposed sanctions. This was met with resistance by Iran and other members of the P5+1.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fox |first=Kara |date=8 May 2018 |title=European leaders 'disappointed' in Trump's withdrawal from Iran deal |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/08/europe/iran-deal-world-leaders-react/index.html |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=1 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501174028/https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/08/europe/iran-deal-world-leaders-react/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sparks |first=Grace |date=8 May 2018 |title=Majority say US should not withdraw from Iran nuclear agreement {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/08/politics/poll-iran-agreement/index.html |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=8 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180508185901/https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/08/politics/poll-iran-agreement/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schumann |first=Anna |date=11 May 2020 |title=A worthless withdrawal: Two years since President Trump abandoned the JCPOA |url=https://armscontrolcenter.org/a-worthless-withdrawal-two-years-since-president-trump-abandoned-the-jcpoa/ |access-date=8 May 2024 |website=Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation |language=en-US |archive-date=8 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508113155/https://armscontrolcenter.org/a-worthless-withdrawal-two-years-since-president-trump-abandoned-the-jcpoa/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A year later, Iran began decreasing its compliance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lynch |first=Colum |date=2 May 2024 |title=Despite U.S. Sanctions, Iran Expands Its Nuclear Stockpile |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/05/08/iran-advances-nuclear-program-withdrawal-jcpoa/ |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=Foreign Policy |language=en-US |archive-date=10 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510220143/https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/05/08/iran-advances-nuclear-program-withdrawal-jcpoa/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By 2020, Iran announced it would no longer observe any limit set by the agreement.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 January 2020 |title=Iran abandons enrichment limits in further step back from nuclear deal |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20200105-iran-abandons-enrichment-limits-in-further-step-back-from-nuclear-deal |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=France 24 |language=en |archive-date=1 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501174027/https://www.france24.com/en/20200105-iran-abandons-enrichment-limits-in-further-step-back-from-nuclear-deal |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=7 July 2019 |title=Iran nuclear deal: Government announces enrichment breach |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-48899243 |access-date=1 May 2024 |language=en-GB |archive-date=29 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429162539/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-48899243 |url-status=live }}</ref> Progress since then has brought Iran to the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran approaches the nuclear threshold |url=https://www.iiss.org/online-analysis/online-analysis/2022/11/iran-approaches-the-nuclear-threshold/ |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=IISS |language=en |archive-date=1 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501174028/https://www.iiss.org/online-analysis/online-analysis/2022/11/iran-approaches-the-nuclear-threshold/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Motamedi |first=Maziar |title=Five years after Trump's exit, no return to the Iran nuclear deal |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/8/five-years-after-trumps-exit-no-return-to-the-iran-nuclear-deal |access-date=8 May 2024 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=7 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507150814/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/8/five-years-after-trumps-exit-no-return-to-the-iran-nuclear-deal |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lynch |first=Colum |date=16 May 2024 |title=Despite U.S. Sanctions, Iran Expands Its Nuclear Stockpile |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/05/08/iran-advances-nuclear-program-withdrawal-jcpoa/ |access-date=8 May 2024 |website=Foreign Policy |language=en-US |archive-date=10 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510220143/https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/05/08/iran-advances-nuclear-program-withdrawal-jcpoa/ |url-status=live }}</ref> {{As of|November 2023}}, Iran had uranium enriched to up to 60% fissile content, close to weapon grade.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Francois |date=15 November 2023 |title=Iran's nuclear enrichment advances as it stonewalls UN, IAEA reports show. |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/irans-nuclear-enrichment-advances-it-stonewalls-un-iaea-reports-show-2023-11-15/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206001632/http://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/irans-nuclear-enrichment-advances-it-stonewalls-un-iaea-reports-show-2023-11-15/ |archive-date=6 December 2023 |access-date=20 December 2023 |website=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=15 November 2023 |title=Iran advances nuclear enrichment while still barring inspectors; IAEA |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/15/iran-advances-nuclear-enrichment-while-still-barring-inspectors-iaea |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220233722/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/15/iran-advances-nuclear-enrichment-while-still-barring-inspectors-iaea |archive-date=20 December 2023 |access-date=20 December 2023 |website=Aljazeera}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=26 December 2023 |title=Iran Resumes Pace of 60% Uranium Enrichment, IAEA Says |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/iran-resumes-pace-of-60-uranium-enrichment-iaea-says-/7413491.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111105437/https://www.voanews.com/a/iran-resumes-pace-of-60-uranium-enrichment-iaea-says-/7413491.html |archive-date=11 January 2024 |access-date=11 January 2024 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=26 February 2024 |title=Watchdog Report: Iran Has Further Increased Its Total Stockpile of Uranium |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/iaea-iran-uranium-stock-enriched-to-60-shrinks/7503307.html |access-date=8 May 2024 |website=Voice of America |language=en |archive-date=8 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508113154/https://www.voanews.com/a/iaea-iran-uranium-stock-enriched-to-60-shrinks/7503307.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Some analysts already regard Iran as a de facto nuclear power.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 April 2024 |title=Does Iran already have nuclear weapons? |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/feb/19/does-iran-already-have-nuclear-weapons/ |website=The Washington Times |access-date=15 March 2024 |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315102525/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/feb/19/does-iran-already-have-nuclear-weapons/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pletka |first=Danielle |date=18 April 2024 |title=Whatever Happened to Biden's Iran Policy? |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/03/26/bidens-iran-policy-nuclear-deal-jcpoa/ |access-date=28 March 2024 |website=Foreign Policy |language=en-US |archive-date=27 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240327184237/https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/03/26/bidens-iran-policy-nuclear-deal-jcpoa/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Cohen |first=Avner |date=21 March 2024 |title=Has Iran become a de facto nuclear state? |url=https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/2024-03-21/ty-article-opinion/.premium/has-iran-become-a-de-facto-nuclear-state/0000018e-61d8-d507-a1cf-63de494b0000 |access-date=1 May 2024 |work=Haaretz |language=en |archive-date=4 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604190301/https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/2024-03-21/ty-article-opinion/.premium/has-iran-become-a-de-facto-nuclear-state/0000018e-61d8-d507-a1cf-63de494b0000 |url-status=live }}</ref>
In ], Iran has supported President ],<ref name="auto2"/><ref name="auto12">{{Cite web |date=2023-12-30 |title=Why is Iran Involved in Syria: A Look at Multifaceted Reasons |url=https://bestdiplomats.org/why-is-iran-involved-in-syria/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Terrill |first=W. Andrew |date=2015 |title=Iran's Strategy for Saving Asad |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/43698235 |journal=Middle East Journal |volume=69 |issue=2 |pages=222–236 |doi=10.3751/69.2.1 |jstor=43698235 |issn=0026-3141}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-07-30 |title=Iran's Evolving Policy on Syria {{!}} The Iran Primer |url=https://iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2012/jul/30/iran%E2%80%99s-evolving-policy-syria |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=iranprimer.usip.org |language=en}}</ref> with the two countries being long-standing allies.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Samii |first=Abbas William |date=2008 |title=A Stable Structure on Shifting Sands: Assessing the Hizbullah-Iran-Syria Relationship |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/25482471 |journal=Middle East Journal |volume=62 |issue=1 |pages=32–53 |doi=10.3751/62.1.12 |jstor=25482471 |issn=0026-3141}}</ref><ref name="auto2"/> Iran has provided significant military and economic support to Assad's government,<ref name="auto12"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran Update, September 20, 2023 |url=https://www.criticalthreats.org/analysis/iran-update-september-20-2023 |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Critical Threats}}</ref> and as a result, it has a considerable foothold in Syria.<ref>{{Cite web |title=After 7 years of war, Assad has won in Syria. What's next for Washington? |url=https://www.brookings.edu/articles/after-7-years-of-war-assad-has-won-in-syria-whats-next-for-washington/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Brookings |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Syria's Stalemate Has Only Benefitted Assad and His Backers |url=https://www.usip.org/publications/2023/03/syrias-stalemate-has-only-benefitted-assad-and-his-backers |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=United States Institute of Peace |language=en}}</ref> Iran have long supported the anti-Israel fronts in ] in countries like ] and ], embracing ] in part to help undermine the popularity of the ] (PLO) in North Africa.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran and Hamas beyond the borders of the Middle East |url=https://www.mei.edu/publications/iran-and-hamas-beyond-borders-middle-east |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Middle East Institute |language=en}}</ref> Iran's support of Hamas emerged more clearly in later years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Skare |first=Erik |date=2023-12-18 |title=Iran, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad: A marriage of convenience |url=https://ecfr.eu/article/iran-hamas-and-islamic-jihad-a-marriage-of-convenience/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=ECFR |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Hamas-Iran Relationship {{!}} The Washington Institute |url=https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/hamas-iran-relationship |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=www.washingtoninstitute.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Hamas And Israel: Iran's Role {{!}} Wilson Center |url=https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/hamas-and-israel-irans-role |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=www.wilsoncenter.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lillis |first=Jake Tapper, Katie Bo |date=2023-11-14 |title=Found document suggests Iran sought to help Hamas make its own weapons ahead of attack, sources say {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/14/politics/document-iran-hamas-weapons/index.html |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref> According to US intelligence officials, Iran does not have full control over these state and none state groups.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-02 |title=US intelligence officials estimate Tehran does not have full control of its proxy groups |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/01/iran-proxies-intel-houthis-00139099 |website=Politico}}</ref>


=== Human rights === === Regional influence ===
{{Main|Iranian influence in Lebanon|Iranian intervention in the Syrian civil war|Iranian intervention in Iraq (2014–present)}}
{{Main|Human rights in Iran|Human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran}}Iran's ] is exceptionally poor.<ref>{{cite web |date=24 January 2019 |title=2018 will go down in history as a year of shame for Iran |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2019/01/irans-year-of-shame-more-than-7000-arrested-in-chilling-crackdown-on-dissent-during-2018/ |access-date=14 March 2019 |website=amnesty.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=11 March 2019 |title=Nasrin Sotoudeh sentenced to 33 years and 148 lashes in Iran |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2019/03/iran-shocking-33-year-prison-term-and-148-lashes-for-womens-rights-defender-nasrin-sotoudeh/ |access-date=14 March 2019 |website=amnesty.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=30 January 2019 |title=Iran |url=https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2019/iran |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430053909/https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2019/iran |archive-date=30 April 2019 |access-date=30 April 2019 |website=freedomhouse.org}}</ref> The Iranian government is undemocratic,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pages.eiu.com/rs/753-RIQ-438/images/Democracy_Index_2017.pdf|title=Democracy Index 2017 : Free Speech Under Attack|date=30 January 2018|website=eiu.com|access-date=24 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/blog/michael-j-totten/no-iran-not-democracy |access-date=3 May 2018|publisher=World Affairs Institute|last=Totten|first=Michael J.|author-link=Michael Totten|date=16 February 2016 |title=No, Iran is Not a Democracy|work=Dispatches|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504005559/http://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/blog/michael-j-totten/no-iran-not-democracy|archive-date=4 May 2018|url-status=usurped}}</ref> has frequently persecuted and arrested critics of the government, and severely restricts the participation of candidates in elections and political activities. ] is illegal and is ].<ref>{{cite news |first=Daniel |last=Avery |title=71 Countries Where Homosexuality is Illegal |url=https://www.newsweek.com/73-countries-where-its-illegal-be-gay-1385974 |work=Newsweek |date=4 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Iran defends execution of gay people |url=https://www.dw.com/en/iran-defends-execution-of-gay-people/a-49144899 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=12 June 2019}}</ref>
]
Iran's significant influence and foothold, sometimes characterised as the "Dawn of A New Persian Empire."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Are We Witnessing The Dawn Of A New Persian Empire? |url=https://en.radiofarda.com/amp/iran-influence-in-middle-east-new-empire/28735042.html |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=en.radiofarda.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Qatar |first=Middle East, politics, GCC, Iran, Syria, Iraq, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Nuclear deal, Yemen, Trump, MENA, Turkey, Gulf Crisis |title=Future Center – Can Iran turn itself into a "neo-Persian Empire"? |url=https://futureuae.com/en-US/Mainpage/Item/1997/far-fetched-goal-can-iran-turn-itself-into-a-neo-persian-empire |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=Futureuae |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Handberg |first=Hjalte |date=1 January 2019 |title=Understanding Iranian Proxy Warfare: A Historical Analysis of the Relational Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Iraqi Insurgencies |url=https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1482158/FULLTEXT01.pdf |website=Diva Portal}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=14 April 2024 |title=China, Russia and Iran Are Reviving the Age of Empires |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/features/2024-04-14/china-russia-and-iran-are-rebuilding-empires-to-defeat-us-europe |access-date=1 May 2024 |work=Bloomberg.com |language=en}}</ref> Some analysts associate the Iranian influence to the nation's proud ], ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aaberg |first=John |date=15 September 2019 |title=Understanding Iranian Proxy Warfare: A Historical Analysis of the Relational Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Iraqi Insurgencies |url=http://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1482158/FULLTEXT01.pdf |access-date=3 April 2024 |website=Diva Portal}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Rise of the Iranian Empire |url=http://www.thetower.org/article/the-rise-of-the-iranian-empire/ |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=The Tower |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dagres |first=Holly |date=28 January 2019 |title=Persia is back, but in a different form |url=https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/iransource/persia-is-back-but-in-a-different-form/ |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=Atlantic Council |language=en-US}}</ref>


Since the ], Iran has grown its influence across and beyond the region.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 August 2015 |title=The Challenge of Iran {{!}} The Iran Primer |url=https://iranprimer.usip.org/resource/challenge-iran |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=iranprimer.usip.org |language=en |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130174231/https://iranprimer.usip.org/resource/challenge-iran |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran, a Geopolitical Player in the Middle East |url=https://www.iemed.org/publication/iran-a-geopolitical-player-in-the-middle-east/ |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=www.iemed.org |language=en-US |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130174232/https://www.iemed.org/publication/iran-a-geopolitical-player-in-the-middle-east/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Team |first=G. P. F. |date=16 February 2018 |title=Iranian Expansion Spreads Beyond the Middle East |url=https://geopoliticalfutures.com/iranian-expansion-spreads-beyond-middle-east/ |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=Geopolitical Futures |language=en-US |archive-date=31 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131115020/https://geopoliticalfutures.com/iranian-expansion-spreads-beyond-middle-east/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=New report reveals extent of Iran's growing Middle East influence |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/7/new-report-reveals-extent-of-irans-growing-middle-east-influence |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=31 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131115020/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/7/new-report-reveals-extent-of-irans-growing-middle-east-influence |url-status=live }}</ref> It has built military forces with a wide network of state and none-state actors, starting with ] in ] in 1982.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Kane |first=J. Robert |date=2018 |title=A Life Cycle Analysis of Hezbollah: Where the Group Came from and Where It Is Going |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/26566567 |journal=American Intelligence Journal |volume=35 |issue=2 |pages=67–73 |jstor=26566567 |issn=0883-072X |access-date=30 January 2024 |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130174231/https://www.jstor.org/stable/26566567 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Hezbollah's Record on War & Politics {{!}} Wilson Center |url=https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/hezbollahs-record-war-politics |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=wilsoncenter.org |language=en |archive-date=31 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131093311/https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/hezbollahs-record-war-politics |url-status=live }}</ref> The ] has been key to Iranian influence, through its ].<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 April 2019 |title=Profile: Iran's Revolutionary Guards |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-47852262 |access-date=30 January 2024 |language=en-GB |archive-date=16 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316054026/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-47852262 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="auto10">{{Cite web |title=Hezbollah's Regional Activities in Support of Iran's Proxy Networks |url=https://www.mei.edu/publications/hezbollahs-regional-activities-support-irans-proxy-networks |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=Middle East Institute |language=en |archive-date=13 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513224544/https://www.mei.edu/publications/hezbollahs-regional-activities-support-irans-proxy-networks |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=DeVore |first=Marc R. |date=2012 |title=Exploring the Iran-Hezbollah Relationship: A Case Study of how State Sponsorship affects Terrorist Group Decision-Making |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/26296878 |journal=Perspectives on Terrorism |volume=6 |issue=4/5 |pages=85–107 |jstor=26296878 |issn=2334-3745 |access-date=30 January 2024 |archive-date=25 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225090710/https://www.jstor.org/stable/26296878 |url-status=live }}</ref> The instability in Lebanon (from the 1980s),<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Kliot |first=N. |date=1987 |title=The Collapse of the Lebanese State |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/4283154 |journal=Middle Eastern Studies |volume=23 |issue=1 |pages=54–74 |doi=10.1080/00263208708700688 |jstor=4283154 |issn=0026-3206}}</ref> ] (from 2003) <ref>{{Cite news |date=19 March 2023 |title=War, insurgency, IS and instability: Iraq since the 2003 US invasion |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/19/war-insurgency-is-and-instability-iraq-since-the-2003-us-invasion |access-date=30 January 2024 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> and ] (from 2014) <ref>{{Cite web |date=17 October 2023 |title=The Saudi-led War in Yemen: Frequently Asked Questions {{!}} Friends Committee On National Legislation |url=https://www.fcnl.org/issues/middle-east-iran/saudi-led-war-yemen-frequently-asked-questions |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=www.fcnl.org |language=en |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128135958/https://www.fcnl.org/issues/middle-east-iran/saudi-led-war-yemen-frequently-asked-questions |url-status=live }}</ref> has allowed Iran to build strong alliances and footholds beyond its borders. Iran has a prominent influence in the social services, education, economy and politics of Lebanon,<ref name="auto3">{{Cite journal |jstor=resrep20960.6 |title=Hezbollahʼs Intervention in the Syrian Conflict |last1=Ali |first1=Mohanad Hage |journal=Power Points Defining the Syria-Hezbollah Relationship |date=30 January 2024 |pages=8–13 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Akbar |first=Ali |date=8 August 2023 |title=Iran's soft power in the Middle East via the promotion of the Persian language |journal=Contemporary Politics |language=en |volume=29 |issue=4 |pages=424–445 |doi=10.1080/13569775.2023.2169305 |issn=1356-9775|doi-access=free }}</ref> and Lebanon provides Iran access to the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tehran's Corridor to the Mediterranean Sea – EUROPolitika |url=https://www.europolitika.com/tehrans-corridor-to-the-mediterranean-sea/ |access-date=30 January 2024 |language=tr |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130174232/https://www.europolitika.com/tehrans-corridor-to-the-mediterranean-sea/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=23 December 2023 |title=Iran Threatens Mediterranean Closure Over Gaza Without Saying How |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/iran-threatens-mediterranean-closure-over-gaza-without-saying-how/7409793.html |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=Voice of America |language=en |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130174231/https://www.voanews.com/a/iran-threatens-mediterranean-closure-over-gaza-without-saying-how/7409793.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Hezbollah's strategic successes against Israel, such as its symbolic victory during the ], elevated Iran's influence in the ] and strengthened its appeal across the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran Thrives In The Levant On Weakened States Threatened By Sunni Radicalism |url=https://www.hoover.org/research/iranian-corridor-middle-east-geopolitics-sectarianism-and-economic-integration |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=Hoover Institution |language=en |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130174230/https://www.hoover.org/research/iranian-corridor-middle-east-geopolitics-sectarianism-and-economic-integration |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite report |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/ADA560123 |title=How to Contain Iranian Influence in the Levant |language=en |access-date=30 January 2024 |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130174232/https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/ADA560123 |url-status=live }}</ref>
UN Special Rapporteur ] has reported discrimination against several ethnic minorities in Iran.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 October 2019 |title=Iran: UN expert says ethnic, religious minorities face discrimination |work=] |location=New York |url=https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2019/10/iran-un-expert-says-ethnic-religious-minorities-face-discrimination }}</ref> A group of ] experts in 2022 urged Iran to stop "systematic persecution" of religious minorities, adding that members of the ] were arrested, barred from universities, or had their homes demolished.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-22 |title=Rights experts urge Iran to end 'systematic persecution' of religious minorities |url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/08/1125162 |access-date=2023-12-12 |website=] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=UN Rights Experts Call On Iran To Stop Persecution Of Baha'is, Other Religious Minorities |language=en |work=] |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-bahai-faith-persecution-un-rights-religious-minorities/31999696.html |access-date=2023-12-12}}</ref>


Since the ] and the arrival of ] in the mid-2010s, Iran has financed and trained militia groups in Iraq.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Institute for the Study of War |url=http://dev-isw.bivings.com/ |access-date=23 March 2024 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en |archive-date=25 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325065358/https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-24 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Feyli |first=Luca Nevola, Miran |date=23 May 2023 |title=The Muqawama and Its Enemies: Shifting Patterns in Iran-Backed Shiite Militia Activity in Iraq |url=https://acleddata.com/2023/05/23/the-muqawama-and-its-enemies-shifting-patterns-in-iran-backed-shiite-militia-activity-in-iraq/ |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=ACLED |language=en-US |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130174231/https://acleddata.com/2023/05/23/the-muqawama-and-its-enemies-shifting-patterns-in-iran-backed-shiite-militia-activity-in-iraq/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="auto4">{{Cite web |last=Knights |first=Crispin Smith, Michael |date=20 March 2023 |title=Remaking Iraq: How Iranian-Backed Militias Captured the Country |url=https://www.justsecurity.org/85566/remaking-iraq-how-iranian-backed-militias-captured-the-country/ |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=Just Security |language=en-US |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130174230/https://www.justsecurity.org/85566/remaking-iraq-how-iranian-backed-militias-captured-the-country/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Since the ] in 1980s and the fall of ], Iran has shaped Iraq's politics.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How Much Influence Does Iran Have in Iraq? |url=https://www.cfr.org/in-brief/how-much-influence-does-iran-have-iraq |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=Council on Foreign Relations |language=en |archive-date=30 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330011242/https://www.cfr.org/in-brief/how-much-influence-does-iran-have-iraq |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran is still the main foreign power in Iraq |url=https://www.ispionline.it/en/publication/iran-is-still-the-main-foreign-power-in-iraq-121476 |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=ISPI |language=en-US |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130175734/https://www.ispionline.it/en/publication/iran-is-still-the-main-foreign-power-in-iraq-121476 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Motamedi |first=Maziar |title=Where does Iran stand on neighbouring Iraq's political turmoil? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/31/where-does-iran-stand-on-neighbouring-iraqs-political-turmoil |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130174230/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/31/where-does-iran-stand-on-neighbouring-iraqs-political-turmoil |url-status=live }}</ref> Following Iraq's struggle against ISIS in 2014, companies linked to the IRGC such as ], started to build roads, power plants, hotels and businesses in Iraq, creating an economic corridor worth around $9 billion before ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=افزایش صادرات ایران به عراق تا 9 میلیارد دلار/ در تجارت با منطقه جایگاه مناسبی نداریم |url=https://khabarfarsi.com/u/111389054 |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=KhabarFarsi.com |language=fa |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130174231/https://khabarfarsi.com/u/111389054 |url-status=live }}</ref> This is expected to grow to $20 billion.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 July 2019 |title=Iran-Iraq $20b trade target not out of reach: CBI governor |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/438485/Iran-Iraq-20b-trade-target-not-out-of-reach-CBI-governor |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=Tehran Times |language=en |archive-date=28 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028021552/https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/438485/Iran-Iraq-20b-trade-target-not-out-of-reach-CBI-governor |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="auto11">{{Cite web |date=16 November 2020 |title=Iran, Iraq targeting annual trade vol. $20b |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/165930/Iran-Iraq-targeting-annual-trade-vol-20b |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130174231/https://en.mehrnews.com/news/165930/Iran-Iraq-targeting-annual-trade-vol-20b |url-status=live }}</ref>
The 2006 election results were widely disputed,<ref>{{cite news |date=5 July 2009 |title=Iran clerics defy election ruling |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8134904.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010065919/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8134904.stm |archive-date=10 October 2017 |access-date=18 June 2011 |work=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=7 September 2009 |title=Is this government legitimate? |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/iran/2009/07/090704_op_brief_majma_qom.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150409060631/http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/iran/2009/07/090704_op_brief_majma_qom.shtml |archive-date=9 April 2015 |access-date=18 June 2011 |work=BBC}}</ref> and resulted in ]<ref>{{cite web |last=Landry |first=Carole |date=25 June 2009 |title=G8 calls on Iran to halt election violence |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jSWPwBGmOByDmvG6OPfqesxJ2O7Q |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110312135716/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jSWPwBGmOByDmvG6OPfqesxJ2O7Q |archive-date=12 March 2011 |access-date=18 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Tait |first1=Robert |last2=Black |first2=Ian |last3=Tran |first3=Mark |date=17 June 2009 |title=Iran protests: Fifth day of unrest as regime cracks down on critics |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/jun/17/iran-protests-day-five |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221142529/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/jun/17/iran-protests-day-five |archive-date=21 December 2016 |access-date=14 December 2016 |work=The Guardian |location=London}}</ref> and the creation of the ].
]
During ], Iran provided military support to the ],<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Houthis, Iran, and tensions in the Red Sea |url=https://www.mei.edu/publications/houthis-iran-and-tensions-red-sea |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=Middle East Institute |language=en |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130174230/https://www.mei.edu/publications/houthis-iran-and-tensions-red-sea |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=23 August 2021 |title=How Iran Helped Houthis Expand Their Reach |url=https://warontherocks.com/2021/08/how-iran-helped-houthis-expand-their-reach/ |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=War on the Rocks |language=en-US |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130174230/https://warontherocks.com/2021/08/how-iran-helped-houthis-expand-their-reach/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lester |first=Stephanie |date=19 December 2019 |title=Media Guide: Iran and the Yemeni Civil War |url=http://www.us-iran.org/resources/2019/12/19/media-guide-iran-and-the-yemeni-civil-war |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=American Iranian Council |language=en-US |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130174230/http://www.us-iran.org/resources/2019/12/19/media-guide-iran-and-the-yemeni-civil-war |url-status=live }}</ref> a ] movement fighting Yemen's ] government since 2004.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 December 2023 |title=5 Things to Know About the Houthis, Their Attacks on Israel and the U.S., and Their Treatment of Yemen's Jews {{!}} AJC |url=https://www.ajc.org/news/5-things-to-know-about-the-houthis-their-attacks-on-israel-and-the-us-and-their-treatment-of |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=www.ajc.org |language=en |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130174230/https://www.ajc.org/news/5-things-to-know-about-the-houthis-their-attacks-on-israel-and-the-us-and-their-treatment-of |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ignatius |first=David |date=16 January 2024 |title=Opinion {{!}} The Houthis sink an arrow into the West's Achilles' heel |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/01/16/red-sea-houthis-supply-chain-disruption/ |access-date=30 January 2024 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=17 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117171545/https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/01/16/red-sea-houthis-supply-chain-disruption/ |url-status=live }}</ref> They gained ] in recent years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Yemen's Houthi rebels seize cargo ship in Red Sea |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/19/yemens-houthi-rebels-seize-cargo-ship-in-red-sea-israel-blames-iran |access-date=23 March 2024 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=24 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240324024030/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/19/yemens-houthi-rebels-seize-cargo-ship-in-red-sea-israel-blames-iran |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2 March 2024 |title=A ship earlier hit by Yemen's Houthi rebels sinks in the Red Sea, the first vessel lost in conflict |url=https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-rubymar-sinks-red-sea-fb64a490ce935756337ee3606e15d093 |access-date=23 March 2024 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=23 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323071241/https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-rubymar-sinks-red-sea-fb64a490ce935756337ee3606e15d093 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Clinch |first=Matt |date=25 March 2022 |title=Yemen's Houthis claim attack on Aramco facility after reports of a huge fire in Saudi city of Jeddah |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/03/25/reports-of-huge-fire-at-aramco-oil-facility-in-saudi-arabia.html |access-date=23 March 2024 |website=CNBC |language=en |archive-date=26 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326083516/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/03/25/reports-of-huge-fire-at-aramco-oil-facility-in-saudi-arabia.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Iran has considerable influence in ] and ] through militant groups such as ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 February 2018 |title=Mission Accomplished? What's Next for Iran's Afghan Fighters in Syria |url=https://warontherocks.com/2018/02/mission-accomplished-whats-next-irans-afghan-fighters-syria/ |access-date=25 March 2024 |website=War on the Rocks |language=en-US |archive-date=14 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514235532/https://warontherocks.com/2018/02/mission-accomplished-whats-next-irans-afghan-fighters-syria/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2 May 2016 |title=Meet the Zainebiyoun Brigade: An Iranian Backed Pakistani Shia Militia Fighting in Syria – The OSINT Blog |url=https://theosintblog.com/2016/04/28/meet-the-zainebiyoun-brigade-an-iranian-backed-pakistani-shia-militia-fighting-in-syria/ |access-date=25 March 2024 |archive-date=2 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160502213753/https://theosintblog.com/2016/04/28/meet-the-zainebiyoun-brigade-an-iranian-backed-pakistani-shia-militia-fighting-in-syria/ |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=28 July 2021 |title=Iran's Tricky Balancing Act in Afghanistan |url=https://warontherocks.com/2021/07/irans-tricky-balancing-act-in-afghanistan/ |access-date=25 March 2024 |website=War on the Rocks |language=en-US |archive-date=22 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322050754/https://warontherocks.com/2021/07/irans-tricky-balancing-act-in-afghanistan/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


In ], Iran has supported President ];<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Terrill |first=W. Andrew |date=2015 |title=Iran's Strategy for Saving Asad |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/43698235 |journal=Middle East Journal |volume=69 |issue=2 |pages=222–236 |doi=10.3751/69.2.1 |jstor=43698235 |issn=0026-3141 |access-date=30 January 2024 |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130174230/https://www.jstor.org/stable/43698235 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=30 July 2012 |title=Iran's Evolving Policy on Syria {{!}} The Iran Primer |url=https://iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2012/jul/30/iran%E2%80%99s-evolving-policy-syria |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=iranprimer.usip.org |language=en |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130174231/https://iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2012/jul/30/iran%E2%80%99s-evolving-policy-syria |url-status=live }}</ref> the two countries are long-standing allies.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Samii |first=Abbas William |date=2008 |title=A Stable Structure on Shifting Sands: Assessing the Hizbullah-Iran-Syria Relationship |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/25482471 |journal=Middle East Journal |volume=62 |issue=1 |pages=32–53 |doi=10.3751/62.1.12 |jstor=25482471 |issn=0026-3141 |access-date=30 January 2024 |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130174232/https://www.jstor.org/stable/25482471 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="auto2">{{Cite web |title=Institute for the Study of War |url=http://dev-isw.bivings.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325065358/https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-24 |archive-date=25 March 2022 |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en}}</ref> Iran has provided significant military and economic support to Assad's government,<ref name="auto12">{{Cite web |date=30 December 2023 |title=Why is Iran Involved in Syria: A Look at Multifaceted Reasons |url=https://bestdiplomats.org/why-is-iran-involved-in-syria/ |access-date=30 January 2024 |language=en-US |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130174231/https://bestdiplomats.org/why-is-iran-involved-in-syria/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran Update, September 20, 2023 |url=https://www.criticalthreats.org/analysis/iran-update-september-20-2023 |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=Critical Threats |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130174232/https://www.criticalthreats.org/analysis/iran-update-september-20-2023 |url-status=live }}</ref> so has a considerable foothold in Syria.<ref>{{Cite web |title=After 7 years of war, Assad has won in Syria. What's next for Washington? |url=https://www.brookings.edu/articles/after-7-years-of-war-assad-has-won-in-syria-whats-next-for-washington/ |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=Brookings |language=en-US |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130174231/https://www.brookings.edu/articles/after-7-years-of-war-assad-has-won-in-syria-whats-next-for-washington/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Syria's Stalemate Has Only Benefitted Assad and His Backers |url=https://www.usip.org/publications/2023/03/syrias-stalemate-has-only-benefitted-assad-and-his-backers |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=United States Institute of Peace |language=en |archive-date=18 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318081024/https://www.usip.org/publications/2023/03/syrias-stalemate-has-only-benefitted-assad-and-his-backers |url-status=live }}</ref> Iran has long supported the anti-Israel fronts in ] in countries like ] and ], embracing ] in part to help undermine the popularity of the ] (PLO).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran and Hamas beyond the borders of the Middle East |url=https://www.mei.edu/publications/iran-and-hamas-beyond-borders-middle-east |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=Middle East Institute |language=en |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130174231/https://www.mei.edu/publications/iran-and-hamas-beyond-borders-middle-east |url-status=live }}</ref> Iran's support of Hamas emerged more clearly in later years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Skare |first=Erik |date=18 December 2023 |title=Iran, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad: A marriage of convenience |url=https://ecfr.eu/article/iran-hamas-and-islamic-jihad-a-marriage-of-convenience/ |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=ECFR |language=en-GB |archive-date=16 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116122514/https://ecfr.eu/article/iran-hamas-and-islamic-jihad-a-marriage-of-convenience/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Hamas-Iran Relationship {{!}} The Washington Institute |url=https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/hamas-iran-relationship |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=www.washingtoninstitute.org |language=en |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130174230/https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/hamas-iran-relationship |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Hamas And Israel: Iran's Role {{!}} Wilson Center |url=https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/hamas-and-israel-irans-role |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=www.wilsoncenter.org |language=en |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130174231/https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/hamas-and-israel-irans-role |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lillis |first=Jake Tapper, Katie Bo |date=14 November 2023 |title=Found document suggests Iran sought to help Hamas make its own weapons ahead of attack, sources say {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/14/politics/document-iran-hamas-weapons/index.html |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130174230/https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/14/politics/document-iran-hamas-weapons/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> According to US intelligence, Iran does not have full control over these state and non-state groups.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 January 2024 |title=US intelligence officials estimate Tehran does not have full control of its proxy groups |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/01/iran-proxies-intel-houthis-00139099 |website=Politico |access-date=15 March 2024 |archive-date=29 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329202849/https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/01/iran-proxies-intel-houthis-00139099 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The ] swept across the country in response to the economic and political situation.<ref>{{cite news |last=Erdbrink |first=Thomas |date=4 August 2018 |title=Protests Pop Up Across Iran, Fueled by Daily Dissatisfaction |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/04/world/middleeast/iran-protests.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023212544/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/04/world/middleeast/iran-protests.html |archive-date=23 October 2023 |access-date=5 August 2022 |newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> The scale of protests and the number of people participating were significant,<ref>{{cite web |title=More Chants, More Protests: The Dey Iranian Anti-Regime Protests |url=https://www.criticalthreats.org/analysis/more-chants-more-protests-the-dey-iranian-anti-regime-protests |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807014026/https://www.criticalthreats.org/analysis/more-chants-more-protests-the-dey-iranian-anti-regime-protests |archive-date=7 August 2022 |access-date=5 August 2022 |website=Critical Threats}}</ref> and it was formally confirmed that thousands of protesters were arrested.<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 January 2019 |title=Iran arrested 7,000 in crackdown on dissent during 2018 – Amnesty |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-46984649 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528144810/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-46984649 |archive-date=28 May 2023 |access-date=5 August 2022 |work=BBC News}}</ref> The ] started on 15 November in ], spreading across the country within hours, after the government announced increases in fuel prices of up to 300%.<ref>{{cite news |date=17 November 2019 |title=In Pictures: Iranians protest against the increase in fuel prices |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/inpictures/pictures-iranians-protest-increase-fuel-prices-191117091345643.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119060103/https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/inpictures/pictures-iranians-protest-increase-fuel-prices-191117091345643.html |archive-date=19 November 2019 |access-date=19 November 2019 |work=Al-Jazeera}}</ref> A ] marked one of the most severe Internet blackouts in any country, and in the bloodiest governmental crackdown of the protestors in the history of Islamic Republic;<ref>{{cite web |last=Shutdown |first=Iran Internet |title=A web of impunity: The killings Iran's internet shutdown hid — Amnesty International |url=https://iran-shutdown.amnesty.org/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110235750/https://iran-shutdown.amnesty.org/ |archive-date=10 January 2021 |access-date=15 January 2021}}</ref> tens of thousands were arrested and hundreds were killed within a few days according to multiple international observers, including ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Special Report: Iran's leader ordered crackdown on unrest – 'Do whatever it takes to end it' |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-protests-specialreport/special-report-irans-leader-ordered-crackdown-on-unrest-do-whatever-it-takes-to-end-it-idUSKBN1YR0QR |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223095916/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-protests-specialreport/special-report-irans-leader-ordered-crackdown-on-unrest-do-whatever-it-takes-to-end-it-idUSKBN1YR0QR |archive-date=23 December 2019 |access-date=23 December 2019 |work=Reuters}}</ref>


=== Human rights and censorship ===
], was a scheduled international civilian passenger flight from ] to ], operated by ]. On 8 January 2020, the Boeing 737-800 flying the route was shot down by the ] (IRGC) shortly after takeoff, killing all 176 occupants on board and leading to ]. An international investigation led to the government admitting to the shootdown, calling it a "human error".<ref>{{cite news |date=8 January 2020 |title=Ukrainian airplane with 180 aboard crashes in Iran: Fars |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-crash/ukrainian-airplane-with-180-aboard-crashes-in-iran-fars-idUSKBN1Z70EL |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200108035747/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-crash/ukrainian-airplane-with-180-aboard-crashes-in-iran-fars-idUSKBN1Z70EL |archive-date=8 January 2020 |access-date=8 January 2020 |work=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=11 January 2020 |title=Demands for justice after Iran's plane admission |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51077788 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112185600/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51077788 |archive-date=12 January 2020 |access-date=11 January 2020 |work=BBC}}</ref>
{{Main|Human rights in Iran|Capital punishment in Iran|Censorship in Iran}}
], established in 1972. ] describes the prison as the "legendary terrifying place that nobody wants to end up."<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voA0cS1JiGQ |title=VICE Guide to Iran with Suroosh Alvi |date=15 April 2020 |last=VICE |access-date=17 May 2024 |via=YouTube}}</ref>|225x225px]]
The Iranian government has been denounced by various international organisations and governments for violating human rights.<ref>{{cite web |date=30 January 2019 |title=Iran |url=https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2019/iran |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430053909/https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2019/iran |archive-date=30 April 2019 |access-date=30 April 2019 |website=freedomhouse.org}}</ref> The government has frequently persecuted and arrested critics of the government. Iranian law does not recognise ]. ] is illegal and is ].<ref>{{cite news |first=Daniel |last=Avery |title=71 Countries Where Homosexuality is Illegal |url=https://www.newsweek.com/73-countries-where-its-illegal-be-gay-1385974 |work=Newsweek |date=4 April 2019 |access-date=17 August 2019 |archive-date=11 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211204842/https://www.newsweek.com/73-countries-where-its-illegal-be-gay-1385974 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Iran defends execution of gay people |url=https://www.dw.com/en/iran-defends-execution-of-gay-people/a-49144899 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=12 June 2019 |access-date=17 August 2019 |archive-date=9 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200109074057/https://www.dw.com/en/iran-defends-execution-of-gay-people/a-49144899 |url-status=live }}</ref> ] is a legal punishment, and according to the BBC, Iran "carries out more executions than any other country, except China".<ref>{{cite news |title=Iran halts execution of three protesters after online campaign |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-53463685 |work=] |access-date=17 May 2024 |archive-date=7 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907110937/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-53463685 |url-status=live }}</ref> UN Special Rapporteur ] has reported discrimination against several ethnic minorities in Iran.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 October 2019 |title=Iran: UN expert says ethnic, religious minorities face discrimination |work=] |location=New York |url=https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2019/10/iran-un-expert-says-ethnic-religious-minorities-face-discrimination |access-date=12 December 2023 |archive-date=12 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212074243/https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2019/10/iran-un-expert-says-ethnic-religious-minorities-face-discrimination |url-status=live }}</ref> A group of ] experts in 2022 urged Iran to stop "systematic persecution" of religious minorities, adding that members of the ] were arrested, barred from universities, or had their homes demolished.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 August 2022 |title=Rights experts urge Iran to end 'systematic persecution' of religious minorities |url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/08/1125162 |access-date=12 December 2023 |website=] |language=en |archive-date=12 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212074243/https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/08/1125162 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=UN Rights Experts Call On Iran To Stop Persecution Of Baha'is, Other Religious Minorities |language=en |work=] |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-bahai-faith-persecution-un-rights-religious-minorities/31999696.html |access-date=12 December 2023 |archive-date=12 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212074243/https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-bahai-faith-persecution-un-rights-religious-minorities/31999696.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


Another ] began on 16 September 2022 after a woman named ] following her arrest by the ],<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 September 2022 |title=Protests flare across Iran in violent unrest over woman's death |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/tehran-governor-accuses-protesters-attacks-least-22-arrested-2022-09-20/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927195508/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/tehran-governor-accuses-protesters-attacks-least-22-arrested-2022-09-20/ |archive-date=27 September 2022 |access-date=23 September 2022 |work=Reuters |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Strzyżyńska |first1=Weronika |date=16 September 2022 |title=Iranian woman dies 'after being beaten by morality police' over hijab law |url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2022/sep/16/iranian-woman-dies-after-being-beaten-by-morality-police-over-hijab-law |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920020636/https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2022/sep/16/iranian-woman-dies-after-being-beaten-by-morality-police-over-hijab-law |archive-date=20 September 2022 |access-date=22 September 2022 |work=The Guardian |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Leonhardt |first1=David |date=26 September 2022 |title=Iran's Ferocious Dissent |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/26/briefing/iran-protests-mahsa-amini.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927061245/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/26/briefing/iran-protests-mahsa-amini.html |archive-date=27 September 2022 |access-date=27 September 2022 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> known commonly as the "morality police".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Who are Iran's 'morality police'? DW 12/04/2022 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/who-are-irans-morality-police/a-63200711 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023065624/https://www.dw.com/en/who-are-irans-morality-police/a-63200711 |archive-date=23 October 2023 |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=dw.com |language=en}}</ref> Censorship in Iran is ranked among the most extreme worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran |url=https://rsf.org/en/iran |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119053026/https://rsf.org/en/iran |archive-date=19 January 2018 |access-date=9 September 2017 |website=Reporters Without Borders}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=19 April 2016 |title=The World Press Freedom Index |url=https://rsf.org/en/world-press-freedom-index |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419141729/https://rsf.org/en/world-press-freedom-index |archive-date=19 April 2019 |access-date=17 May 2019 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=30 January 2019 |title=Freedom in the World 2019, Iran |url=https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2019/iran |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430053909/https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2019/iran |archive-date=30 April 2019 |access-date=17 May 2019 |website=Freedom House}}</ref> Iran has strict ], with the government persistently blocking ] and other sites.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Chloe |date=21 November 2019 |title=Iran's internet blackout enters fifth day as government claims victory over protesters |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/21/irans-internet-blackout-enters-fifth-day-amid-fuel-price-protests.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191122155819/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/21/irans-internet-blackout-enters-fifth-day-amid-fuel-price-protests.html |archive-date=22 November 2019 |access-date=24 November 2019 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mihalcik |first=Carrie |title=Iran's internet has been shut down for days amid protests |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/irans-internet-has-been-shut-down-for-days-amid-protests/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191126051521/https://www.cnet.com/news/irans-internet-has-been-shut-down-for-days-amid-protests/ |archive-date=26 November 2019 |access-date=24 November 2019 |website=CNET |language=en}}</ref><ref name="TechCrunch">{{Cite web |date=17 November 2019 |title=Iran shuts down country's internet in the wake of fuel protests |url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/11/17/iran-shuts-down-countrys-internet-in-the-wake-of-fuel-protests/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125171635/https://techcrunch.com/2019/11/17/iran-shuts-down-countrys-internet-in-the-wake-of-fuel-protests/ |archive-date=25 November 2020 |access-date=24 November 2019 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}</ref> Since January 2021, Iranian authorities have blocked a list of social media platforms; ], ], ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{Cite news |last1=MacLellan |first1=Stephanie |date=9 January 2018 |title=What You Need to Know about Internet Censorship in Iran |url=https://www.cigionline.org/articles/what-you-need-know-about-internet-censorship-iran |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124164741/https://www.cigionline.org/articles/what-you-need-know-about-internet-censorship-iran |archive-date=24 November 2020 |access-date=11 November 2020 |website=Centre for International Governance Innovation |language=en}}</ref>


The 2006 election results were widely disputed, resulting in ].<ref>{{cite web |last=Landry |first=Carole |date=25 June 2009 |title=G8 calls on Iran to halt election violence |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jSWPwBGmOByDmvG6OPfqesxJ2O7Q |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110312135716/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jSWPwBGmOByDmvG6OPfqesxJ2O7Q |archive-date=12 March 2011 |access-date=18 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Tait |first1=Robert |last2=Black |first2=Ian |last3=Tran |first3=Mark |date=17 June 2009 |title=Iran protests: Fifth day of unrest as regime cracks down on critics |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/jun/17/iran-protests-day-five |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221142529/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/jun/17/iran-protests-day-five |archive-date=21 December 2016 |access-date=14 December 2016 |work=The Guardian |location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=5 July 2009 |title=Iran clerics defy election ruling |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8134904.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010065919/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8134904.stm |archive-date=10 October 2017 |access-date=18 June 2011 |work=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=7 September 2009 |title=Is this government legitimate? |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/iran/2009/07/090704_op_brief_majma_qom.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150409060631/http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/iran/2009/07/090704_op_brief_majma_qom.shtml |archive-date=9 April 2015 |access-date=18 June 2011 |work=BBC}}</ref> The ] swept across the country in response to the economic and political situation.<ref>{{cite news |last=Erdbrink |first=Thomas |date=4 August 2018 |title=Protests Pop Up Across Iran, Fueled by Daily Dissatisfaction |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/04/world/middleeast/iran-protests.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023212544/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/04/world/middleeast/iran-protests.html |archive-date=23 October 2023 |access-date=5 August 2022 |newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> It was formally confirmed that thousands of protesters were arrested.<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 January 2019 |title=Iran arrested 7,000 in crackdown on dissent during 2018 – Amnesty |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-46984649 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528144810/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-46984649 |archive-date=28 May 2023 |access-date=5 August 2022 |work=BBC News}}</ref> The ] started on 15 November in ], and spread across the country after the government announced increases in fuel prices of up to 300%.<ref>{{cite news |date=17 November 2019 |title=In Pictures: Iranians protest against the increase in fuel prices |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/inpictures/pictures-iranians-protest-increase-fuel-prices-191117091345643.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119060103/https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/inpictures/pictures-iranians-protest-increase-fuel-prices-191117091345643.html |archive-date=19 November 2019 |access-date=19 November 2019 |work=Al-Jazeera}}</ref> A ] marked one of the most severe Internet blackouts in any country, and the bloodiest governmental crackdown of the protestors.<ref>{{cite web |last=Shutdown |first=Iran Internet |title=A web of impunity: The killings Iran's internet shutdown hid — Amnesty International |url=https://iran-shutdown.amnesty.org/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110235750/https://iran-shutdown.amnesty.org/ |archive-date=10 January 2021 |access-date=15 January 2021}}</ref> Tens of thousands were arrested and hundreds were killed within a few days according to multiple international observers, including ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Special Report: Iran's leader ordered crackdown on unrest – 'Do whatever it takes to end it' |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-protests-specialreport/special-report-irans-leader-ordered-crackdown-on-unrest-do-whatever-it-takes-to-end-it-idUSKBN1YR0QR |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223095916/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-protests-specialreport/special-report-irans-leader-ordered-crackdown-on-unrest-do-whatever-it-takes-to-end-it-idUSKBN1YR0QR |archive-date=23 December 2019 |access-date=23 December 2019 |work=Reuters}}</ref>
==== Censorship ====
{{Main|Censorship in Iran|Internet censorship in Iran|Mass media in Iran}}


], was a scheduled international civilian passenger flight from ] to ], operated by ]. On 8 January 2020, the Boeing 737–800 flying the route was shot down by the ] (IRGC) shortly after takeoff, killing all 176 occupants on board and leading to ]. An international investigation led to the government admitting to the shootdown, calling it a "human error".<ref>{{cite news |date=8 January 2020 |title=Ukrainian airplane with 180 aboard crashes in Iran: Fars |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-crash/ukrainian-airplane-with-180-aboard-crashes-in-iran-fars-idUSKBN1Z70EL |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200108035747/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-crash/ukrainian-airplane-with-180-aboard-crashes-in-iran-fars-idUSKBN1Z70EL |archive-date=8 January 2020 |access-date=8 January 2020 |work=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=11 January 2020 |title=Demands for justice after Iran's plane admission |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51077788 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112185600/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51077788 |archive-date=12 January 2020 |access-date=11 January 2020 |work=BBC}}</ref> Another ] began on 16 September 2022 after a woman named ] following her arrest by the ], known commonly as the "morality police".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Who are Iran's 'morality police'? – DW – 12/04/2022 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/who-are-irans-morality-police/a-63200711 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023065624/https://www.dw.com/en/who-are-irans-morality-police/a-63200711 |archive-date=23 October 2023 |access-date=23 October 2023 |website=dw.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=20 September 2022 |title=Protests flare across Iran in violent unrest over woman's death |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/tehran-governor-accuses-protesters-attacks-least-22-arrested-2022-09-20/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927195508/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/tehran-governor-accuses-protesters-attacks-least-22-arrested-2022-09-20/ |archive-date=27 September 2022 |access-date=23 September 2022 |work=Reuters |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Leonhardt |first1=David |date=26 September 2022 |title=Iran's Ferocious Dissent |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/26/briefing/iran-protests-mahsa-amini.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927061245/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/26/briefing/iran-protests-mahsa-amini.html |archive-date=27 September 2022 |access-date=27 September 2022 |website=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Strzy؟yٌska |first1=Weronika |date=16 September 2022 |title=Iranian woman dies 'after being beaten by morality police' over hijab law |url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2022/sep/16/iranian-woman-dies-after-being-beaten-by-morality-police-over-hijab-law |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920020636/https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2022/sep/16/iranian-woman-dies-after-being-beaten-by-morality-police-over-hijab-law |archive-date=20 September 2022 |access-date=22 September 2022 |work=The Guardian |language=en}}</ref>
Censorship in Iran is ranked among the most extreme worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rsf.org/en/iran|title=Iran|website=Reporters Without Borders|access-date=9 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119053026/https://rsf.org/en/iran|archive-date=19 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=19 April 2016|title=The World Press Freedom Index|url=https://rsf.org/en/world-press-freedom-index|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419141729/https://rsf.org/en/world-press-freedom-index|archive-date=19 April 2019|access-date=17 May 2019|website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2019/iran|title=Freedom in the World 2019, Iran|date=30 January 2019|website=Freedom House|access-date=17 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430053909/https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2019/iran|archive-date=30 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Iran also has strict regulations when it comes to ],<ref name="social.techcrunch.com">{{Cite web|url=http://social.techcrunch.com/2019/11/17/iran-shuts-down-countrys-internet-in-the-wake-of-fuel-protests/|title=Iran shuts down country's internet in the wake of fuel protests|website=TechCrunch|date=17 November 2019 |language=en-US|access-date=2019-11-24|archive-date=25 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125171635/https://techcrunch.com/2019/11/17/iran-shuts-down-countrys-internet-in-the-wake-of-fuel-protests/|url-status=live}}</ref> with the government and the IRGC persistently blocking ] and other websites.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/21/irans-internet-blackout-enters-fifth-day-amid-fuel-price-protests.html|title=Iran's internet blackout enters fifth day as government claims victory over protesters|last=Taylor|first=Chloe|date=2019-11-21|website=CNBC|language=en|access-date=2019-11-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191122155819/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/21/irans-internet-blackout-enters-fifth-day-amid-fuel-price-protests.html|archive-date=22 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/irans-internet-has-been-shut-down-for-days-amid-protests/|title=Iran's internet has been shut down for days amid protests|last=Mihalcik|first=Carrie|website=CNET|language=en|access-date=2019-11-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191126051521/https://www.cnet.com/news/irans-internet-has-been-shut-down-for-days-amid-protests/|archive-date=26 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=9 January 2018|title=What You Need to Know about Internet Censorship in Iran|url=https://www.cigionline.org/articles/what-you-need-know-about-internet-censorship-iran|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124164741/https://www.cigionline.org/articles/what-you-need-know-about-internet-censorship-iran|archive-date=24 November 2020|access-date=2020-11-11|website=Centre for International Governance Innovation|language=en|last1=MacLellan |first1=Stephanie }}</ref> In January 2021, Iranian authorities added Signal to the list of blocked social media platforms, which included Facebook, Telegram, Twitter and YouTube. They carried out arbitrary arrests for social media postings deemed "counter-revolutionary" or "un-Islamic".<ref>{{cite web |title=Iran Archives |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/middle-east-and-north-africa/iran/report-iran/ |access-date=25 April 2022 |website=Amnesty International |language=en}}</ref>


== Economy == == Economy ==
{{Main|Economy of Iran}} {{Main|Economy of Iran}}
{{See also|Iranian subsidy reform plan|Banking and insurance in Iran}} {{See also|Subsidies in Iran|Banking and insurance in Iran}}
{{As of|2024}}, Iran has the world's ]. It is a ] of ], ] of oil and other large enterprises, village agriculture, and small-scale private trading and service ventures.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.traveldocs.com/ir/economy.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608192955/http://www.traveldocs.com/ir/economy.htm|archive-date=8 June 2011 |title=Iran economy |publisher=Traveldocs.com |access-date=18 June 2011}}</ref> Services contribute the largest percentage of GDP, followed by industry (] and manufacturing) and ].<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031023806/http://www.turquoisepartners.com/iraninvestment/IIM-AprMay12.pdf |date=31 October 2013 }}. Turquoise Partners (April 2012). Retrieved 24 July 2012.</ref> The economy is characterised by its hydrocarbon sector, in addition to manufacturing and financial services.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Overview |url=https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/iran/overview |access-date=24 December 2023 |website=World Bank |language=en |archive-date=4 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704155746/https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/iran/overview |url-status=live }}</ref> With 10% of the world's ] and 15% of ], Iran is an ]. Over ] are directly involved in the ].
] by their contribution to national GDP (2020).]]
]


Tehran is the economic powerhouse of Iran.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Tehran (Iran) : People – Britannica Online Encyclopedia |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/585619/Tehran/276311/Economy |access-date=21 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121123001337/http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/585619/Tehran/276311/Economy |archive-date=23 November 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> About 30% of Iran's public-sector workforce and 45% of its large industrial firms are located there, and half those firms' employees work for government.<ref>{{cite web |author=Cordesman, Anthony H. |date=23 September 2008 |title=The US, Israel, the Arab States and a Nuclear Iran. Part One: Iranian Nuclear Programs |url=http://csis.org/files/media/csis/pubs/081006_iran_nuclear.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100806042511/http://csis.org/files/media/csis/pubs/081006_iran_nuclear.pdf |archive-date=6 August 2010 |access-date=25 September 2010 |work=Center for Strategic and International Studies}}</ref> The ] is responsible for developing and maintaining the ]: the ]. The government does not recognise ] other than the ], which are subject to the approval of employers and the security services.<ref name="ayatoil">{{cite news|title=Iran's banned trade unions: Aya-toiling|url=https://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21576408-though-watched-and-muzzled-independent-labour-unions-are-stirring-aya-toiling|access-date=23 June 2013|newspaper=The Economist|date=20 April 2013|archive-date=23 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623080810/http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21576408-though-watched-and-muzzled-independent-labour-unions-are-stirring-aya-toiling|url-status=live}}</ref> Unemployment was 9% in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ceicdata.com/en/indicator/iran/unemployment-rate |title=Iran Unemployment Rate |access-date=7 June 2024 |archive-date=8 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108141105/https://www.ceicdata.com/en/indicator/iran/unemployment-rate |url-status=live }}</ref>
Iran's economy is a ] of ], ] of oil and other large enterprises, village agriculture, and small-scale private trading and service ventures.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.traveldocs.com/ir/economy.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608192955/http://www.traveldocs.com/ir/economy.htm|archive-date=8 June 2011 |title=Iran economy |publisher=Traveldocs.com |access-date=18 June 2011}}</ref> In 2022, Iran's nominal GDP was $352.2&nbsp;billion, while its nominal GDP per capita was $4,110.<ref name=":5">{{cite web |author= |date=April 2023 |title=World Economic Outlook Database, April 2023 |url=https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2023/April |access-date=16 May 2023 |website=] |publisher=}}</ref> The service sector contributes the largest percentage of the GDP, followed by industry (] and manufacturing) and ].<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031023806/http://www.turquoisepartners.com/iraninvestment/IIM-AprMay12.pdf |date=31 October 2013 }}. Turquoise Partners (April 2012). Retrieved 24 July 2012.</ref>


]'s market capital capitalisation was $1.5 trillion in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 June 2012 |title=Monthly Report |url=http://www.tse.ir/cms/Default.aspx?tabid=86 |access-date=17 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614192421/http://www.tse.ir/cms/Default.aspx?tabid=86 |archive-date=14 June 2012 }}</ref>]]
The ] is responsible for developing and maintaining the ], the country's ]. The government does not recognise ] other than the ], which are subject to the approval of employers and the security services.<ref name=ayatoil>{{cite news|title=Iran's banned trade unions: Aya-toiling|url=https://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21576408-though-watched-and-muzzled-independent-labour-unions-are-stirring-aya-toiling|access-date=23 June 2013|newspaper=The Economist|date=20 April 2013}}</ref> The minimum wage in June 2013 was 487 million rials a month ($134).<ref name=irannum>{{cite news|title=Iran in numbers: How cost of living has soared under sanctions|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22765716|work=BBC News|access-date=23 June 2013}}</ref> Unemployment has remained above 10% since 1997, and the unemployment rate for women is almost double that of the men.<ref name=irannum />
] have been a chronic problem, mostly due to ], that include foodstuffs and especially petrol, totalling $100&nbsp;billion in 2022 for energy alone.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.iranintl.com/en/202205093109|title=Senior Official Says Iran Paying $100 Billion In Energy Subsidies|website=Iran International|date=9 May 2022 |access-date=7 June 2024|archive-date=4 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604142038/https://www.iranintl.com/en/202205093109|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.payvand.com/news/07/jan/1295.html |title=Ahmadinejad's Achilles Heel: The Iranian Economy |website=Payvand.com |access-date=18 June 2011 |archive-date=10 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010061417/http://www.payvand.com/news/07/jan/1295.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2010, the economic reform plan was to cut subsidies gradually and replace them with targeted social assistance. The objective is to move towards ] prices and increase productivity and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://go.worldbank.org/KQD2RP3RX0 |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20110210062245/http://go.worldbank.org/KQD2RP3RX0 |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 February 2011 |title=Iran – Country Brief |publisher=Go.worldbank.org |access-date=30 January 2010 }}</ref> The administration continues reform, and indicates it will diversify the oil-reliant economy. Iran has developed a ], ], and ] industry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nanovip.com/nanotechnology-companies/iran|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061114070827/http://www.nanovip.com/nanotechnology-companies/iran|archive-date=14 November 2006 |title=List of Iranian Nanotechnology companies |access-date=21 June 2013}}</ref> The government is ].


Iran has leading manufacturing industries in automobile manufacture, transportation, construction materials, home appliances, food and agricultural goods, armaments, pharmaceuticals, information technology, and petrochemicals in the Middle East.<ref name="Economy">{{cite web|url=https://www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk/ukti/appmanager/ukti/countries?_nfls=false&_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=CountryType1&navigationPageId=/iran |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060213220829/https://www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk/ukti/appmanager/ukti/countries?_nfls=false&_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=CountryType1&navigationPageId=%2Firan |archive-date=13 February 2006 |title=UK Trade & Investment |date=13 February 2006 |access-date=21 June 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Iran is among the world's top five producers of ]s, ], ]s and ]s, ], ], ]s, ]s, ]s, ] and ]s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL|title=FAOSTAT|website=www.fao.org|access-date=7 June 2024|archive-date=12 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161112130804/https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL|url-status=live}}</ref> ] have damaged the economy.<ref name="everend">{{cite news|title=Iran and sanctions: When will it ever end?|url=http://www.economist.com/node/21560596|newspaper=The Economist|access-date=23 June 2013|date=18 August 2012|archive-date=30 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530021803/http://www.economist.com/node/21560596|url-status=live}}</ref> Iran is one of three countries that have not ratified the ] to limit ], although academics say it would be good for the country.<ref>{{Cite journal|journal=European Economic Review |title=The consequences of non-participation in the Paris Agreement |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/?ref=pdf_download&fr=RR-11&rr=8da579b17947d667 |access-date=2024-10-29 |via=sciencedirect.com}}</ref>
In 2006, about 45% of the government's budget came from oil and natural gas revenues, and 31% from taxes and fees.<ref name="payvand.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.payvand.com/news/08/jan/1250.html |title=IRNA: Crude price pegged at dlrs 39.6 a barrel under next year's budget |publisher=Payvand.com |date=22 November 2006 |access-date=18 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622092858/http://www.payvand.com/news/08/jan/1250.html |archive-date=22 June 2011}}</ref> {{As of|2007}}, Iran had earned $70&nbsp;billion in ], mostly (80%) from crude oil exports.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1386/3068/html/economy.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327031549/http://www.iran-daily.com/1386/3068/html/economy.htm|archive-date=27 March 2008 |title=Iran Daily Forex Reserves Put at $70b |access-date=21 June 2013}}</ref> Iranian ] have been a chronic problem, mostly due to ], that include foodstuffs and especially petrol, totalling more than $84&nbsp;billion in 2008 for the energy sector alone.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.payvand.com/news/07/jan/1295.html |title=Ahmadinejad's Achilles Heel: The Iranian Economy |website=Payvand.com |access-date=18 June 2011 |archive-date=10 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010061417/http://www.payvand.com/news/07/jan/1295.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=8 January 2007|url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1387/3111/html/economy.htm|title=Energy subsidies reach $84b|publisher=Iran-Daily|access-date=27 April 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080506122659/http://www.iran-daily.com/1387/3111/html/economy.htm |archive-date = 6 May 2008}}</ref> In 2010, the ] was approved by parliament to ] gradually and replace them with targeted social assistance. The objective is to move towards ] prices in a five-year period and increase productivity and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://go.worldbank.org/KQD2RP3RX0 |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20110210062245/http://go.worldbank.org/KQD2RP3RX0 |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 February 2011 |title=Iran – Country Brief |publisher=Go.worldbank.org |access-date=30 January 2010 }}</ref>

The administration continues to follow the ] of the previous one, and indicates that it will diversify Iran's oil-reliant economy. Iran has also developed a ], ], and ] industry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nanovip.com/nanotechnology-companies/iran|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061114070827/http://www.nanovip.com/nanotechnology-companies/iran|archive-date=14 November 2006 |title=List of Iranian Nanotechnology companies |access-date=21 June 2013}}</ref> However, nationalised industries such as the ]s have often been managed badly, making them ineffective and uncompetitive. Currently, the government is trying to ]; problems include ] and lack of competitiveness.

Iran has leading manufacturing industries in the fields of automobile manufacture, transportation, construction materials, home appliances, food and agricultural goods, armaments, pharmaceuticals, information technology, and petrochemicals in the Middle East.<ref name="Economy">{{cite web|url=https://www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk/ukti/appmanager/ukti/countries?_nfls=false&_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=CountryType1&navigationPageId=/iran |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060213220829/https://www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk/ukti/appmanager/ukti/countries?_nfls=false&_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=CountryType1&navigationPageId=%2Firan |archive-date=13 February 2006 |title=UK Trade & Investment |date=13 February 2006 |access-date=21 June 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> According to 2012 data from the ], Iran is among the world's top five producers of ]s, ], ], ]s and ]s, ], ]s, ], ]s, ]s, ]s, and ]s.<ref>{{cite web|title = FAOSTAT|url = http://faostat3.fao.org/browse/rankings/countries_by_commodity/E|website = faostat3.fao.org|access-date = 5 April 2015|archive-date = 28 July 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160728060615/http://faostat3.fao.org/browse/rankings/countries_by_commodity/E|url-status = dead}}</ref>

Economic ] have damaged the economy.<ref name=everend>{{cite news|title=Iran and sanctions: When will it ever end?|url=http://www.economist.com/node/21560596|newspaper=The Economist|access-date=23 June 2013|date=18 August 2012}}</ref> In 2015, Iran and the ] reached a ] that removed the main sanctions pertaining to ] by 2016.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811125700/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/07/job-creation-highest-priority-post-sanctions-iran.html |date=11 August 2016 }}. ], 17 July 2015. Retrieved 27 July 2015.</ref> The United States under the ], ] on May 8, 2018, causing the return of sanctions and the resumption of uranium enrichment in Iran. Various countries, international organizations, and U.S. scholars have expressed regret or criticized the withdrawal, while ], Israel and Saudi Arabia have supported it.


=== Tourism === === Tourism ===


{{Main|Tourism in Iran}} {{Main|Tourism in Iran}}
] annually.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kish Island, Hormozgan province - ITTO |url=https://itto.org/iran/city/Kish-Island/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=itto.org }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=بایگانی‌های Kish Island |url=https://www.mayors.asia/city/kish-island/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=Asian Mayors Forum |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Discover Beautiful Kish Island |url=https://www.visitiran.ir/destination/discover-beautiful-kish-island |access-date=2024-01-27 |website=visitiran.ir |language=en}}</ref>]] ] annually.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kish Island, Hormozgan province ITTO |url=https://itto.org/iran/city/Kish-Island/ |access-date=9 January 2024 |website=itto.org }}</ref>]]
Iran's tourism had constantly been growing before the ], reaching nearly 9 million visitors in 2019, the world's third fastest-growing tourism destination before the pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-08-18 |title=Iran's tourist arrivals grow to over 8 Million: Minister |url=https://en.irna.ir/news/83911482/Iran-s-tourist-arrivals-grow-to-over-8-million-Minister |access-date=2023-12-07 |website=Irna}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-07 |title=Iran Third Fastest Growing Tourism Destination In 2019: UNWTO |url=https://www.mcth.ir/english/news/ID/50639 |access-date=2023-12-07 |website=MCTH |archive-date=7 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207180653/https://www.mcth.ir/english/news/ID/50639 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Iran's tourism experienced a growth of 48.5% in 2023, attracting over 5.2 million visitors, but 37% lower compared to the pre-COVID statistics in 2019.<ref name="auto5">{{Cite web |date=2024-01-23 |title=گردشگری ایران به قبل از کرونا برگشت؟ |url=https://www.isna.ir/news/1402110402641/%DA%AF%D8%B1%D8%AF%D8%B4%DA%AF%D8%B1%DB%8C-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D9%82%D8%A8%D9%84-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%DA%A9%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7-%D8%A8%D8%B1%DA%AF%D8%B4%D8%AA |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=ایسنا |language=fa}}</ref> Over 400,000 visitors were motivated by trade, medical treatment and pilgrimage.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-27 |title=Iran's tourist arrivals reach 2.93 million in Jan-Jul 2023, UNWTO barometer indicates |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/489500/Iran-s-tourist-arrivals-reach-2-93-million-in-Jan-Jul-2023-UNWTO |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=Tehran Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Minister: 4.4 million tourists have traveled to Iran in eight months |url=http://iranpress.com/aliaspage/240709 |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=iranpress.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-20 |title=4.4 million tourists have traveled to Iran in eight months |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/209786/4-4-million-tourists-have-traveled-to-Iran-in-eight-months |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en}}</ref> In September and October 2023, Iran achieved a positive balance compared to the same period in 2019.<ref name="auto5"/> Alongside the capital, the most popular tourist destinations are ], ] and ].<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150418212600/http://www.tehrantimes.com/PDF/10978/10978-7.pdf |date=18 April 2015 }}. ''Tehran Times'', 28 September 2010. Retrieved 22 March 2011.</ref> Iran is fast emerging as a preferred destination for ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-15 |title=Medical Tourism in Iran |url=https://www.medicaltourism.com/destinations/iran#:~:text=Iran%2C%20a%20country%20of%20rich,and%20treatments%20at%20competitive%20prices |access-date=2023-12-15 |website=Medical Tourism}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-18 |title=Iran Welcomes Millions of Medical Tourists Every Year |url=https://financialtribune.com/articles/national/119268/iran-welcomes-millions-of-medical-tourists-every-year |website=Financial Tribune}}</ref> Tourism had been rapidly growing before the ], reaching nearly 9 million foreign visitors in 2019, the world's third fastest-growing tourism destination.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 August 2019 |title=Iran's tourist arrivals grow to over 8 Million: Minister |url=https://en.irna.ir/news/83911482/Iran-s-tourist-arrivals-grow-to-over-8-million-Minister |access-date=7 December 2023 |website=Irna |archive-date=7 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207181819/https://en.irna.ir/news/83911482/Iran-s-tourist-arrivals-grow-to-over-8-million-Minister |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=7 December 2023 |title=Iran Third Fastest Growing Tourism Destination In 2019: UNWTO |url=https://www.mcth.ir/english/news/ID/50639 |access-date=7 December 2023 |website=MCTH |archive-date=7 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207180653/https://www.mcth.ir/english/news/ID/50639 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2022 it expanded its share to 5% of the economy.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 April 2024 |title=Iran's tourism industry up by 21% in 2023 |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/214503/Iran-s-tourism-industry-up-by-21-in-2023 |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en |archive-date=29 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429085210/https://en.mehrnews.com/news/214503/Iran-s-tourism-industry-up-by-21-in-2023 |url-status=live }}</ref> Iran's tourism experienced a growth of 43% in 2023, attracting 6 million foreign tourists.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-28 |title=بازدید ۶ میلیون گردشگر خارجی از ایران در یک سال/ صعود ۶ پله‌ای ایران در رده‌بندی گردشگری |url=https://www.irna.ir/news/85492058/%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B2%D8%AF%DB%8C%D8%AF-%DB%B6%D9%85%DB%8C%D9%84%DB%8C%D9%88%D9%86-%DA%AF%D8%B1%D8%AF%D8%B4%DA%AF%D8%B1-%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AC%DB%8C-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%DB%8C%DA%A9-%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%B5%D8%B9%D9%88%D8%AF-%DB%B6-%D9%BE%D9%84%D9%87-%D8%A7%DB%8C |website=IRNA |access-date=28 May 2024 |archive-date=28 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528112554/https://www.irna.ir/news/85492058/%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B2%D8%AF%DB%8C%D8%AF-%DB%B6%D9%85%DB%8C%D9%84%DB%8C%D9%88%D9%86-%DA%AF%D8%B1%D8%AF%D8%B4%DA%AF%D8%B1-%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AC%DB%8C-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%DB%8C%DA%A9-%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%B5%D8%B9%D9%88%D8%AF-%DB%B6-%D9%BE%D9%84%D9%87-%D8%A7%DB%8C |url-status=live }}</ref> The government ended visa requirements for 60 countries in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kryeziu |first=Alza |date=17 April 2024 |title=Half of the World Now Granted Visa-Free Access to Iran |url=https://visaguide.world/news/half-of-the-world-now-granted-visa-free-access-to-iran/ |access-date=15 May 2024 |website=VisaGuide.News |language=en-US |archive-date=18 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418095000/https://visaguide.world/news/half-of-the-world-now-granted-visa-free-access-to-iran/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

1.8 million visitors from West Asia travelled to Iran in the first seven months of 2023, a 31% growth compared to the same period in 2022. This growth surpassed that of ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-12 |title=Foreign arrivals in Iran reach 4.4 million in 8 months, up by 48.5% y/y |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/492481/Foreign-arrivals-in-Iran-reach-4-4-million-in-8-months-up-by |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=Tehran Times |language=en}}</ref>


] in Iran is one of the largest in the world, with the Iranian tourists spent $33.3 billion in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-15 |title=Iran's tourism among the top 20 countries |url=https://newspaper.irandaily.ir/7386/5/4874 |website=Iran Daily}}</ref><ref name="Tourism2">{{cite web|url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1384/2241/html/focus.htm |title=Iran-daily.com |access-date=7 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513074502/http://www.iran-daily.com/1384/2241/html/focus.htm |archive-date=13 May 2008}}</ref><ref name="BYI">{{Cite book |last1=Ayse |first1=Valentine |url=http://www.investiniran.ir/en/filepool/26?redirectpage=%2fen%2febook |last2=Nash |first2=Jason John |last3=Leland |first3=Rice |date=2013 |title=The Business Year 2013: Iran |place=London |publisher=The Business Year |page=166 |isbn=978-1-908180-11-7 |access-date=23 June 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161227193349/http://www.investiniran.ir/en/filepool/26?redirectpage=%2Fen%2Febook |archive-date=27 December 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="MACooper2012">{{cite book|author1=Brian Boniface, MA|author2=Chris Cooper|author3=Robyn Cooper |title=Worldwide Destinations: The geography of travel and tourism|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=U9CzLp7n6mgC&pg=PA362|year=2012|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-136-00113-0|page=362}}</ref> Iran projects investment of over $32 billion in the country's tourism sector and targets 20 million tourists by 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-10 |title=Iran sets up funds for tourism development |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/480690/Iran-sets-up-fund-for-tourism-development |website=Tehran Times}}</ref> 98% of visits are for leisure, while 2% are for business, indicating the country's appeal as a tourist destination.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 April 2024 |title=Revival rhythm: Iran's tourism blooms by 21% |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/497821/Revival-rhythm-Iran-s-tourism-blooms-by-21 |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=Tehran Times |language=en |archive-date=6 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506165621/https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/497821/Revival-rhythm-Iran-s-tourism-blooms-by-21 |url-status=live }}</ref> Alongside the capital, the most popular tourist destinations are ], ] and ].<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150418212600/http://www.tehrantimes.com/PDF/10978/10978-7.pdf |date=18 April 2015 }}. ''Tehran Times'', 28 September 2010. Retrieved 22 March 2011.</ref> Iran is emerging as a preferred destination for ].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=15 December 2023 |title=Medical Tourism in Iran |url=https://www.medicaltourism.com/destinations/iran#:~:text=Iran%2C%20a%20country%20of%20rich,and%20treatments%20at%20competitive%20prices |access-date=15 December 2023 |website=Medical Tourism |archive-date=15 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215172208/https://www.medicaltourism.com/destinations/iran#:~:text=Iran%2C%20a%20country%20of%20rich,and%20treatments%20at%20competitive%20prices |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=18 July 2023 |title=Iran Welcomes Millions of Medical Tourists Every Year |url=https://financialtribune.com/articles/national/119268/iran-welcomes-millions-of-medical-tourists-every-year |website=Financial Tribune |access-date=15 December 2023 |archive-date=15 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215172209/https://financialtribune.com/articles/national/119268/iran-welcomes-millions-of-medical-tourists-every-year |url-status=live }}</ref> Travellers from other West Asian countries grew 31% in the first seven months of 2023, surpassing ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 December 2023 |title=Foreign arrivals in Iran reach 4.4 million in 8 months, up by 48.5% y/y |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/492481/Foreign-arrivals-in-Iran-reach-4-4-million-in-8-months-up-by |access-date=18 January 2024 |website=Tehran Times |language=en |archive-date=16 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216120727/https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/492481/Foreign-arrivals-in-Iran-reach-4-4-million-in-8-months-up-by |url-status=live }}</ref> ] is one of the world's largests; Iranian tourists spent $33bn in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 December 2023 |title=Iran's tourism among the top 20 countries |url=https://newspaper.irandaily.ir/7386/5/4874 |website=Iran Daily |access-date=15 December 2023 |archive-date=15 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215175941/https://newspaper.irandaily.ir/7386/5/4874 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="BYI">{{Cite book |last1=Ayse |first1=Valentine |url=http://www.investiniran.ir/en/filepool/26?redirectpage=%2fen%2febook |last2=Nash |first2=Jason John |last3=Leland |first3=Rice |date=2013 |title=The Business Year 2013: Iran |place=London |publisher=The Business Year |page=166 |isbn=978-1-908180-11-7 |access-date=23 June 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161227193349/http://www.investiniran.ir/en/filepool/26?redirectpage=%2Fen%2Febook |archive-date=27 December 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="MACooper2012">{{cite book|author1=Brian Boniface, MA|author2=Chris Cooper|author3=Robyn Cooper |title=Worldwide Destinations: The geography of travel and tourism|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=U9CzLp7n6mgC&pg=PA362|year=2012|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-136-00113-0|page=362}}</ref> Iran projects investment of $32 billion in the tourism sector by 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 January 2023 |title=Iran sets up funds for tourism development |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/480690/Iran-sets-up-fund-for-tourism-development |website=Tehran Times |access-date=15 December 2023 |archive-date=15 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215180959/https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/480690/Iran-sets-up-fund-for-tourism-development |url-status=live }}</ref>


=== Agriculture === === Agriculture and fishery ===
{{Main|Agriculture in Iran}} {{Main|Agriculture in Iran}}
] in ], Northern Iran.|left]] ] in ], northern Iran]]
Roughly one-third of Iran's total surface area is suited for farmland, but because of poor soil and lack of adequate water distribution, only 12% of the total land area is under cultivation. Less than one-third of the cultivated area is ]; the rest is devoted to ]. Some 92 percent of agricultural products depend on water.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foundation |first=Encyclopaedia Iranica |title=Welcome to Encyclopaedia Iranica |url=https://iranicaonline.org/ |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=iranicaonline.org |language=en-US}}</ref> The western and northwestern portions of the country have the most fertile soils. Iran's ] index stands at around 96 percent.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-05-07 |title=Iran's Food Security - Future Directions International |url=http://www.futuredirections.org.au/publication/iran-s-food-security/ |access-date=2024-01-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507130724/http://www.futuredirections.org.au/publication/iran-s-food-security/ |archive-date=7 May 2016 }}</ref> At the end of the 20th century, agricultural activities accounted for about one-fifth of Iran's ] and employed a comparable proportion of the ]. Most ] are small, less than 25 acres (10 hectares), and are not economically viable, which has contributed to the wide-scale ]. In addition to ] and areas of poor soil, seed is of low quality and farming techniques are antiquated.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Seyf |first=Ahmad |date=1984 |title=Technical Changes in Iranian Agriculture, 1800-1906 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/4283034 |journal=Middle Eastern Studies |volume=20 |issue=4 |pages=142–154 |doi=10.1080/00263208408700603 |jstor=4283034 |issn=0026-3206}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=FAO recognizes new Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System in Iran {{!}} United Nations in Islamic Republic of Iran |url=https://iran.un.org/en/240470-fao-recognizes-new-globally-important-agricultural-heritage-system-iran,%20https://iran.un.org/en/240470-fao-recognizes-new-globally-important-agricultural-heritage-system-iran |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=iran.un.org |language=en }}{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Roughly one-third of Iran's total surface area is suited for farmland. Only 12% of the total land area is under cultivation, but less than one-third of the cultivated area is ]; the rest is devoted to ]. Some 92% of agricultural products depend on water.<ref>{{cite web |title=Agriculture in Iran |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/agriculture-in-iran |access-date=19 February 2016 |archive-date=4 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804020304/http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/agriculture-in-iran |url-status=live }}</ref> The western and northwestern portions of the country have the most fertile soils. Iran's ] index stands at around 96 percent.<ref>{{cite web |date=7 August 2014 |title=Iran Food security |url=http://www.futuredirections.org.au/publication/iran-s-food-security/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507130724/http://www.futuredirections.org.au/publication/iran-s-food-security/ |archive-date=7 May 2016 |access-date=19 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Seyf |first=Ahmad |date=1984 |title=Technical Changes in Iranian Agriculture, 1800–1906 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/4283034 |journal=Middle Eastern Studies |volume=20 |issue=4 |pages=142–154 |doi=10.1080/00263208408700603 |jstor=4283034 |issn=0026-3206 |access-date=28 January 2024 |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128122609/https://www.jstor.org/stable/4283034 |url-status=live }}</ref> 3% of the total land area is used for ] and fodder production. Most of the grazing is done on mostly semi-dry rangeland in mountain areas and on areas surrounding the large deserts of Central Iran. Progressive government efforts and incentives during the 1990s, improved agricultural productivity, helping Iran toward its goal of reestablishing national self-sufficiency in food production.

Access to the Caspian Sea, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and many river basins provides Iran the potential to develop excellent fisheries. The government assumed control of commercial fishing in 1952. Expansion of the fishery infrastructure enabled the country to harvest an estimated 700,000 tons of fish annually from the southern waters. Since the Revolution, increased attention has been focused on producing fish from inland waters. Between 1976 and 2004, the combined take from inland waters by the state and private sectors increased from 1,100 tons to 110,175 tons.<ref name="loc3"><!--http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/pdf/CS_Iran.pdf {{PD-notice}}-->{{Cite web |title=About this Collection &#124; Country Studies &#124; Digital Collections &#124; Library of Congress |url=https://www.loc.gov/collections/country-studies/about-this-collection/ |website=Library of Congress |access-date=7 June 2024 |archive-date=25 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150625213643/http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/cltoc.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Iran is the world's largest producer and exporter of ], exporting more than 300 tonnes annually.<ref name="news.bbc.co.uk2">{{cite news |date=19 June 2001 |title=Crunch time for Caspian caviar |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1394717.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327033334/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1394717.stm |archive-date=27 March 2010 |access-date=23 April 2010 |work=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Iransaga – Iran The Country, The Land |url=http://www.art-arena.com/land.htm |access-date=21 January 2012 |publisher=Art-arena.com |archive-date=26 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101026160712/http://art-arena.com/land.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>


=== Industry and services === === Industry and services ===
{{Main|Industry of Iran}} {{Main|Industry of Iran}}
] being the largest in Middle East.]] ] being the largest in the ], ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 May 2011 |title=Iran Khodro Rail Industries Factory Inaugurated |url=http://en.iccim.ir/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=275&Itemid=53 |access-date=17 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513171714/http://en.iccim.ir/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=275&Itemid=53 |archive-date=13 May 2011 }}</ref>]]
Iran is globally ranked 16th in car manufacturing, ahead of the ], ], and Russia.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-30 |title=Iran takes world's 16th place in car manufacturing: OICA |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/213366/Iran-takes-world-s-16th-place-in-car-manufacturing-OICA |access-date=2024-03-31 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran takes world's 16th place in car manufacturing: OICA |url=https://nournews.ir/en/news/168914/news/168914/Iran-takes-world's-16th-place-in-car-manufacturing-OICA |access-date=2024-03-31 |website=nournews |language=en}}</ref> It has outputted 1.188 million cars in 2023, a 12% growth compared to the previous years. Iran has exported various cars to countries such as Venezuela, Russia and Belarus. From 2008 to 2009, Iran leaped to 28th place from 69th in annual industrial production growth rate.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-02-27 |title=Iran advances 41 places in industrial production |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/215089/Iran-advances-41-places-in-industrial-production |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=Tehran Times |language=en}}</ref> Iranian ] have been awarded several foreign tender contracts in different fields of construction of ], ], ], ], ], and ] and ] industries. As of 2011, some 66 Iranian industrial companies are carrying out projects in 27 countries.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-04-01 |title=Iran doing industrial projects in 27 countries |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/45255/Iran-doing-industrial-projects-in-27-countries |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en}}</ref> Iran exported over $20 billion worth of technical and engineering services over 2001–2011. The availability of local raw materials, ], experienced manpower have all played crucial role in winning the bids.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-01-28 |title=سازمان توسعه تجارت ایران |url=http://en.tpo.ir/documents/document/11970/12498/Technical-Engineering-Services.aspx |access-date=2024-01-10 |archive-date=28 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110128131844/http://en.tpo.ir/documents/document/11970/12498/Technical-Engineering-Services.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref> 45% of large industrial firms are located in ], and almost half of these workers work for the government.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://csis.org/files/media/csis/pubs/081006_iran_nuclear.pdf |title=The US, Israel, the Arab States and a Nuclear Iran |access-date=2024-01-10 |archive-date=6 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100806042511/http://csis.org/files/media/csis/pubs/081006_iran_nuclear.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Iranian retail industry is largely in the hands of ]s, many of them government-sponsored, and of independent retailers in the ]s. The bulk of food sales occur at street markets, where the Chief Statistics Bureau sets the prices.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-04-03 |title=SCT - Shopping Centers Today Online |url=http://www.icsc.org/srch/sct/sct0907/feature_iran.php |access-date=2024-01-10 |archive-date=3 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403073459/http://www.icsc.org/srch/sct/sct0907/feature_iran.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> Iran's main exports are to ], ], ], ] and other Central Asian countries, ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], the ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-02-23 |title=Iran's foodstuff exports near $1b |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/214856/Iran-s-foodstuff-exports-near-1b |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=Tehran Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-06-14 |title=Iran Daily - Domestic Economy - 06/11/09 |url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1388/3421/html/economy.htm |access-date=2024-01-10 |archive-date=14 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090614045854/http://www.iran-daily.com/1388/3421/html/economy.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Iran's automotive industry is the second most active industry of the country, after its oil and gas industry.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |date=2011-07-07 |title=Atieh Bahar - Resources - Iran's Automotive Industry Overview |url=http://www.atiehbahar.com/Resource.aspx?n=1000042 |access-date=2024-01-10 |archive-date=7 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707182609/http://www.atiehbahar.com/Resource.aspx?n=1000042 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ] is the largest car manufacturer in the Middle East, and ] is biggest tractor manufacturer. Iran is the ]. Construction is one of the most important sectors in Iran accounting for 20–50% of the total private investment. Iran is globally ranked 16th in car manufacturing, ahead of the ], ], and Russia.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 March 2024 |title=Iran takes world's 16th place in car manufacturing: OICA |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/213366/Iran-takes-world-s-16th-place-in-car-manufacturing-OICA |access-date=31 March 2024 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en |archive-date=31 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331012940/https://en.mehrnews.com/news/213366/Iran-takes-world-s-16th-place-in-car-manufacturing-OICA |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran takes world's 16th place in car manufacturing: OICA |url=https://nournews.ir/en/news/168914/news/168914/Iran-takes-world%27s-16th-place-in-car-manufacturing-OICA |access-date=31 March 2024 |website=nournews |language=en }}{{Dead link|date=October 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> It has outputted 1.188 million cars in 2023, a 12% growth compared to the previous years. Iran has exported various cars to countries such as Venezuela, Russia and Belarus. From 2008 to 2009, Iran leaped to 28th place from 69th in annual industrial production growth rate.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 February 2010 |title=Iran advances 41 places in industrial production |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/215089/Iran-advances-41-places-in-industrial-production |access-date=10 January 2024 |website=Tehran Times |language=en |archive-date=10 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110114053/https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/215089/Iran-advances-41-places-in-industrial-production |url-status=live }}</ref> Iranian ] have been awarded several foreign tender contracts in different fields of construction of ], ], ], ], ], and ] and ] industries. As of 2011, some 66 Iranian industrial companies are carrying out projects in 27 countries.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 April 2011 |title=Iran doing industrial projects in 27 countries |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/45255/Iran-doing-industrial-projects-in-27-countries |access-date=10 January 2024 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en}}</ref> Iran exported over $20 billion worth of technical and engineering services over 2001–2011. The availability of local raw materials, ], experienced manpower have all played crucial role in winning the bids.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 January 2011 |title=سازمان توسعه تجارت ایران |url=http://en.tpo.ir/documents/document/11970/12498/Technical-Engineering-Services.aspx |access-date=10 January 2024 |archive-date=28 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110128131844/http://en.tpo.ir/documents/document/11970/12498/Technical-Engineering-Services.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref>


45% of large industrial firms are located in ], and almost half of their workers work for government.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://csis.org/files/media/csis/pubs/081006_iran_nuclear.pdf |title=The US, Israel, the Arab States and a Nuclear Iran |access-date=10 January 2024 |archive-date=6 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100806042511/http://csis.org/files/media/csis/pubs/081006_iran_nuclear.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Iranian retail industry is largely in the hands of ]s, many of them government-sponsored, and of independent retailers in the ]s. The bulk of food sales occur at street markets, where the Chief Statistics Bureau sets the prices.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 April 2012 |title=SCT – Shopping Centers Today Online |url=http://www.icsc.org/srch/sct/sct0907/feature_iran.php |access-date=10 January 2024 |archive-date=3 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403073459/http://www.icsc.org/srch/sct/sct0907/feature_iran.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> Iran's main exports are to ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], the ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 February 2010 |title=Iran's foodstuff exports near $1b |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/214856/Iran-s-foodstuff-exports-near-1b |access-date=10 January 2024 |website=Tehran Times |language=en |archive-date=10 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110114055/https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/214856/Iran-s-foodstuff-exports-near-1b |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=14 June 2009 |title=Iran Daily – Domestic Economy – 06/11/09 |url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1388/3421/html/economy.htm |access-date=10 January 2024 |archive-date=14 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090614045854/http://www.iran-daily.com/1388/3421/html/economy.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Iran's automotive industry is the second most active industry of the country, after its oil and gas industry. ] is the largest car manufacturer in the Middle East, and ] is the biggest tractor manufacturer. Iran is the ]. Construction is one of the most important sectors in Iran accounting for 20–50% of the total private investment.
Iran is one of the most important mineral producers in the world, ranked among 15 major mineral-rich countries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MINING.COM |url=https://www.mining.com/ |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=MINING.COM |language=en-US}}</ref> Iran's oil and gas industry is the most active industry of the country.<ref name="auto"/> Iran has the fourth largest reserves of oil and second largest reserves of gas in the world.


Iran manufactures 60–70% of its industrial equipment domestically.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-03-29 |title=Iran Daily - Domestic Economy - 11/09/08 |url=http://www.nitc.co.ir/iran-daily/1387/3265/html/economy.htm |access-date=2024-01-10 |archive-date=29 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110329204835/http://www.nitc.co.ir/iran-daily/1387/3265/html/economy.htm |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Camainks |title=Overview of the Printing Industry in Iran and How to Buy Printers and Ink |url=https://camainks.com/pages/overview-of-the-printing-industry-in-iran-and-how-to-buy-printers-and-ink |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=Camainks |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-02 |title=70% of Iran's medical equipment produced domestically |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/493202/70-of-Iran-s-medical-equipment-produced-domestically |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=Tehran Times |language=en}}</ref> Iran has become self-sufficient in designing, building and operating dams and power plants. Iran is one of the six countries in the world that manufacture gas- and steam-powered turbines.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-10-12 |title=Official: Iran now among world's 6 turbine manufacturers - Tehran Times |url=http://www.tehrantimes.com/economy-and-business/99706-official-iran-now-among-worlds-6-turbine-manufacturers |access-date=2024-01-10 |archive-date=12 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012033817/http://www.tehrantimes.com/economy-and-business/99706-official-iran-now-among-worlds-6-turbine-manufacturers |url-status=dead}}</ref> Iran is one of the most important mineral producers in the world, ranked among 15 major mineral-rich countries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MINING.COM |url=https://www.mining.com/ |access-date=10 January 2024 |website=MINING.COM |language=en-US |archive-date=10 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110104248/https://www.mining.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite web |date=7 July 2011 |title=Atieh Bahar Resources Iran's Automotive Industry Overview |url=http://www.atiehbahar.com/Resource.aspx?n=1000042 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707182609/http://www.atiehbahar.com/Resource.aspx?n=1000042 |archive-date=7 July 2011 |access-date=10 January 2024}}</ref> Iran has become self-sufficient in designing, building and operating dams and power plants. Iran is one of the six countries in the world that manufacture gas- and steam-powered turbines.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 October 2012 |title=Official: Iran now among world's 6 turbine manufacturers Tehran Times |url=http://www.tehrantimes.com/economy-and-business/99706-official-iran-now-among-worlds-6-turbine-manufacturers |access-date=10 January 2024 |archive-date=12 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012033817/http://www.tehrantimes.com/economy-and-business/99706-official-iran-now-among-worlds-6-turbine-manufacturers |url-status=dead}}</ref>


=== Transport ===
Iran's domestic ] market was estimated at $7.3 billion in 2008 ($8.2 billion in 2010), with 47% market share for computer hardware, 28% Audio/Video and 25% mobile phone.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-09-18 |title=Iran Daily - Domestic Economy - 08/15/09 |url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1388/3472/html/economy.htm |access-date=2024-01-10 |archive-date=18 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090918185849/http://www.iran-daily.com/1388/3472/html/economy.htm |url-status=usurped }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-10-05 |title=Iran Consumer Electronics Report Q1 2010 Market Research Report - 15 December 2009 |url=http://www.companiesandmarkets.com/Summary-Market-Report/iran-consumer-electronics-report-q1-2010-279059.asp |access-date=2024-01-10 |archive-date=5 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005164825/http://www.companiesandmarkets.com/Summary-Market-Report/iran-consumer-electronics-report-q1-2010-279059.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Transportation ===
{{Main|Transport in Iran}} {{Main|Transport in Iran}}
], branded as Iran Air, is the flag carrier of Iran. Domestically, Iran Air is known as ], which is the name of a mythical Persian bird, and the symbol of the airways.|left]] ] is the flag carrier of Iran. Its known as ] domestically, which is the name of a mythical Iranian bird, and the symbol of the airways.]]
In 2011 Iran had {{Convert|173000|km|mi|sp=}} of roads, of which 73% were paved.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thebusinessyear.com/publication/article/7/620/iran_2011/moving-around |title=The Business Year – Moving Around |access-date=14 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314223909/http://www.thebusinessyear.com/publication/article/7/620/iran_2011/moving-around |archive-date=14 March 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2008 there were nearly 100 passenger cars for every 1,000 inhabitants.<ref name="iran-daily.com">{{cite web |url=http://iran-daily.com/1386/2865/html/economy.htm |title=Iran Daily {{!}} Domestic Economy |website=iran-daily.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090618004626/http://iran-daily.com/1386/2865/html/economy.htm |archive-date=18 June 2009}}</ref> In 2011 Iran had {{convert|173000|km|mi|sp=}} of roads, of which 73% were paved.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thebusinessyear.com/publication/article/7/620/iran_2011/moving-around |title=The Business Year – Moving Around |access-date=14 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314223909/http://www.thebusinessyear.com/publication/article/7/620/iran_2011/moving-around |archive-date=14 March 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2008 there were nearly 100 passenger cars for every 1,000 inhabitants.<ref name="iran-daily.com">{{cite web |url=http://iran-daily.com/1386/2865/html/economy.htm |title=Iran Daily {{!}} Domestic Economy |website=iran-daily.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090618004626/http://iran-daily.com/1386/2865/html/economy.htm |archive-date=18 June 2009}}</ref>
] is the largest metro system in the Middle East.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rohde |first=Michael |title=World Metro Database - metrobits.org |url=http://mic-ro.com/metro/table.html |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=mic-ro.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Tehran Metro |url=https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/tehranmetro/ |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=Railway Technology |language=en-US}}</ref> It carries more than 3 million passengers a day. In 2018, 820 million trips were made on Tehran Metro.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Limited |first=Alamy |title=March 18, 2023, Tehran, Tehran, Iran: A view of the Tehran metro station during the opening ceremony of 5 new stations of the Tehran Metro in the presence of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. The Tehran Metro is a rapid transit system serving Tehran, the capital of Iran. It is the most extensive metro system in the Middle East. The system is owned and operated by Tehran Urban and Suburban Railway. It consists of six operational metro lines (and an additional commuter rail line), with construction underway on three lines, including the west extension of line 4, line 6 and the north and east exte Stock Photo - Alamy |url=https://www.alamy.com/march-18-2023-tehran-tehran-iran-a-view-of-the-tehran-metro-station-during-the-opening-ceremony-of-5-new-stations-of-the-tehran-metro-in-the-presence-of-iranian-president-ebrahim-raisi-the-tehran-metro-is-a-rapid-transit-system-serving-tehran-the-capital-of-iran-it-is-the-most-extensive-metro-system-in-the-middle-east-the-system-is-owned-and-operated-by-tehran-urban-and-suburban-railway-it-consists-of-six-operational-metro-lines-and-an-additional-commuter-rail-line-with-construction-underway-on-three-lines-including-the-west-extension-of-line-4-line-6-and-the-north-and-east-exte-image543264129.html |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=alamy.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Tehran Urban & Suburban Railway Co (TUSRC) |url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/maps-and-data/tehran-urban-and-suburban-railway-co-tusrc/53469.article |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=Railway Gazette International |language=en}}</ref> Trains operate on 11,106&nbsp;km (6,942&nbsp;mi) of track.<ref name="rai.ir">{{cite web |url=http://www.rai.ir/Site.aspx?ParTree=A01011 |title=Islamic Republic Of Iran Railroads :: راه آهن جمهوري اسلامي ايران |publisher=Rai.ir |access-date=9 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815011811/http://www.rai.ir/Site.aspx?ParTree=A01011 |archive-date=15 August 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The country's major port of entry is ] on the ]. After arriving in Iran, imported goods are distributed throughout the country by trucks and freight trains. The ]–] railroad connects Bandar-Abbas to the railroad system of Central Asia via Tehran and ]. Other major ports include ] and ] on the ] and ] and ] on the ]. ] is the largest in the Middle East,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rohde |first=Michael |title=World Metro Database - metrobits.org |url=http://mic-ro.com/metro/table.html |access-date=30 December 2023 |website=mic-ro.com |language=en |archive-date=23 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923072945/http://mic-ro.com/metro/table.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Tehran Metro |url=https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/tehranmetro/ |access-date=30 December 2023 |website=Railway Technology |language=en-US |archive-date=22 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101222005514/https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/tehranmetro/ |url-status=live }}</ref> it carries more than 3 million passengers daily and in 2018, 820 million trips.<ref>{{Cite web |title=March 18, 2023, Tehran, Tehran, Iran: A view of the Tehran metro station during the opening ceremony of 5 new stations of the Tehran Metro in the presence of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. The Tehran Metro is a rapid transit system serving Tehran, the capital of Iran. It is the most extensive metro system in the Middle East. The system is owned and operated by Tehran Urban and Suburban Railway. It consists of six operational metro lines (and an additional commuter rail line), with construction underway on three lines, including the west extension of line 4, line 6 and the north and east exte Stock Photo |url=https://www.alamy.com/march-18-2023-tehran-tehran-iran-a-view-of-the-tehran-metro-station-during-the-opening-ceremony-of-5-new-stations-of-the-tehran-metro-in-the-presence-of-iranian-president-ebrahim-raisi-the-tehran-metro-is-a-rapid-transit-system-serving-tehran-the-capital-of-iran-it-is-the-most-extensive-metro-system-in-the-middle-east-the-system-is-owned-and-operated-by-tehran-urban-and-suburban-railway-it-consists-of-six-operational-metro-lines-and-an-additional-commuter-rail-line-with-construction-underway-on-three-lines-including-the-west-extension-of-line-4-line-6-and-the-north-and-east-exte-image543264129.html |access-date=30 December 2023 |website=alamy.com |language=en |archive-date=30 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230155156/https://www.alamy.com/march-18-2023-tehran-tehran-iran-a-view-of-the-tehran-metro-station-during-the-opening-ceremony-of-5-new-stations-of-the-tehran-metro-in-the-presence-of-iranian-president-ebrahim-raisi-the-tehran-metro-is-a-rapid-transit-system-serving-tehran-the-capital-of-iran-it-is-the-most-extensive-metro-system-in-the-middle-east-the-system-is-owned-and-operated-by-tehran-urban-and-suburban-railway-it-consists-of-six-operational-metro-lines-and-an-additional-commuter-rail-line-with-construction-underway-on-three-lines-including-the-west-extension-of-line-4-line-6-and-the-north-and-east-exte-image543264129.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Tehran Urban & Suburban Railway Co (TUSRC) |url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/maps-and-data/tehran-urban-and-suburban-railway-co-tusrc/53469.article |access-date=30 December 2023 |website=Railway Gazette International |language=en |archive-date=4 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604230942/https://www.railwaygazette.com/maps-and-data/tehran-urban-and-suburban-railway-co-tusrc/53469.article |url-status=live }}</ref> Trains operate on {{convert|11,106|km|mi|abbr=on}} of track.<ref name="rai.ir">{{cite web |url=http://www.rai.ir/Site.aspx?ParTree=A01011 |title=Islamic Republic Of Iran Railroads :: راه آهن جمهوري اسلامي ايران |publisher=Rai.ir |access-date=9 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815011811/http://www.rai.ir/Site.aspx?ParTree=A01011 |archive-date=15 August 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The country's major port of entry is ] on the ]. Imported goods are distributed through the country by trucks and freight trains. The ]–Bandar Abbas railroad connects Bandar-Abbas to the railroad system of Central Asia, via Tehran and ]. Other major ports include ] and ] on the ] and ] and ] on the ].


] that serve passenger and cargo planes. ], the national airline, was founded in 1962 and operated domestic and international flights. All large cities have mass transit systems using buses, and several private companies provide bus services between cities. ] that serve passenger and cargo planes. ], the national airline, operates domestic and international flights. All large cities have mass transit systems using buses, and private companies provide bus services between cities. Over a million people work in transport, accounting for 9% of GDP.<ref name="ReferenceB">{{cite web |url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1387/3298/html/economy.htm |title=Iran Daily {{!}} Domestic Economy |website=iran-daily.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090603054002/http://www.iran-daily.com/1387/3298/html/economy.htm |archive-date=3 June 2009}}</ref>


=== Energy===
Transport in Iran is inexpensive because of ]. The downside is a ], economic inefficiency because of highly ], ] and ]. In 2008, more than one million people worked in the transportation sector, accounting for 9% of GDP.<ref name="ReferenceB">{{cite web |url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1387/3298/html/economy.htm |title=Iran Daily {{!}} Domestic Economy |website=iran-daily.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090603054002/http://www.iran-daily.com/1387/3298/html/economy.htm |archive-date=3 June 2009}}</ref>
{{main|Energy in Iran|Petroleum industry in Iran}}
], the world's largest ], holds 8% of Earth's gas reserves.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 May 2023 |title=Gas compression at South Pars |url=https://en.shana.ir/news/472739/Gas-compression-at-South-Pars |access-date=17 March 2024 |website=Shana |language=en}}</ref>]]
Iran is an ] and petroleum plays a key part.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coşkun |first=Bezen Balamir |date=2009 |title=Global Energy Geopolitics and Iran |url=http://www.uidergisi.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Global-Energy-Geopolitics-and-Iran.pdf |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140401102351/http://www.uidergisi.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Global-Energy-Geopolitics-and-Iran.pdf |archive-date=1 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=3 March 2016 |title=The Rising might of the Middle East super power – Council on Foreign Relations |url=http://www.cfr.org/iran/rising-might-middle-east-super-power/p11412 |access-date=15 May 2024 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303175813/http://www.cfr.org/iran/rising-might-middle-east-super-power/p11412 |url-status=dead }}</ref> {{As of|2023}}, Iran produced 4% of the world's ] ({{convert|3.6|Moilbbl|m3}} per day),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eia.gov/international/data/world/petroleum-and-other-liquids/annual-petroleum-and-other-liquids-production?pd=5&p=0000000000000000000000000000000000vg&u=0&f=A&v=mapbubble&a=-&i=none&vo=value&t=C&g=00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000001&l=249-ruvvvvvfvtvnvv1vrvvvvfvvvvvvfvvvou20evvvvvvvvvvnvvvs0008&s=94694400000&e=1672531200000&|title=International - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)|website=www.eia.gov|access-date=7 June 2024|archive-date=10 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510202759/https://www.eia.gov/international/data/world/petroleum-and-other-liquids/annual-petroleum-and-other-liquids-production?pd=5&p=0000000000000000000000000000000000vg&u=0&f=A&v=mapbubble&a=-&i=none&vo=value&&t=C&g=00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000001&l=249-ruvvvvvfvtvnvv1vrvvvvfvvvvvvfvvvou20evvvvvvvvvvnvvvs0008&s=94694400000&e=1672531200000|url-status=live}}</ref> which generates US$36bn<ref name="u048">{{cite web |date=2 April 2024 |title=Iran's oil exports reached $35 billion in last 12 months -ILNA |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/irans-oil-exports-reached-35-billion-last-12-months-ilna-2024-04-02/ |access-date= |website=Reuters}}</ref> of export revenue and is the main source of ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran's Foreign Trade Regime Report |url=http://www.irantradelaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Irans-Foreign-Trade-Regime-Report.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310232210/http://www.irantradelaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Irans-Foreign-Trade-Regime-Report.pdf |archive-date=10 March 2013 |access-date=11 August 2010}}</ref> Oil and gas reserves are estimated at 1.2 trn barrels;<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran's oil and gas reserves estimated at 1.2 trillion barrels: NIOC chief {{!}} Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide |url=https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/irans-oil-and-gas-reserves-estimated-at-1-2-trillion-barrels-nioc-chief/ |access-date=2 May 2024 |website=www.hellenicshippingnews.com |archive-date=2 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502152327/https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/irans-oil-and-gas-reserves-estimated-at-1-2-trillion-barrels-nioc-chief/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Iran holds 10% of world ] and 15% for gas. It ranks 3rd in ]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 June 2024 |title=Iran ranks 2nd, 3rd in gas, oil reserves in world |url=https://en.irna.ir/news/85008991/Iran-ranks-2nd-3rd-in-gas-oil-reserves-in-world |website=IRNA |access-date=2 May 2024 |archive-date=2 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502152328/https://en.irna.ir/news/85008991/Iran-ranks-2nd-3rd-in-gas-oil-reserves-in-world |url-status=live }}</ref> and is ]'s 2nd largest exporter. It has the 2nd largest ],<ref name="The Wall Street Journalgas">{{cite news|title=BP Cuts Russia, Turkmenistan Natural Gas Reserves Estimates |url=http://www.rigzone.com/news/oil_gas/a/127044/BP_Cuts_Russia_Turkmenistan_Natural_Gas_Reserves_Estimates |access-date=24 June 2013 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal.com |date=12 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619152119/http://www.rigzone.com/news/oil_gas/a/127044/BP_Cuts_Russia_Turkmenistan_Natural_Gas_Reserves_Estimates |archive-date=19 June 2013}}</ref> and ]. In 2019, Iran discovered a southern oil field of 50 bn barrels<ref>{{Cite web |first1=Nada |last1=Altaher |first2=Matthew |last2=Robinson |date=10 November 2019 |title=Iran has discovered an oil field with an estimated 53 billion barrels of crude, Rouhani says {{!}} CNN Business |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/10/business/iran-new-oil-field-intl/index.html |access-date=2 May 2024 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=2 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502152327/https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/10/business/iran-new-oil-field-intl/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=10 November 2019 |title=Iran discovers new oil field with over 50 billion barrels |url=https://apnews.com/general-news-a6adb7b30adb444998541b1b5aca4332 |access-date=2 May 2024 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=2 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502153829/https://apnews.com/general-news-a6adb7b30adb444998541b1b5aca4332 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran says new oilfield found with 53 billion barrels |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2019/11/10/rouhani-iran-finds-new-oilfield-with-53-billion-barrels |access-date=2 May 2024 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=2 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502152327/https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2019/11/10/rouhani-iran-finds-new-oilfield-with-53-billion-barrels |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=10 November 2019 |title=Iran oil: New field with 53bn barrels found – Rouhani |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50365235 |access-date=2 May 2024 |language=en-GB |archive-date=2 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502152327/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50365235 |url-status=live }}</ref> and in April 2024, the ] discovered 10 giant shale oil deposits, totalling 2.6 bn barrels.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 April 2024 |title=Iran discovers giant shale oil reserves in several regions |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/213440/Iran-discovers-giant-shale-oil-reserves-in-several-regions |access-date=2 May 2024 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en |archive-date=10 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410200633/https://en.mehrnews.com/news/213440/Iran-discovers-giant-shale-oil-reserves-in-several-regions |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dooley |first=Kenny |date=2 April 2024 |title=Iran discovers giant shale oil reserves in several regions |url=https://www.ogv.energy/news-item/iran-discovers-giant-shale-oil-reserves-in-several-regions |access-date=2 May 2024 |website=www.ogv.energy |language=en |archive-date=2 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502152332/https://www.ogv.energy/news-item/iran-discovers-giant-shale-oil-reserves-in-several-regions |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ugal |first=Nishant |date=9 October 2023 |title=Four new oil and gas discoveries unveiled by Iran with potential 2.6 billion barrels of reserves |url=https://www.upstreamonline.com/exploration/four-new-oil-and-gas-discoveries-unveiled-by-iran-with-potential-2-6-billion-barrels-of-reserves/2-1-1531271 |access-date=2 May 2024 |website=upstreamonline.com |language=en |archive-date=2 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502152328/https://www.upstreamonline.com/exploration/four-new-oil-and-gas-discoveries-unveiled-by-iran-with-potential-2-6-billion-barrels-of-reserves/2-1-1531271 |url-status=live }}</ref> Iran plans to invest $500 billion in oil by 2025.<ref name="nitc.co.ir">{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>


Iran manufactures 60–70% of ] domestically, including turbines, pumps, catalysts, ], ]s, ]s, ], towers, pipes, and exploration instruments.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309074817/http://www.shana.ir/155561-en.html|date=9 March 2012}}. Retrieved 26 July 2010.</ref> The addition of new ] stations and streamlining of conventional coal and oil-fired stations increased installed capacity to 33 GW; about 75% was based on natural gas, 18% on oil, and 7% on hydroelectric power. In 2004, Iran opened its first wind-powered and geothermal plants, and the first ] thermal plant began in 2009. Iran is the world's third country to develop ] technology.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Iran-Besieged-by-Gasoline-Sanctions-Develops-GTL-to-Extract-Gasoline-from-Natural-Gas.html |title=Iran, Besieged by Gasoline Sanctions, Develops GTL to Extract Gasoline from Natural Gas |publisher=Oilprice.com |access-date=7 February 2012 |archive-date=7 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207171626/http://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Iran-Besieged-by-Gasoline-Sanctions-Develops-GTL-to-Extract-Gasoline-from-Natural-Gas.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Energy ===


] trends and intensified industrialisation have caused ] demand to grow by 8% per year. The government's goal of 53 GW of installed capacity by 2010 is to be reached by bringing on line ], and adding hydropower and nuclear generation capacity. ] went online in 2011.<ref name="nuclear">{{cite web |url=http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/profiles/Iran.pdf |title=Iran |access-date=18 June 2011 |archive-date=30 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120130153236/http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/profiles/Iran.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="MüllerMüller2015">{{cite book|author1=Daniel Müller|author2=Professor Harald Müller|title=WMD Arms Control in the Middle East: Prospects, Obstacles and Options|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PoFTBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA140|date= 2015|publisher=Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.|isbn=978-1-4724-3593-4|page=140}}</ref>
{{Main|Energy in Iran|Petroleum industry in Iran|Nuclear programme of Iran|Foreign direct investment in Iran}}
] in ], the world's largest ]. It holds 8% of the world's total gas reserves.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-18 |title=Gas compression at South Pars |url=https://en.shana.ir/news/472739/Gas-compression-at-South-Pars |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=Shana |language=en}}</ref>]]
Iran has the world's second largest proved ], with 33.6&nbsp;trillion ]s,<ref name="The Wall Street Journalgas">{{cite news|title=BP Cuts Russia, Turkmenistan Natural Gas Reserves Estimates |url=http://www.rigzone.com/news/oil_gas/a/127044/BP_Cuts_Russia_Turkmenistan_Natural_Gas_Reserves_Estimates |access-date=24 June 2013 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal.com |date=12 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619152119/http://www.rigzone.com/news/oil_gas/a/127044/BP_Cuts_Russia_Turkmenistan_Natural_Gas_Reserves_Estimates |archive-date=19 June 2013}}</ref> and the ]. It also ranks fourth in ] with an estimated 153,600,000,000 barrels.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2178rank.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070613005503/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2178rank.html|archive-date=13 June 2007 |title=CIA.gov |publisher=CIA.gov |access-date=7 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/Iran/Background.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090402152533/http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/Iran/Background.html|archive-date=2 April 2009 |title=Iran – U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) |publisher=Eia.doe.gov |access-date=7 April 2012}}</ref> It is ]'s second largest oil exporter. Despite this, Iran spent $4&nbsp;billion on fuel imports as of 2005 due to a lack of domestic refining capacity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Kim Murphy |url=http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/205986/3/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070118000204/http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/205986/3/ |archive-date=18 January 2007 |title=U.S. targets Iran's vulnerable oil |publisher=Heraldextra.com |date=7 January 2007 |access-date=18 June 2011}}</ref> Oil industry output averaged {{convert|4|Moilbbl/d|m3/d}} in 2005, compared with the peak of six million barrels per day reached in 1974.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iranian oil production: from global domination to subjugation under sanctions |url=https://iranopendata.org/en/pages/iranian-oil-production-from-global-domination-to-subjugation-under-sanctions |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Iran Open Data |language=en}}</ref>

In 2004, a large share of ] were untapped. The addition of new ] stations and the streamlining of conventional coal and oil-fired stations increased installed capacity to 33,000 megawatts. Of that amount, about 75% was based on natural gas, 18% on oil, and 7% on hydroelectric power. In 2004, Iran opened its first wind-powered and geothermal plants, and the first ] thermal plant was to come online in 2009. Iran is the world's third country to have developed ] technology.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Iran-Besieged-by-Gasoline-Sanctions-Develops-GTL-to-Extract-Gasoline-from-Natural-Gas.html |title=Iran, Besieged by Gasoline Sanctions, Develops GTL to Extract Gasoline from Natural Gas |publisher=Oilprice.com |access-date=7 February 2012}}</ref>

] trends and intensified industrialization have caused ] demand to grow by 8% per year. The government's goal of 53,000 megawatts of installed capacity by 2010 is to be reached by bringing on line ], and adding hydropower and nuclear power generation capacity. ] went online in 2011. It is the second ] in the Middle East.<ref name="nuclear">{{cite web|url=http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/profiles/Iran.pdf |title=Iran |access-date=18 June 2011}}</ref><ref name="MüllerMüller2015">{{cite book|author1=Daniel Müller|author2=Professor Harald Müller|title=WMD Arms Control in the Middle East: Prospects, Obstacles and Options|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PoFTBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA140|date= 2015|publisher=Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.|isbn=978-1-4724-3593-4|page=140}}</ref>

== Education, science, technology and telecommunications ==


=== Science and technology === === Science and technology ===
{{Main|Science and technology in Iran}}], a Persian ], ], ], ], ], and ].]] {{Main|Science and technology in Iran}}
], ], ], ], ], ] and ]]]
Iran has made considerable advances in science and technology, despite international sanctions during the past 30 years. In recent years, the growth in Iran's scientific output is reported to be the fastest in the world. In the biomedical sciences, Iran's ] has a ] chair in biology.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibb.ut.ac.ir/ |title=Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics |publisher=Ibb.ut.ac.ir |date=2 February 2011 |access-date=18 June 2011 |archive-date=22 October 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061022062049/http://www.ibb.ut.ac.ir/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In late 2006, ] successfully ] a sheep at the Royan Research Center in Tehran.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=17674 |title=The first successfully cloned animal in Iran |publisher=Middle-east-online.com |date=30 September 2006 |access-date=21 June 2013 |archive-date=28 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111028014352/http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=17674 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ] research in Iran is among the top 10 in the world.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://isg-mit.org/projects-storage/StemCell/stem_cell_iran.pdf |title=Iranian Studies Group at MIT |access-date=25 August 2010 |archive-date=2 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081002222401/http://isg-mit.org/projects-storage/StemCell/stem_cell_iran.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> Iran ranks 15th in the world in ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nano.ir/?lang=2index.php/news/show/1477|title=INIC – News – 73% of Tehran's Students Acquainted with Nanotechnology|publisher=En.nano.ir|date=18 January 2010|access-date=1 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015234940/http://nano.ir/?lang=2index.php%2Fnews%2Fshow%2F1477|archive-date=15 October 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/bm/newsworld.php?id=453647|title=Iran Ranks 15th in Nanotech Articles|publisher=Bernama|date=9 November 2009|access-date=1 August 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1388/3372/html/science.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090415053429/http://www.iran-daily.com/1388/3372/html/science.htm|archive-date=15 April 2009 |title=Iran daily: Iranian Technology From Foreign Perspective |access-date=21 June 2013}}</ref> Iranian scientists outside Iran have also made some major contributions to science. In 1960, ] co-invented the first ], and ] theory was introduced by ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www-bisc.cs.berkeley.edu/Zadeh-1965.pdf |title=Project Retired – EECS at UC Berkeley |work=berkeley.edu |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071127005930/http://www-bisc.cs.berkeley.edu/Zadeh-1965.pdf |archive-date=27 November 2007 }}</ref> Iranian cardiologist ] invented and developed the first artificial cardiac pump, the precursor of the ]. Furthering research and treatment of diabetes, the ] was discovered by ]. A substantial number of papers in ] are published in Iran.<ref name="Nasr2007">{{cite book|author=Vali Nasr|title=The Shia Revival: How Conflicts within Islam Will Shape the Future|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a-QH_CxIFTEC&pg=PA213|year=2007|publisher=W.W. Norton|isbn=978-0-393-06640-1|page=213}}</ref> In August 2014, Iranian mathematician ] became the first woman, as well as the first Iranian, to receive the ], the highest prize in mathematics.<ref>{{cite web|author1=Ben Mathis-Lilley|title=A Woman Has Won the Fields Medal, Math's Highest Prize, for the First Time|url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2014/08/12/first_female_fields_medal_winner_maryam_mirzakhani_of_stanford.html|website=Slate|publisher=Graham Holdings Company|access-date=14 August 2014|date=12 August 2014}}</ref> Iran has made considerable advances in science and technology, despite ]. In the biomedical sciences, Iran's ] has a ] chair in biology.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibb.ut.ac.ir/ |title=Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics |publisher=Ibb.ut.ac.ir |date=2 February 2011 |access-date=18 June 2011 |archive-date=22 October 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061022062049/http://www.ibb.ut.ac.ir/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2006, ] successfully ] a sheep at the Royan Research Centre in Tehran.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=17674 |title=The first successfully cloned animal in Iran |publisher=Middle-east-online.com |date=30 September 2006 |access-date=21 June 2013 |archive-date=28 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111028014352/http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=17674 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ] research is among the top 10 in the world.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://isg-mit.org/projects-storage/StemCell/stem_cell_iran.pdf |title=Iranian Studies Group at MIT |access-date=25 August 2010 |archive-date=2 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081002222401/http://isg-mit.org/projects-storage/StemCell/stem_cell_iran.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> Iran ranks 15th in the world in ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nano.ir/?lang=2index.php/news/show/1477|title=INIC – News – 73% of Tehran's Students Acquainted with Nanotechnology|publisher=En.nano.ir|date=18 January 2010|access-date=1 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015234940/http://nano.ir/?lang=2index.php%2Fnews%2Fshow%2F1477|archive-date=15 October 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/bm/newsworld.php?id=453647|title=Iran Ranks 15th in Nanotech Articles|publisher=Bernama|date=9 November 2009|access-date=1 August 2010|archive-date=10 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111210064005/http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/bm/newsworld.php?id=453647|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1388/3372/html/science.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090415053429/http://www.iran-daily.com/1388/3372/html/science.htm|archive-date=15 April 2009 |title=Iran daily: Iranian Technology From Foreign Perspective |access-date=21 June 2013}}</ref> Iranian scientists outside Iran have made major scientific contributions. In 1960, ] co-invented the first ], and ] theory was introduced by ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www-bisc.cs.berkeley.edu/Zadeh-1965.pdf |title=Project Retired – EECS at UC Berkeley |work=berkeley.edu |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071127005930/http://www-bisc.cs.berkeley.edu/Zadeh-1965.pdf |archive-date=27 November 2007 }}</ref>
Iran has increased its publication output nearly tenfold from 1996 through 2004, and has been ranked first in terms of output growth rate, followed by China.<ref>{{cite web |author= Expert:VSR.Subramaniam |url= http://experts.about.com/q/Economics-2301/economic.htm |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120426170542/http://en.allexperts.com/q/Economics-2301/economic.htm |archive-date=26 April 2012 |title= Economics: economic, medical uses of alcohol, uses of alcohol |publisher=Experts.about.com |date=18 October 2006 |access-date=18 June 2011}}</ref> According to a study by ] in 2012, Iran would rank fourth in the world in terms of research output by 2018, if the current trend persists.<ref name="SCImago_December_2012c">{{cite web |url=http://www.scimagolab.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/forecasting-excercise.pdf |title=Forecasting Exercise |newspaper=SCImago |date=2012 |access-date=30 June 2017 |archive-date=10 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010055804/http://www.scimagolab.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/forecasting-excercise.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>


Cardiologist ] invented and developed the first artificial cardiac pump, the precursor of the ]. Furthering research in diabetes, the ] was discovered by ]. Many papers in ] are published in Iran.<ref name="Nasr2007">{{cite book|author=Vali Nasr|title=The Shia Revival: How Conflicts within Islam Will Shape the Future|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a-QH_CxIFTEC&pg=PA213|year=2007|publisher=W.W. Norton|isbn=978-0-393-06640-1|page=213}}</ref> In 2014, Iranian mathematician ] became the first woman, and Iranian, to receive the ], the highest prize in mathematics.<ref>{{cite web|author1=Ben Mathis-Lilley|title=A Woman Has Won the Fields Medal, Math's Highest Prize, for the First Time|url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2014/08/12/first_female_fields_medal_winner_maryam_mirzakhani_of_stanford.html|website=Slate|publisher=Graham Holdings Company|access-date=14 August 2014|date=12 August 2014|archive-date=14 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814032405/http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2014/08/12/first_female_fields_medal_winner_maryam_mirzakhani_of_stanford.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
The Iranian humanoid robot ], which was designed by engineers at the ], was unveiled in 2010. The ] (IEEE) has placed the name of Surena among the five prominent robots of the world after analyzing its performance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1389/8/18/MainPaper/3817/Page/1/Index.htm |title=No. 3817 &#124; Front page &#124; Page 1 |publisher=Irandaily |access-date=21 October 2011}}</ref>


Iran increased its publication output nearly tenfold from 1996 through 2004, and ranked first in output growth rate, followed by China.<ref>{{cite web |author= Expert:VSR.Subramaniam |url= http://experts.about.com/q/Economics-2301/economic.htm |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120426170542/http://en.allexperts.com/q/Economics-2301/economic.htm |archive-date=26 April 2012 |title= Economics: economic, medical uses of alcohol, uses of alcohol |publisher=Experts.about.com |date=18 October 2006 |access-date=18 June 2011}}</ref> According to a study by ] in 2012, Iran would rank fourth in research output by 2018, if the trend persisted.<ref name="SCImago_December_2012c">{{cite web |url=http://www.scimagolab.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/forecasting-excercise.pdf |title=Forecasting Exercise |newspaper=SCImago |date=2012 |access-date=30 June 2017 |archive-date=10 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010055804/http://www.scimagolab.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/forecasting-excercise.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Iranian humanoid robot ], which was designed by engineers at the ], was unveiled in 2010. The ] (IEEE) has placed the name of Surena among the five most prominent robots, after analysing its performance.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1389/8/18/MainPaper/3817/Page/1/Index.htm |title=No. 3817 &#124; Front page &#124; Page 1 |publisher=Irandaily |access-date=21 October 2011 |archive-date=12 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112185315/http://www.iran-daily.com/1389/8/18/MainPaper/3817/Page/1/Index.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Education ===
{{Main|Education in Iran}}
{{See also|Dar ul-Funun (Persia)}}], in Tehran.]]


Iran was ranked 64th in the ] in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Global Innovation Index 2024 : Unlocking the Promise of Social Entrepreneurship |url=https://www.wipo.int/web-publications/global-innovation-index-2024/en/ |access-date=2024-11-29 |website=www.wipo.int |language=en}}</ref>
Education in Iran is highly centralised. ] is supervised by the ], and higher education is under the supervision of the ]. According to ], Iran's literacy rate among people aged 15 years and older was 85.54% as of 2016, with men (90.35%) being significantly more educated than women (80.79%).<ref>{{cite web|date=27 November 2016|title=Iran (Islamic Republic of)|url=http://uis.unesco.org/en/country/ir|access-date=29 July 2020|website=uis.unesco.org}}</ref> According to this report, Iranian government expenditure on education amounts to around 4% of the GDP.


==== Iranian Space Agency ====
The requirement to enter into higher education is to have a ] and pass the ] (the ''konkur''). Many students do a 1–2-year course of ] (''piš-dānešgāh'').<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arabiancampus.com/studyiniran/edusys.htm|title=Study in Iran :: Iran Educational System|author=Peter Krol|work=arabiancampus.com|access-date=26 October 2015}}</ref> Iran's higher education is sanctioned by different levels of diplomas, including an ] (''kārdāni''; also known as ''fowq e diplom'') delivered in two years, a ] (''kāršenāsi''; also known as ''lisāns'') delivered in four years, and a ] (''kāršenāsi e aršad'') delivered in two years, after which another exam allows the candidate to pursue a doctoral programme (]; known as ''doktorā'').<ref name="wes.org">{{cite web |url=http://www.wes.org/ca/wedb/iran/firedov.htm |title=WEP-Iran |publisher=Wes.org |access-date=7 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224011506/http://www.wes.org/ca/wedb/iran/firedov.htm |archive-date=24 February 2012 }}</ref>

According to the ] ({{as of|2017|January|lc=y}}), Iran's top five universities include ] (478th worldwide), the ] (514th worldwide), ] (605th worldwide), ] (726th worldwide), and the ] (789th worldwide).<ref>{{cite web |title=Iran (Islamic Republic of) |url= http://www.webometrics.info/en/Asia/Iran%20%28Islamic%20Republic%20of%29 |publisher=Ranking Web of Universities |access-date=21 July 2017}}</ref> Iran was ranked 62nd in the ] in 2023, up from 67th in 2020.<ref>{{Cite book|last=WIPO |title=Global Innovation Index 2023, 15th Edition |url=https://www.wipo.int/global_innovation_index/en/2023/index.html |access-date=2023-10-28 |website=wipo.int |date=30 December 2023 |publisher=World Intellectual Property Organization |doi=10.34667/tind.46596 |isbn=9789280534320 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Release of the Global Innovation Index 2020: Who Will Finance Innovation?|url=https://www.wipo.int/global_innovation_index/en/2020/index.html|access-date=2 September 2021|website=wipo.int|language=en}}</ref>

=== Iranian Space Agency ===
{{Main|Iranian Space Agency|Iranian Space Research Center|Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force}} {{Main|Iranian Space Agency|Iranian Space Research Center|Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force}}
].|left]] ]]]
The ] (ISA) was established on 28 February 2004. Iran became an orbital-launch-capable nation in 2009,<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Fathi |first1=Nazila |last2=Broad |first2=William J. |date=2009-02-03 |title=Iran Launches Satellite in a Challenge for Obama |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/04/world/middleeast/04iran.html |access-date=2024-01-04 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and is a founding member of the ]. Iran placed its domestically built ] ] into orbit on the 30th anniversary of the Iranian Revolution, on 2{{nbsp}}February 2009,<ref name="HarveySmid2011">{{cite book|author1=Brian Harvey|author2=Henk H. F. Smid|author3=Theo Pirard|title=Emerging Space Powers: The New Space Programs of Asia, the Middle East and South-America|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XD1ZaYbiWwMC&pg=PA293|year=2011|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|isbn=978-1-4419-0874-2|page=293}}</ref> through its first expendable launch vehicle ], becoming the ] in the world capable of both producing a satellite and sending it into ] from a domestically made ].<ref name="Hvac-conference.ir_November_29_2015c">{{cite web |url=http://www.hvac-conference.ir/files/content/ICHVAC5_Brochure.pdf |title=The 6th International Conference on Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning |website=Hvac-conference.ir |date=2015 |access-date=29 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208142627/http://www.hvac-conference.ir/files/content/ICHVAC5_Brochure.pdf |archive-date=8 December 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ] in 2016, is the successor of Safir.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Stephen Clark |date=2009-02-02 |title=Iran Launches Omid Satellite Into Orbit |url=https://www.space.com/5432-iran-launches-omid-satellite-orbit.html |access-date=2024-01-27 |website=Space.com |language=en}}</ref> The Iranian Space Agency (ISA) was established in 2004. Iran became an orbital-launch-capable nation in 2009,<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Fathi |first1=Nazila |last2=Broad |first2=William J. |date=3 February 2009 |title=Iran Launches Satellite in a Challenge for Obama |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/04/world/middleeast/04iran.html |access-date=4 January 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=25 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125005806/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/04/world/middleeast/04iran.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and is a founding member of the ]. Iran placed its domestically built ] ] into orbit on the 30th anniversary of the Revolution, in 2009,<ref name="HarveySmid2011">{{cite book|author1=Brian Harvey|author2=Henk H. F. Smid|author3=Theo Pirard|title=Emerging Space Powers: The New Space Programs of Asia, the Middle East and South-America|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XD1ZaYbiWwMC&pg=PA293|year=2011|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|isbn=978-1-4419-0874-2|page=293}}</ref> through its first expendable launch vehicle ]. It became the ] capable of both producing a satellite and sending it into ] from a domestically made ].<ref name="Hvac-conference.ir_November_29_2015c">{{cite web |url=http://www.hvac-conference.ir/files/content/ICHVAC5_Brochure.pdf |title=The 6th International Conference on Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning |website=Hvac-conference.ir |date=2015 |access-date=29 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208142627/http://www.hvac-conference.ir/files/content/ICHVAC5_Brochure.pdf |archive-date=8 December 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ]'s launch in 2016, is the successor of Safir.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Stephen Clark |date=2 February 2009 |title=Iran Launches Omid Satellite Into Orbit |url=https://www.space.com/5432-iran-launches-omid-satellite-orbit.html |access-date=27 January 2024 |website=Space.com |language=en |archive-date=29 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229050901/https://www.space.com/5432-iran-launches-omid-satellite-orbit.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


On January 20, 2024, Iran launched the ] into its highest orbit yet (750&nbsp;km),<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-20 |title=Iran Launches Soraya Satellite Into Orbit 750 Km Above Earth - Iran Front Page |url=https://ifpnews.com/iran-soraya-satellite-orbit-750-km-earth/ |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=ifpnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran says it launched a satellite despite Western concerns – DW – 01/20/2024 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/iran-says-it-launched-a-satellite-despite-western-concerns/a-68041834 |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=dw.com |language=en}}</ref> a new space launch milestone for the country.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran says launches satellite in new aerospace milestone |url=https://phys.org/news/2024-01-iran-satellite-aerospace-milestone.html |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=phys.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Presse |first=AFP-Agence France |title=Iran Says Launches Satellite In New Aerospace Milestone |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/iran-says-launches-satellite-in-new-aerospace-milestone-5935a502 |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=barrons.com |language=en-US}}</ref> It was launched by ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-21 |title=Iran's Soraya satellite signals received on earth |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/211087/Iran-s-Soraya-satellite-signals-received-on-earth |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran's Soraya Satellite Signals Received on Earth - Space/Science news |url=https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2024/01/21/3026481/iran-s-soraya-satellite-signals-received-on-earth |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=Tasnim News Agency |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran successfully launches Soraya satellite using Qa'im 100 carrier |url=http://iranpress.com/aliaspage/271060 |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=iranpress.com |language=en}}</ref> In January 2024, Iran launched the ] into its highest orbit yet (750&nbsp;km),<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 January 2024 |title=Iran Launches Soraya Satellite Into Orbit 750 Km Above Earth Iran Front Page |url=https://ifpnews.com/iran-soraya-satellite-orbit-750-km-earth/ |access-date=21 January 2024 |website=ifpnews.com |language=en-US |archive-date=21 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121013649/https://ifpnews.com/iran-soraya-satellite-orbit-750-km-earth/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran says it launched a satellite despite Western concerns – DW – 01/20/2024 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/iran-says-it-launched-a-satellite-despite-western-concerns/a-68041834 |access-date=21 January 2024 |website=dw.com |language=en |archive-date=21 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121015553/https://www.dw.com/en/iran-says-it-launched-a-satellite-despite-western-concerns/a-68041834 |url-status=live }}</ref> a new space launch milestone for the country.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran says launches satellite in new aerospace milestone |url=https://phys.org/news/2024-01-iran-satellite-aerospace-milestone.html |access-date=21 January 2024 |website=phys.org |language=en |archive-date=21 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121092740/https://phys.org/news/2024-01-iran-satellite-aerospace-milestone.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Presse |first=AFP-Agence France |title=Iran Says Launches Satellite In New Aerospace Milestone |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/iran-says-launches-satellite-in-new-aerospace-milestone-5935a502 |access-date=21 January 2024 |website=barrons.com |language=en-US |archive-date=21 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121081523/https://www.barrons.com/news/iran-says-launches-satellite-in-new-aerospace-milestone-5935a502 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was launched by ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 January 2024 |title=Iran's Soraya satellite signals received on earth |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/211087/Iran-s-Soraya-satellite-signals-received-on-earth |access-date=21 January 2024 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en |archive-date=22 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122011923/https://en.mehrnews.com/news/211087/Iran-s-Soraya-satellite-signals-received-on-earth |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran successfully launches Soraya satellite using Qa'im 100 carrier |url=http://iranpress.com/aliaspage/271060 |access-date=21 January 2024 |website=iranpress.com |language=en}}</ref> Iran also successfully launched 3 indigenous satellites, The Mahda, Kayan and Hatef,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran says it launches 3 satellites into space-Xinhua |url=https://english.news.cn/20240128/f0acca839b4b434f979ad239c00f79e5/c.html |access-date=28 January 2024 |website=english.news.cn |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128110500/http://english.news.cn/20240128/f0acca839b4b434f979ad239c00f79e5/c.html |url-status=live }}</ref> into orbit using the Simorgh carrier rocket.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran launches three satellites simultaneously for first time – DW – 01/28/2024 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/iran-launches-three-satellites-simultaneously-for-first-time/a-68105298 |access-date=28 January 2024 |website=dw.com |language=en |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128100907/https://www.dw.com/en/iran-launches-three-satellites-simultaneously-for-first-time/a-68105298 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=28 January 2024 |title=Iran launches 3 satellites into space that are part of a Western-criticized program as tensions rise |url=https://apnews.com/article/iran-satellite-launch-us-ballistic-missiles-israel-hamas-74bcd3eb7e48a31be4f52b8d86d24721 |access-date=28 January 2024 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128070143/https://apnews.com/article/iran-satellite-launch-us-ballistic-missiles-israel-hamas-74bcd3eb7e48a31be4f52b8d86d24721 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was the first time in country's history that it simultaneously sent three satellites into space.<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 January 2024 |title=Iran simultaneously launches three satellites state media |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/iran-simultaneously-launches-three-satellites-state-media/articleshow/107200287.cms?from=mdr |access-date=28 January 2024 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389 |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128215058/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/iran-simultaneously-launches-three-satellites-state-media/articleshow/107200287.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=28 January 2024 |title=Iran Conducts Second Controversial Satellite Launch In One Week |url=https://www.iranintl.com/en/202401288496 |access-date=28 January 2024 |website=Iran International |language=en |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128080807/https://www.iranintl.com/en/202401288496 |url-status=live }}</ref> The three satellites are designed for testing advanced satellite subsystems, space-based positioning technology, and narrowband communication.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran launches three satellites amid rising tensions with Western powers |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/28/iran-launches-three-satellites-amid-rising-tensions-with-western-powers |access-date=28 January 2024 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128105249/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/28/iran-launches-three-satellites-amid-rising-tensions-with-western-powers |url-status=live }}</ref>


In February 2024, Iran launched its domestically developed imaging satellite, Pars 1, from Russia into orbit.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran launches 'domestically developed' imaging satellite from Russia |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/29/iran-launches-domestically-developed-imaging-satellite-from-russia |access-date=15 March 2024 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=14 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314180754/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/29/iran-launches-domestically-developed-imaging-satellite-from-russia |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Online {{!}} |first=E. T. |date=29 February 2024 |title=Iran launches Pars 1 satellite from Russia amidst Western concern over Moscow-Tehrain ties |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/iran-launches-pars-1-satellite-from-russia-amidst-western-concern-over-moscow-tehrain-ties/videoshow/108112811.cms |access-date=15 March 2024 |website=The Economic Times |language=en |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315142858/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/iran-launches-pars-1-satellite-from-russia-amidst-western-concern-over-moscow-tehrain-ties/videoshow/108112811.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> This was the second time since August 2022, when Russia launched another Iranian remote-sensing, ], into orbit from ], reflecting deep scientific cooperation between the countries.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Motamedi |first=Maziar |title=Russia launches Iranian satellite into space from Kazakhstan base |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/9/russia-launches-iranian-satellite-into-space-from-kazakhstan-base |access-date=15 March 2024 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=13 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013155720/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/9/russia-launches-iranian-satellite-into-space-from-kazakhstan-base |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Russia launches Soyuz rocket into space carrying Iranian satellite Pars-I |url=https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-launches-soyuz-rocket-into-space-carrying-iranian-satellite-695097 |access-date=15 March 2024 |website=WION |date=29 February 2024 |language=en-us |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315141352/https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-launches-soyuz-rocket-into-space-carrying-iranian-satellite-695097 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On January 28, 2024, Iran successfully launched three indigenous satellites, The Mahda, Kayan and Hatef,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran says it launches 3 satellites into space-Xinhua |url=https://english.news.cn/20240128/f0acca839b4b434f979ad239c00f79e5/c.html |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=english.news.cn}}</ref> into orbit using the ] carrier rocket.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran launches three satellites simultaneously for first time – DW – 01/28/2024 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/iran-launches-three-satellites-simultaneously-for-first-time/a-68105298 |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=dw.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-28 |title=Iran launches 3 satellites into space that are part of a Western-criticized program as tensions rise |url=https://apnews.com/article/iran-satellite-launch-us-ballistic-missiles-israel-hamas-74bcd3eb7e48a31be4f52b8d86d24721 |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> It was the first time in country's history that it simultaneously sent three satellites into space.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-01-28 |title=Iran simultaneously launches three satellites - state media |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/iran-simultaneously-launches-three-satellites-state-media/articleshow/107200287.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-01-28 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-28 |title=Iran Conducts Second Controversial Satellite Launch In One Week |url=https://www.iranintl.com/en/202401288496 |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Iran International |language=en}}</ref> The three satellites are designed for testing advanced satellite subsystems, space-based positioning technology, and narrowband communication.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran launches three satellites amid rising tensions with Western powers |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/28/iran-launches-three-satellites-amid-rising-tensions-with-western-powers |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref>

On February 29, 2024, Iran launched its domestically developed imaging satellite, Pars 1, from Russia into orbit.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran launches 'domestically developed' imaging satellite from Russia |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/29/iran-launches-domestically-developed-imaging-satellite-from-russia |access-date=2024-03-15 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Online {{!}} |first=E. T. |date=2024-02-29 |title=Iran launches Pars 1 satellite from Russia amidst Western concern over Moscow-Tehrain ties |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/iran-launches-pars-1-satellite-from-russia-amidst-western-concern-over-moscow-tehrain-ties/videoshow/108112811.cms |access-date=2024-03-15 |website=The Economic Times |language=en}}</ref> This was done for the second time since August 2022, when Russia launched another Iranian remote-sensing, ], into orbit from ], reflecting deep scientific cooperation between the two countries.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Motamedi |first=Maziar |title=Russia launches Iranian satellite into space from Kazakhstan base |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/9/russia-launches-iranian-satellite-into-space-from-kazakhstan-base |access-date=2024-03-15 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Russia launches Soyuz rocket into space carrying Iranian satellite Pars-I |url=https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-launches-soyuz-rocket-into-space-carrying-iranian-satellite-695097 |access-date=2024-03-15 |website=WION |language=en-us}}</ref>

The ] was launched in the 1950s. Iran is the world's 7th country to produce ], and controls the entire ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/world/2009-04-11-iran-nuclear_N.htm|title=Iran says it controls entire nuclear fuel cycle|newspaper=USA Today|date=11 April 2009|access-date=18 December 2013}}</ref>


=== Telecommunication === === Telecommunication ===
{{Main|Communications in Iran|Telecommunication Company of Iran|Iran Electronics Industries}} {{Main|Communications in Iran|Telecommunication Company of Iran|Iran Electronics Industries}}
] industry is almost entirely state-owned, dominated by the ] (TCI). Fixed-line penetration in 2004 was relatively well-developed by regional standards, at 22 lines per 100 people, compared with Egypt with 14. Iran had more than one ] per inhabitant by 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-05-12 |title=Iran reaches 100 percent telecommunications penetration: BMI - Telecoms & IT - Zawya |url=http://www.zawya.com/story/Iran_reaches_100_telecommunications_penetration_BMI-ZAWYA20120412035355/ |access-date=2024-01-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512215456/http://www.zawya.com/story/Iran_reaches_100_telecommunications_penetration_BMI-ZAWYA20120412035355/ |archive-date=12 May 2012 }}</ref> Iran's telecommunications industry is almost entirely state-owned, dominated by the ] (TCI). As of 2020, 70 million Iranians use high-speed mobile internet. Iran is among the first five countries which have had a growth rate of over 20 percent and the highest level of development in telecommunication.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 July 2007 |title=National Security and the Internet in the Persian Gulf: Iran |url=http://www.georgetown.edu/research/arabtech/pgi98-4.html |access-date=1 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070703041209/http://www.georgetown.edu/research/arabtech/pgi98-4.html |archive-date=3 July 2007 }}</ref> Iran has been awarded the UNESCO special certificate for providing telecommunication services to rural areas.


Globally, Iran ranks 75th in mobile ] speed and 153rd in fixed internet speed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Internet Speed in Iran is at Regional Bottom |url=https://iranopendata.org/en/pages/internet-speed-in-iran-is-at-regional-bottom |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=Iran Open Data |date=8 March 2024 |language=en}}</ref>
As of 2020, 70 million Iranians use high-speed mobile internet. Iran is among the first five countries which have had a growth rate of over 20 percent and the highest level of development in telecommunication.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-07-03 |title=National Security and the Internet in the Persian Gulf: Iran |url=http://www.georgetown.edu/research/arabtech/pgi98-4.html |access-date=2024-01-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070703041209/http://www.georgetown.edu/research/arabtech/pgi98-4.html |archive-date=3 July 2007 }}</ref> Iran has been awarded the UNESCO special certificate for providing telecommunication services to rural areas. By the end of 2009, Iran's telecom market was the fourth-largest market in the region at $9.2 billion.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-07-31 |title=The Big Connection - The Business Year |url=https://thebusinessyear.com/article/the-big-connection/ |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=thebusinessyear.com |language=en-US}}</ref>


== Demographics == == Demographics ==

{{Main|Demographics of Iran}} {{Main|Demographics of Iran}}
{{multiple image {{#invoke:multiple image|
| perrow = 1 | perrow = 1
| total_width = 200 | total_width = 200
| image1 = Provinces of Iran by population.svg | image1 = Provinces of Iran by population.svg
| image2 = Iran Counties by Population (2021).svg | image2 = Iran Counties by Population (2021).svg
| footer = Population of Iranian provinces and counties in 2021. | footer = Population of Iranian provinces and counties in 2021
}} }}


Iran's population grew rapidly from about 19&nbsp;million in 1956 to about 85 million by February 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=درگاه ملی آمار |url=https://amar.org.ir/statistical-information |access-date=14 February 2023 |website=درگاه ملی آمار ایران}}</ref> However, Iran's ] has dropped dramatically, from 6.5 children born per woman to about 1.7 two decades later,<ref>Latest Statistical Center of Iran fertility rate statistics (published February 2023). at .</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Roser|first=Max|date=19 February 2014|title=Fertility Rate|url=https://ourworldindata.org/fertility-rate|journal=Our World in Data}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Children per woman|url=https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/children-per-woman-UN|access-date=11 July 2020|website=Our World in Data}}</ref> leading to a population growth rate of about 1.39% as of 2018.<ref>{{cite web|title=Population growth (annual %) – Iran, Islamic Rep. {{!}} Data|url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.GROW?locations=IR&view=chart|access-date=11 July 2020|website=data.worldbank.org}}</ref> Due to its young population, studies project that the growth will continue to slow until it stabilises around 105&nbsp;million by 2050.<ref name="bureau">U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2005. Unpublished work tables for estimating Iran's mortality. Washington, D.C.: Iran's population grew rapidly from about 19&nbsp;million in 1956 to about 85 million by February 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=درگاه ملی آمار |url=https://amar.org.ir/statistical-information |access-date=14 February 2023 |website=درگاه ملی آمار ایران |archive-date=25 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325224203/https://amar.org.ir/statistical-information |url-status=live }}</ref> However, Iran's ] has dropped dramatically, from 6.5 children born per woman to about 1.7 two decades later,<ref>Latest Statistical Center of Iran fertility rate statistics (published February 2023). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522140324/https://www.amar.org.ir/Portals/0/PropertyAgent/461/Files/26322/Mizan_Barvari_Kol_1400.xlsx |date=22 May 2023 }} at {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326043023/https://www.amar.org.ir/%D9%BE%D8%A7%DB%8C%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%87-%D9%87%D8%A7-%D9%88-%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%87-%D9%87%D8%A7/%D8%B3%D8%B1%DB%8C%D9%87%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%B2%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C/agentType/ViewType/PropertyTypeID/1936 |date=26 March 2023 }}.</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Roser|first=Max|date=19 February 2014|title=Fertility Rate|url=https://ourworldindata.org/fertility-rate|journal=Our World in Data|access-date=11 July 2020|archive-date=21 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121073056/https://ourworldindata.org/fertility-rate|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Children per woman|url=https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/children-per-woman-UN|access-date=11 July 2020|website=Our World in Data|archive-date=3 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703175339/https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/children-per-woman-un|url-status=live}}</ref> leading to a population growth rate of about 1.39% as of 2018.<ref>{{cite web|title=Population growth (annual %) – Iran, Islamic Rep. {{!}} Data|url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.GROW?locations=IR&view=chart|access-date=11 July 2020|website=data.worldbank.org|archive-date=11 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711223056/https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.GROW?locations=IR&view=chart|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to its young population, studies project that the growth will continue to slow until it stabilises around 105&nbsp;million by 2050.<ref name="bureau">U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2005. Unpublished work tables for estimating Iran's mortality. Washington, D.C.:
Population Division, International Programs Center</ref><ref name="payvand">{{cite web|url=http://www.payvand.com/news/04/aug/1017.html|title=Iran's population growth rate falls to 1.5 percent: UNFP|first=Payvand.com|last=Iran News|access-date=18 October 2006|archive-date=27 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227193340/http://www.payvand.com/news/04/aug/1017.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://esa.un.org/unpd/wpp/DataQuery/|title=World Population Prospects – Population Division – United Nations|website=esa.un.org|access-date=25 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919061238/https://esa.un.org/unpd/wpp/DataQuery/|archive-date=19 September 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> Population Division, International Programs Center</ref><ref name="payvand">{{cite web|url=http://www.payvand.com/news/04/aug/1017.html|title=Iran's population growth rate falls to 1.5 percent: UNFP|first=Payvand.com|last=Iran News|access-date=18 October 2006|archive-date=27 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227193340/http://www.payvand.com/news/04/aug/1017.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://esa.un.org/unpd/wpp/DataQuery/|title=World Population Prospects – Population Division – United Nations|website=esa.un.org|access-date=25 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919061238/https://esa.un.org/unpd/wpp/DataQuery/|archive-date=19 September 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>


Iran hosts one of the largest ] populations, with almost one million,<ref>{{cite web|title=Refugee population by country or territory of asylum – Iran, Islamic Rep. {{!}} Data|url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SM.POP.REFG?end=2019&locations=IR&start=1990&view=chart|access-date=11 July 2020|website=data.worldbank.org}}</ref> mostly from ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=77107 |title=Afghanistan-Iran: Iran says it will deport over one million Afghans |publisher=Irinnews.org |date=4 March 2008 |access-date=21 June 2013}}</ref> According to estimates, about five million Iranian citizens have emigrated to other countries, mostly since the 1979 Revolution.<ref name="Ganji2002">{{cite book|author=Manouchehr Ganji|title=Defying the Iranian Revolution: From a Minister to the Shah to a Leader of Resistance|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NboVl-CeYs0C&pg=PA210|year=2002|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-275-97187-8|page=210}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.migrationinformation.org/Profiles/display.cfm?ID=424 |title=Migration Information Institute: Characteristics of the Iranian Diaspora |publisher=Migrationinformation.org |access-date=18 June 2011}}</ref> Iran hosts one of the largest ] populations, with almost one million,<ref>{{cite web|title=Refugee population by country or territory of asylum – Iran, Islamic Rep. {{!}} Data|url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SM.POP.REFG?end=2019&locations=IR&start=1990&view=chart|access-date=11 July 2020|website=data.worldbank.org|archive-date=11 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711231102/https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SM.POP.REFG?end=2019&locations=IR&start=1990&view=chart|url-status=live}}</ref> mostly from ] and ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=77107 |title=Afghanistan-Iran: Iran says it will deport over one million Afghans |publisher=Irinnews.org |date=4 March 2008 |access-date=21 June 2013 |archive-date=2 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902170454/http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=77107 |url-status=live }}</ref> According to the ], the government is required to provide every citizen with access to ], covering retirement, unemployment, old age, ], accidents, calamities, health and medical treatment and care services.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://info.worldbank.org/etools/docs/library/77421/june2003/ppt/w1/iran.pdf |title=Iran Social Security System |publisher=World Bank |date=2003 |access-date=30 November 2015 |archive-date=8 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208125524/http://info.worldbank.org/etools/docs/library/77421/june2003/ppt/w1/iran.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> This is covered by ] and income derived from public contributions.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://aprendeenlinea.udea.edu.co/revistas/index.php/lecturasdeeconomia/article/view/15770/17868 |title=Is tax funding of health care more likely to be regressive than systems based on social insurance in low and middle-income countries? |newspaper=Universidad de Antioquia |date=2013 |author=Aurelio Mejيa |issue=78 |pages=229–239 |access-date=30 November 2015 |archive-date=16 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151216074956/http://aprendeenlinea.udea.edu.co/revistas/index.php/lecturasdeeconomia/article/view/15770/17868 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


The country has one of the highest urban growth rates in the world. From 1950 to 2002, the urban proportion of the population increased from 27% to 60%.<ref name="payvand2">{{cite web |url=http://www.payvand.com/news/03/nov/1135.html |title=Iran: Focus on reverse migration |work=Payvand |access-date=17 April 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060326185508/http://www.payvand.com/news/03/nov/1135.html |archive-date=26 March 2006}}</ref> Iran's population is concentrated in its western half, especially in the north, north-west and west.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Population distribution – The World Factbook |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/archives/2021/field/population-distribution/ |access-date=6 October 2022 |website=cia.gov |archive-date=6 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006203129/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/archives/2021/field/population-distribution/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
According to the ], the government is required to provide every citizen with access to ], covering retirement, unemployment, old age, ], accidents, calamities, health and medical treatment and care services.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://info.worldbank.org/etools/docs/library/77421/june2003/ppt/w1/iran.pdf |title=Iran Social Security System |publisher=World Bank |date=2003 |access-date= 30 November 2015}}</ref> This is covered by ] and income derived from public contributions.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://aprendeenlinea.udea.edu.co/revistas/index.php/lecturasdeeconomia/article/view/15770/17868 |title=Is tax funding of health care more likely to be regressive than systems based on social insurance in low and middle-income countries? |newspaper=Universidad de Antioquia |date=2013 |author=Aurelio Mejía |issue=78 |pages=229–239 |access-date=30 November 2015 |archive-date=16 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151216074956/http://aprendeenlinea.udea.edu.co/revistas/index.php/lecturasdeeconomia/article/view/15770/17868 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


Tehran, with a population of around 9.4&nbsp;million, is Iran's capital and largest city. The country's second most populous city, ], has a population of around 3.4&nbsp;million, and is capital of the province of ]. ] has a population of around 2.2&nbsp;million and is Iran's third most populous city. It is the capital of ] and was also the third capital of the ].
=== Languages ===


{{Main|Languages of Iran}} {{Largest cities of Iran|class=info}}
] the king, an ]." in ], ] and ] languages, ]. ].|left]]
The majority of the population speaks ], the ] of the country.<ref name="AO">{{Cite web |title=Constitution of Islamic Republic of Iran, Chapter II: The Official Language, Script, Calendar, and Flag of the Country, Article 15 |url=https://www.iranchamber.com/government/laws/constitution_ch02.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730024031/https://www.iranchamber.com/government/laws/constitution_ch02.php |archive-date=30 July 2022 |access-date=9 June 2023 |website=Iran Chamber Society}}</ref> Others include speakers of several other ] within the greater ] family and languages belonging to some other ethnicities living in Iran.

The ] and ] languages are widely spoken in ] and ], in northern Iran. The ] is also spoken in parts of Gilan. Varieties of ] are concentrated in the province of ] and nearby areas. In ], ] are spoken. Southern Iran also houses the ] and ] languages.

], the most-spoken minority language in the country,<ref>Annika Rabo, Bo Utas. Swedish Research Institute in Istanbul, 2005 {{ISBN|91-86884-13-1}}</ref> and other ] and dialects are found in various regions, especially ].

Notable minority languages in Iran include ], ], ], and ]. ] is spoken by the ], and the wider group of ]. ] was also once widely spoken by the large Circassian minority, but, due to assimilation, no sizable number of Circassians speak the language anymore.<ref> Facts On File, Incorporated {{ISBN|1-4381-2676-X}} p. 141</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/georgia-iv--2 |title=Georgia viii: Georgian communities in Persia |last1=Oberling |first1=Pierre |date=7 February 2012 |website=] |access-date=9 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://mcha.kbsu.ru/english/m_hist_01E.htm.html |title=Circassian |publisher=Official Circassian Association |access-date=9 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304035542/http://mcha.kbsu.ru/english/m_hist_01E.htm.html |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=http://iranian.com/Travelers/June97/Chardin/index.shtml |title=Persians: Kind, hospitable, tolerant flattering cheats? |first1=Sir John |last1=Chardin |author-link=Jean Chardin |date=June 1997 |journal=] |access-date=9 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970620173929/http://www.iranian.com/Travelers/June97/Chardin/index.shtml |archive-date=20 June 1997 |url-status=live}} Excerpted from:
* {{cite book |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5jPL0A31H5MC&pg=PA183 |chapter=Book 2, Chapter XI: Of the Temper, Manners, and Customs of the Persians: A XVII th. Century Viewpoint |first1=Sir John |last1=Chardin |author-link=Jean Chardin |title=Travels in Persia, 1673–1677 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5jPL0A31H5MC |location=New York |publisher=Dover Publications |year=1988 |pages=183–197 |isbn=978-0-486-25636-8 |oclc=798310290 |access-date=9 June 2014}}</ref>

Percentages of spoken language continue to be a point of debate, most notably regarding the largest and second largest ethnicities in Iran, the Persians and ]. Percentages given by the ]'s ] include 53% Persian, 16% ], 10% ], 7% ] and ], 7% ], 2% ], 2% ], 2% ], and 2% the remainder ], ], ], and ].<ref name="CIA" />


=== Ethnic groups === === Ethnic groups ===

{{Main|Ethnicities in Iran}} {{Main|Ethnicities in Iran}}


Ethnic group composition remains a point of debate, mainly regarding the largest and second largest ethnic groups, the Persians and Azerbaijanis, due to the lack of Iranian state censuses based on ethnicity. ] has estimated that around 79% of the population of Iran is a diverse ] ],<ref>J. Harmatta in "History of Civilizations of Central Asia", Chapter 14, ''The Emergence of Indo-Iranians: The Indo-Iranian Languages'', ed. by A. H. Dani & V.N. Masson, 1999, p. 357</ref> with ] (including ] and ]) constituting 61% of the population, ] 10%, ] 6%, and ] 2%. Peoples of other ethnolinguistic groups make up the remaining 21%, with ] constituting 16%, ] 2%, ] and other ] 2%, and others (such as ], ], ], ], ]) 1%.<ref name="CIA" /> Ethnic group composition remains a point of debate, mainly regarding the largest and second largest ethnic groups, the Persians and Azerbaijanis, due to the lack of Iranian state censuses based on ethnicity. ] has estimated that around 79% of the population of Iran is a diverse ] ],<ref>J. Harmatta in "History of Civilizations of Central Asia", Chapter 14, ''The Emergence of Indo-Iranians: The Indo-Iranian Languages'', ed. by A. H. Dani & V.N. Masson, 1999, p. 357</ref> with ] (including ] and ]) constituting 61% of the population, ] 10%, ] 6%, and ] 2%. Peoples of other ethnolinguistic groups make up the remaining 21%, with ] constituting 16%, ] 2%, ] and other ] 2%, and others (such as ], ], ], ], ]) 1%.


The ] issued slightly different estimates: 65% Persians (including Mazenderanis, Gilaks, and the Talysh), 16% Azerbaijanis, 7% Kurds, 6% Lurs, 2% Baloch, 1% Turkic tribal groups (including ] and ]), and non-Iranian, non-Turkic groups (including Armenians, Georgians, Assyrians, Circassians, and Arabs) less than 3%.<ref name="loc2">{{cite web |url=https://www.loc.gov/rr/frd/cs/pdf/CS_Iran.pdf#27 |title=Country Profile: Iran |publisher=], ] |location=Washington, D.C. |date=May 2008 |page=xxvi|access-date=9 June 2014}}</ref><ref name="CIA" /><ref>{{cite web |title=World Heritage List |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/ |publisher=]}}</ref> The ] issued slightly different estimates: 65% Persians (including Mazenderanis, Gilaks, and the Talysh), 16% Azerbaijanis, 7% Kurds, 6% Lurs, 2% Baloch, 1% Turkic tribal groups (including ] and ]), and non-Iranian, non-Turkic groups (including Armenians, Georgians, Assyrians, Circassians, and Arabs) less than 3%.<ref name="loc2">{{cite web |url=https://www.loc.gov/rr/frd/cs/pdf/CS_Iran.pdf#27 |title=Country Profile: Iran |publisher=], ] |location=Washington, D.C. |date=May 2008 |page=xxvi |access-date=9 June 2014 |archive-date=3 May 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200503171417/https://www.loc.gov/rr/frd/cs/pdf/CS_Iran.pdf#27 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=World Heritage List |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/ |publisher=] |access-date=26 December 2019 |archive-date=1 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151101002905/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


=== Health === === Languages ===
{{Main|Healthcare in Iran}} {{Main|Languages of Iran}}
] the king, an ]", in ], ] and ] languages; ], ].]]
], accredited by for its quality ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=سایت |first=مدیر |date=2023-12-28 |title=گفتگو با استادی که مبتکروآغاز کننده روش های جدید جراحی مغز در دانشگاه علوم پزشکی مشهد است |url=https://razavihospital.ir/%DA%AF%D9%81%D8%AA%DA%AF%D9%88-%D8%A8%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%AF%DB%8C-%DA%A9%D9%87-%D9%85%D8%A8%D8%AA%DA%A9%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%A2%D8%BA%D8%A7%D8%B2-%DA%A9%D9%86%D9%86%D8%AF%D9%87-%D8%B1%D9%88/ |access-date=2024-01-27 |website=بیمارستان رضوی |language=fa-IR}}</ref>]]
Most of the population speaks ], the country's ] and ].<ref name="AO">{{Cite web |title=Constitution of Islamic Republic of Iran, Chapter II: The Official Language, Script, Calendar, and Flag of the Country, Article 15 |url=https://www.iranchamber.com/government/laws/constitution_ch02.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730024031/https://www.iranchamber.com/government/laws/constitution_ch02.php |archive-date=30 July 2022 |access-date=9 June 2023 |website=Iran Chamber Society}}</ref> Others include speakers of other ], within the greater ] family, and languages belonging to other ethnicities. The ] and ] languages are widely spoken in ] and ], northern Iran. The ] is spoken in parts of Gilan. Varieties of ] are concentrated in the province of ] and nearby areas. In ], ] are spoken. South Iran also houses the ] and ] languages.
Healthcare is provided by the public-governmental system, the private sector, and ]s.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-10-10 |title=Filepool - Detail {{!}} Organization for Investment Economic and Technical Assistance of Iran |url=http://www.investiniran.ir/en/filepool/26?redirectpage=%2fen%2febook |access-date=2024-01-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010112638/http://www.investiniran.ir/en/filepool/26?redirectpage=%2fen%2febook |archive-date=10 October 2016 }}</ref> The healthcare sector's market value in Iran was almost US$24 billion in 2002.


], the most-spoken minority language in the country,<ref>Annika Rabo, Bo Utas. Swedish Research Institute in Istanbul, 2005 {{ISBN|91-86884-13-1}}</ref> and other ] and dialects are found in various regions, especially ]. Notable minority languages include ], ], ], and ]. ] is spoken by the ], and the wider group of ]. ] was also once widely spoken by the large Circassian minority, but, due to assimilation, no sizable number of Circassians speak the language anymore.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240402135910/https://books.google.com/books?id=stl97FdyRswC&pg=PA141#v=onepage&q&f=false |date=2 April 2024 }} Facts On File, Incorporated {{ISBN|1-4381-2676-X}} p. 141</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/georgia-iv--2 |title=Georgia viii: Georgian communities in Persia |last1=Oberling |first1=Pierre |date=7 February 2012 |website=] |access-date=9 June 2014 |archive-date=17 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517031826/http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/georgia-iv--2 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://mcha.kbsu.ru/english/m_hist_01E.htm.html |title=Circassian |publisher=Official Circassian Association |access-date=9 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304035542/http://mcha.kbsu.ru/english/m_hist_01E.htm.html |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=http://iranian.com/Travelers/June97/Chardin/index.shtml |title=Persians: Kind, hospitable, tolerant flattering cheats? |first1=Sir John |last1=Chardin |author-link=Jean Chardin |date=June 1997 |journal=] |access-date=9 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970620173929/http://www.iranian.com/Travelers/June97/Chardin/index.shtml |archive-date=20 June 1997 |url-status=live }} Excerpted from:
The country faces the common problem of other ] in the region, which is keeping pace with growth of an already huge demand for various public services. An anticipated increase in the population growth rate will increase the need for ] infrastructures and services.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-01 |title=Payvand |url=http://www.payvand.com/news/09/apr/1027.html |website=Payvand |access-date=1 January 2024 |archive-date=29 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111129222751/http://www.payvand.com/news/09/apr/1027.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Total health spending was equivalent to 6% of GDP in Iran in 2017. About 90% of Iranians have some form of ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-08-17 |title=Iran Health Insurance in Brief |url=http://www.arkanteb.com/site/en/tips/69-iran-health-insurance-in-brief.html |access-date=2024-01-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817173914/http://www.arkanteb.com/site/en/tips/69-iran-health-insurance-in-brief.html |archive-date=17 August 2016 }}</ref> Iran is also the only country with a ].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Movassagh |first=Hooman |date=2016-04-24 |title=Human Organ Donations under the "Iranian Model": A Rewarding Scheme for U.S. Regulatory Reform? |url=https://journals.iupui.edu/index.php/ihlr/article/view/21140 |journal=Indiana Health Law Review |language=en |volume=13 |issue=1 |pages=82–118 |doi=10.18060/3911.0013 |issn=2374-2593}}</ref> Iran has been able to extend public health ] through the establishment of an extensive ]. As a result, child and maternal mortality rates have fallen significantly, and life expectancy at birth has risen. Iran's medical knowledge rank is 17th globally, and 1st in the Middle East and North Africa. In terms of medical science production index, Iran ranks 16th in the world.<ref>{{Cite web |last=kental_tour |date=2023-01-24 |title=Iran health care ranking |url=https://kentaltravel.com/blog/iran-health-care-ranking/ |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=Kental Travel |language=en-US}}</ref>
* {{cite book |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5jPL0A31H5MC&pg=PA183 |chapter=Book 2, Chapter XI: Of the Temper, Manners, and Customs of the Persians: A XVII th. Century Viewpoint |first1=Sir John |last1=Chardin |author-link=Jean Chardin |title=Travels in Persia, 1673–1677 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5jPL0A31H5MC |location=New York |publisher=Dover Publications |year=1988 |pages=183–197 |isbn=978-0-486-25636-8 |oclc=798310290 |access-date=9 June 2014 |archive-date=11 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211033457/https://books.google.com/books?id=5jPL0A31H5MC |url-status=live }}</ref>

Percentages of spoken language continue to be a point of debate, most notably regarding the largest and second largest ethnicities in Iran, the Persians and ]. Percentages given by the ]'s ] include 53% Persian, 16% ], 10% ], 7% ] and ], 7% ], 2% ], 2% ], 2% ], and 2% the remainder ], ], ], and ].<ref name="CIA">{{cite web |title=Iran |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/iran/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208143639/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/iran/ |archive-date=8 February 2021 |access-date=24 May 2018 |work=The World Factbook |publisher=Central Intelligence Agency (United States)}}</ref>


=== Religion === === Religion ===
{{Main|Religion in Iran}} {{Main|Religion in Iran}}
{| class="wikitable" style="margin-left:1em; font-size: 88%; float:right; clear:right" {| class="wikitable" style="margin-left:1em; font-size: 88%; float:right; clear:right"
|+ Iranian people by religion, <br /> 2011 General Census Results<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2011 |title=Selected Findings of the 2011 National Population and Housing Census |url=https://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic-social/census/documents/Iran/Iran-2011-Census-Results.pdf |website=United Nations |publisher=Statistical Center of Iran}}</ref><br /><small>Note: other groups are officially excluded</small> |+ Religion (2011 census)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011 |title=Selected Findings of the 2011 National Population and Housing Census |url=https://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic-social/census/documents/Iran/Iran-2011-Census-Results.pdf |website=United Nations |publisher=Statistical Center of Iran |access-date=7 June 2024 |archive-date=12 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512001151/https://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic-social/census/documents/Iran/Iran-2011-Census-Results.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><br /><small>Note: other groups were excluded</small>
|- style="background:#ccf;" |- style="background:#ccf;"
| style="text-align:center" | '''Religion''' || style="background:#ccf; text-align:center" | '''Percent''' || style="background:#ccf; text-align:center" | '''Number''' | style="text-align:center" | '''Religion''' || style="background:#ccf; text-align:center" | '''Percent''' || style="background:#ccf; text-align:center" | '''Number'''
|- |-
| ] || style="text-align:center" | 99.3789% || style="text-align:right" | 74,682,938 | ] || style="text-align:center" | 99.4% || style="text-align:right" | 74,682,938
|- |-
| ] || style="text-align:center" | 0.1566% || style="text-align:right" | 117,704 | ] || style="text-align:center" | 0.2% || style="text-align:right" | 117,704
|- |-
| ] || style="text-align:center" | 0.0336% || style="text-align:right" | 25,271 | ] || style="text-align:center" | 0.03% || style="text-align:right" | 25,271
|- |-
| ] || style="text-align:center" | 0.0117% || style="text-align:right" | 8,756 | ] || style="text-align:center" | 0.01% || style="text-align:right" | 8,756
|- |-
| Other || style="text-align:center" | 0.0653% || style="text-align:right" | 49,101 | Other || style="text-align:center" | 0.07% || style="text-align:right" | 49,101
|- |-
| Undeclared || style="text-align:center" | 0.3538% || style="text-align:right" | 265,899 | Undeclared || style="text-align:center" | 0.4% || style="text-align:right" | 265,899
|} |}


] Shia Islam is the official ], to which about 90% to 95% of the population adhere.<ref>{{cite book|author=Walter Martin|title=Kingdom of the Cults, The|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Yra4KhlMBYQC&pg=PA421|access-date=24 June 2013|quote=Ninety-five percent of Iran's Muslims are Shi'ites.|year=2003|publisher=Baker Books|isbn=978-0-7642-2821-6|page=421}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Bhabani Sen Gupta|title=The Persian Gulf and South Asia: prospects and problems of inter-regional cooperation|quote=Shias constitute seventy-five percent of the population of the Gulf. Of this, ninety-five percent of Iranians and sixty of Iraqis are Shias.|year=1987|publisher=South Asian Publishers|isbn=978-81-7003-077-5|page=|url=https://archive.org/details/persiangulfsouth0000unse/page/158}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-report-on-international-religious-freedom/iran/|title=Iran|accessdate=8 March 2024}}</ref> According to the ], 96.6% of Iranians believe in Islam, but 14.3% identify as not religious.<ref name="worldvaluessurvey.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.worldvaluessurvey.org/WVSDocumentationWV7.jsp|title = WVS Database}}</ref> A self-selecting social media-based Gamaan survey found only 40.4% identified as Muslim, and 22.2% identified with no religion.<ref name=":03">{{Cite web |title=Iranians' Attitudes Toward Religion: A 2020 Survey Report |url=https://gamaan.org/2020/08/25/iranians-attitudes-toward-religion-a-2020-survey-report/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=Group for Analyzing and Measuring Attitudes in Iran (GAMAAN)}}</ref><ref name="conversation-shift">{{cite web|last1=Maleki|first1=Ammar|last2=Arab|first2=Pooyan Tamimi|title=Iran's secular shift: new survey reveals huge changes in religious beliefs|url=http://theconversation.com/irans-secular-shift-new-survey-reveals-huge-changes-in-religious-beliefs-145253|access-date=11 September 2020|website=The Conversation|date=10 September 2020 |language=en}}</ref> About 4% to 8% of the population are ], mainly ] and ]. Other religious minorities include ], ], ], ], ],<ref name="CIA" /> ]<ref name="saving">{{cite web|last=Contrera |first=Russell |url=http://www.hollandsentinel.com/lifestyle/x1558731033/Saving-the-people-killing-the-faith |title=Saving the people, killing the faith |location=Holland, MI |work=The Holland Sentinel |access-date=7 March 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306012853/http://www.hollandsentinel.com/lifestyle/x1558731033/Saving-the-people-killing-the-faith |archive-date=6 March 2012 }}</ref> and ]. Iran was scored zero out of 4 for religious freedom by ].<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Iran: Freedom in the World 2024 Country Report |url=https://freedomhouse.org/country/iran/freedom-world/2024 |access-date=2024-03-25 |website=Freedom House |language=en}}</ref> ] in ], the largest mosque in the world by area.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Higgins |first=Andrew |date=2007-06-02 |title=Inside Iran's Holy Money Machine |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB118072271215621679 |access-date=2024-01-15 |work=Wall Street Journal |language=en-US |issn=0099-9660}}</ref>]] ] ] is the ], to which 90–95% of Iranians adhere;<ref>{{cite book|author=Walter Martin|title=Kingdom of the Cults, The|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Yra4KhlMBYQC&pg=PA421|access-date=24 June 2013|quote=Ninety-five percent of Iran's Muslims are Shi'ites.|year=2003|publisher=Baker Books|isbn=978-0-7642-2821-6|page=421|archive-date=11 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211033458/https://books.google.com/books?id=Yra4KhlMBYQC&pg=PA421|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Bhabani Sen Gupta|title=The Persian Gulf and South Asia: prospects and problems of inter-regional cooperation|quote=Shias constitute seventy-five percent of the population of the Gulf. Of this, ninety-five percent of Iranians and sixty of Iraqis are Shias.|year=1987|publisher=South Asian Publishers|isbn=978-81-7003-077-5|page=|url=https://archive.org/details/persiangulfsouth0000unse/page/158}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-report-on-international-religious-freedom/iran/|title=Iran|accessdate=8 March 2024|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225100641/https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-report-on-international-religious-freedom/iran/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Smyth |first=Gareth |date=2016-09-29 |title=Removal of the heart: how Islam became a matter of state in Iran |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/29/iran-shia-islam-matter-of-state |access-date=2024-05-23 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=13 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713043734/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/29/iran-shia-islam-matter-of-state |url-status=live }}</ref> about 5–10% are in the ] and ] branches of Islam.<ref name="cia.gov">{{Cite web |title=The World Factbook - Central Intelligence Agency |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107142508/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html |archive-date=2017-11-07 |access-date=2019-10-22 |website=www.cia.gov}}</ref> 96% of Iranians believe in ], but 14% identify as not religious.<ref name="worldvaluessurvey.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.worldvaluessurvey.org/WVSDocumentationWV7.jsp|title=WVS Database|access-date=23 January 2022|archive-date=3 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703144421/https://www.worldvaluessurvey.org/WVSDocumentationWV7.jsp|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Page needed|date=June 2024|reason=the percentages (96 and 14) do not self-evidently add to 100%, and the cited webpage is not a document per se (it contains no relevant information itself), but a list of documents}}
There is a large population of adherents of ], a ] indigenous religion,<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-11-13 |title=In pictures: Inside Iran's secretive Yarsan faith |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50378946 |access-date=2024-03-24 |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Monazzami |first=Ardeshir |date=2022-02-20 |title=Rereading the Religiosity of Yarsan |url=https://adyan.urd.ac.ir/article_136086_en.html |journal=Religious Research |language=en |volume=9 |issue=18 |pages=143–167 |doi=10.22034/jrr.2021.261350.1805 |issn=2345-3230}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title='Men and women have equal rights in the Yarsan community' |url=https://test.jinhaagency.com/en/community-life/men-and-women-have-equal-rights-in-the-yarsan-community-33444 |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=JINHAGENCY News |language=en}}</ref> estimated to be over half a million{{sfnp|Hamzeh'ee|1990|p=39}} to one million followers.<ref>''Encyclopedia of the Modern Middle East and North Africa'' (Detroit: Thomson Gale, 2004) p. 82</ref> The ] is not officially recognized and has been subject to official persecution.<ref name="fdih2">{{cite web |author=International Federation for Human Rights |date=1 August 2003 |title=Discrimination against religious minorities in Iran |url=http://www.fidh.org/IMG/pdf/ir0108a.pdf |access-date=3 September 2020 |publisher=fdih.org |page=6}}</ref> According to the ], Baháʼís are the largest non-Muslim religious minority in Iran, with an estimated 350,000 adherents.<ref name="UNSRHRI">{{cite conference |last=Rehman |first=Javaid |date=18 July 2019 |title=Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran |url=https://undocs.org/en/A/74/188 |conference=74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly |location=New York |publisher=United Nations |page=13 |access-date=3 September 2020}}</ref> Since the Revolution, the ] has increased.<ref name="fdih2" /><ref name="ihrdc">{{cite web |author=Iran Human Rights Documentation Center |year=2007 |title=A Faith Denied: The Persecution of the Bahá'ís of Iran |url=http://www.iranhrdc.org/english/pdfs/Reports/bahai_report.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070611140854/http://www.iranhrdc.org/english/pdfs/Reports/bahai_report.pdf |archive-date=11 June 2007 |access-date=19 March 2007 |publisher=Iran Human Rights Documentation Center}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kamali |first=Saeed |date=27 February 2013 |title=Bahá'í student expelled from Iranian university 'on grounds of religion' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/feb/27/bahai-student-expelled-iranian-university |access-date=21 June 2013 |newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref>


There is a large population of adherents to ], a ] indigenous religion, estimated to be over half a million to one million followers.<ref>''Encyclopedia of the Modern Middle East and North Africa'' (Detroit: Thomson Gale, 2004) p. 82</ref>{{sfnp|Hamzeh'ee|1990|p=39}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 November 2019 |title=In pictures: Inside Iran's secretive Yarsan faith |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50378946 |access-date=24 March 2024 |language=en-GB |archive-date=26 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526153448/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50378946 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Monazzami |first=Ardeshir |date=20 February 2022 |title=Rereading the Religiosity of Yarsan |url=https://adyan.urd.ac.ir/article_136086_en.html |journal=Religious Research |language=en |volume=9 |issue=18 |pages=143–167 |doi=10.22034/jrr.2021.261350.1805 |issn=2345-3230 |access-date=24 March 2024 |archive-date=24 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240324104814/https://adyan.urd.ac.ir/article_136086_en.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title='Men and women have equal rights in the Yarsan community' |url=https://test.jinhaagency.com/en/community-life/men-and-women-have-equal-rights-in-the-yarsan-community-33444 |access-date=24 March 2024 |website=JINHAGENCY News |language=en |archive-date=24 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240324104813/https://test.jinhaagency.com/en/community-life/men-and-women-have-equal-rights-in-the-yarsan-community-33444 |url-status=live }}</ref> The ] is not officially recognised and has been subject to official persecution.<ref name="fdih2">{{cite web |author=International Federation for Human Rights |date=1 August 2003 |title=Discrimination against religious minorities in Iran |url=http://www.fidh.org/IMG/pdf/ir0108a.pdf |access-date=3 September 2020 |publisher=fdih.org |page=6 |archive-date=31 October 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061031221624/http://www.fidh.org/IMG/pdf/ir0108a.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Since the Revolution, the ] has increased.<ref name="ihrdc">{{cite web |author=Iran Human Rights Documentation Center |year=2007 |title=A Faith Denied: The Persecution of the Bahل'يs of Iran |url=http://www.iranhrdc.org/english/pdfs/Reports/bahai_report.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070611140854/http://www.iranhrdc.org/english/pdfs/Reports/bahai_report.pdf |archive-date=11 June 2007 |access-date=19 March 2007 |publisher=Iran Human Rights Documentation Center}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kamali |first=Saeed |date=27 February 2013 |title=Bahل'ي student expelled from Iranian university 'on grounds of religion' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/feb/27/bahai-student-expelled-iranian-university |access-date=21 June 2013 |newspaper=The Guardian |archive-date=7 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507194258/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/feb/27/bahai-student-expelled-iranian-university |url-status=live }}</ref> ] is not recognised by the government.
], ], ], and the Sunni branch of Islam are officially recognised by the government and have reserved seats in the Iranian Parliament.<ref name="Colin Brock p 99" /> Iran has the largest Jewish population in the Middle East outside of Israel.<ref>{{cite web |title=In Iran, Mideast's largest Jewish population outside Israel finds new acceptance by officials |url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/11/26/in-iran-mideast-largest-jewish-population-outside-israel-finds-new-acceptance |access-date=1 September 2015 |website=]}}</ref> Around 250,000 to 370,000 ],<ref name="Worldpopulationreview.com_November_29_2015c">{{cite web |date=2015 |title=Iran Population 2015 |url=http://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/iran-population/ |access-date=29 November 2015 |newspaper=World Population Review}}</ref><ref>Country Information and Guidance "Christians and Christian converts, Iran" December 2014. p.9</ref> and Christianity is the country's largest recognised minority religion.<ref>{{citation |title=2011 General Census Selected Results |page=26 |year=2012 |url=http://www.amar.org.ir/Portals/0/Files/abstract/1390/n_sarshomari90_2.pdf |publisher=Statistical Center of Iran |isbn=978-964-365-827-4}}</ref> Most are of Armenian background, as well as a sizable minority of Assyrians.<ref name="IRFR2009-Iran">{{cite web |author=U.S. State Department |date=26 October 2009 |title=Iran – International Religious Freedom Report 2009 |url=https://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2009/127347.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091029231558/http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2009/127347.htm |archive-date=29 October 2009 |publisher=The Office of Electronic Information, Bureau of Public Affair}}</ref> The Iranian government has supported the rebuilding and renovation of Armenian churches, and has supported the ]. In 2019, the government registered the ], in the ] district of ], as a ]. Currently three Armenian churches in Iran have been included in the ].<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425221459/https://ancawr.org/iran-to-register-armenian-cathedral-in-isfahan-as-unesco-world-heritage-site/ |date=25 April 2021 }}. ''Armenian National Committee of America''. Retrieved 25 April 2021.</ref><ref>. ''Unesco.org''. Retrieved 25 April 2021.</ref>


], ], ], and the Sunni branch of Islam are officially recognised by the government and have reserved seats in the Parliament.<ref name="Colin Brock p 99">Colin Brock, Lila Zia Levers. Symposium Books Ltd., 7 mei 2007 {{ISBN|1-873927-21-5}} p. 99</ref> Iran is home to the largest Jewish community in the ] and the ], outside of Israel.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jewish Population of the World |url=https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jewish-population-of-the-world |access-date=2019-10-22 |website=www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org |archive-date=13 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013082335/https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jewish-population-of-the-world |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=In Iran, Mideast's largest Jewish population outside Israel finds new acceptance by officials |url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/in-iran-mideasts-largest-jewish-population-outside-israel-finds-new-acceptance-by-officials/ |access-date=1 September 2015 |website=] |date=24 March 2015 |archive-date=14 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151014124935/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/11/26/in-iran-mideast-largest-jewish-population-outside-israel-finds-new-acceptance/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Around 250,000 to 370,000 ], and Christianity is the country's largest recognised minority religion, most are of Armenian background, as well as a sizable minority of Assyrians.<ref name="IRFR2009-Iran">{{cite web |author=U.S. State Department |date=26 October 2009 |title=Iran – International Religious Freedom Report 2009 |url=https://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2009/127347.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091029231558/http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2009/127347.htm |archive-date=29 October 2009 |publisher=The Office of Electronic Information, Bureau of Public Affair}}</ref><ref>{{citation |title=2011 General Census Selected Results |page=26 |year=2012 |url=http://www.amar.org.ir/Portals/0/Files/abstract/1390/n_sarshomari90_2.pdf |publisher=Statistical Center of Iran |isbn=978-964-365-827-4 |access-date=27 January 2017 |archive-date=24 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624231316/https://www.amar.org.ir/Portals/0/Files/abstract/1390/n_sarshomari90_2.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Worldpopulationreview.com_November_29_2015c">{{cite web |date=2015 |title=Iran Population 2015 |url=http://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/iran-population/ |access-date=29 November 2015 |newspaper=World Population Review |archive-date=7 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407145139/http://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/iran-population/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>Country Information and Guidance "Christians and Christian converts, Iran" December 2014. p.9</ref> The Iranian government has supported the rebuilding and renovation of Armenian churches, and has supported the ]. In 2019, the government registered the ], in ], as a ]. Currently three Armenian churches in Iran have been included in the World Heritage List.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425221459/https://ancawr.org/iran-to-register-armenian-cathedral-in-isfahan-as-unesco-world-heritage-site/ |date=25 April 2021 }}. ''Armenian National Committee of America''. Retrieved 25 April 2021.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1262/ |title=Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran |access-date=25 April 2021 |archive-date=17 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117154240/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1262/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Culture ==


=== Education ===
{{Main|Education in Iran}}
]''',''' the oldest Iranian university (1851), and among the ]]]
Education is highly centralised. ] is supervised by the ], and higher education is supervised by the ]. Literacy among people aged 15 and older was 86% {{as of|2016|lc=yes}}, with men (90%) significantly more educated than women (81%). Government expenditure on education is around 4% of GDP.<ref>{{cite web|date=27 November 2016|title=Iran (Islamic Republic of)|url=http://uis.unesco.org/en/country/ir|access-date=29 July 2020|website=uis.unesco.org|archive-date=30 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130131646/https://uis.unesco.org/en/country/ir|url-status=live}}</ref>

The requirement to enter into higher education is to have a ] and pass the ]. Many students do a 1–2-year course of ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arabiancampus.com/studyiniran/edusys.htm|title=Study in Iran :: Iran Educational System|author=Peter Krol|work=arabiancampus.com|access-date=26 October 2015|archive-date=12 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112205139/http://www.arabiancampus.com/studyiniran/edusys.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Iran's higher education is sanctioned by different levels of diplomas, including an ] in two years, a ] in four years, and a ] in two years, after which another exam allows the candidate to pursue a ] programme.<ref name="wes.org">{{cite web |url=http://www.wes.org/ca/wedb/iran/firedov.htm |title=WEP-Iran |publisher=Wes.org |access-date=7 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224011506/http://www.wes.org/ca/wedb/iran/firedov.htm |archive-date=24 February 2012 }}</ref>

=== Health ===
{{Main|Health in Iran|Healthcare in Iran}}
], accredited by for its quality ]<ref>{{Cite web |last=سایت |first=مدیر |date=28 December 2023 |title=گفتگو با استادی که مبتکروآغاز کننده روش های جدید جراحی مغز در دانشگاه علوم پزشکی مشهد است |url=https://razavihospital.ir/%DA%AF%D9%81%D8%AA%DA%AF%D9%88-%D8%A8%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%AF%DB%8C-%DA%A9%D9%87-%D9%85%D8%A8%D8%AA%DA%A9%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%A2%D8%BA%D8%A7%D8%B2-%DA%A9%D9%86%D9%86%D8%AF%D9%87-%D8%B1%D9%88/ |access-date=27 January 2024 |website=بیمارستان رضوی |language=fa-IR}}</ref>]]
Healthcare is provided by the public-governmental system, the private sector, and ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 October 2016 |title=Filepool – Detail {{!}} Organization for Investment Economic and Technical Assistance of Iran |url=http://www.investiniran.ir/en/filepool/26?redirectpage=%2fen%2febook |access-date=1 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010112638/http://www.investiniran.ir/en/filepool/26?redirectpage=%2fen%2febook |archive-date=10 October 2016 }}</ref>

Iran is the only country in the world with a ].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Movassagh |first=Hooman |date=24 April 2016 |title=Human Organ Donations under the "Iranian Model": A Rewarding Scheme for U.S. Regulatory Reform? |url=https://journals.iupui.edu/index.php/ihlr/article/view/21140 |journal=Indiana Health Law Review |language=en |volume=13 |issue=1 |pages=82–118 |doi=10.18060/3911.0013 |issn=2374-2593 |access-date=1 January 2024 |archive-date=1 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101151727/https://journals.iupui.edu/index.php/ihlr/article/view/21140 |url-status=live }}</ref> Iran has been able to extend public health ] through the establishment of an extensive ]. As a result, child and maternal mortality rates have fallen significantly, and life expectancy at birth has risen. Iran's medical knowledge rank is 17th globally, and 1st in the Middle East and North Africa. In terms of medical science production index, Iran ranks 16th in the world.<ref>{{Cite web |last=kental_tour |date=24 January 2023 |title=Iran health care ranking |url=https://kentaltravel.com/blog/iran-health-care-ranking/ |access-date=1 January 2024 |website=Kental Travel |language=en-US |archive-date=1 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101151727/https://kentaltravel.com/blog/iran-health-care-ranking/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Iran is fast emerging as a preferred destination for ].<ref name=":0" />

The country faces the common problem of other ] in the region, which is keeping pace with growth of an already huge demand for various public services. An anticipated increase in the population growth rate will increase the need for ] infrastructures and services.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 January 2024 |title=Payvand |url=http://www.payvand.com/news/09/apr/1027.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111129222751/http://www.payvand.com/news/09/apr/1027.html |archive-date=29 November 2011 |access-date=1 January 2024 |website=Payvand}}</ref> About 90% of Iranians have ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 August 2016 |title=Iran Health Insurance in Brief |url=http://www.arkanteb.com/site/en/tips/69-iran-health-insurance-in-brief.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817173914/http://www.arkanteb.com/site/en/tips/69-iran-health-insurance-in-brief.html |archive-date=17 August 2016 |access-date=1 January 2024}}</ref>

== Culture ==
{{Main|Culture of Iran}} {{Main|Culture of Iran}}


=== Art === === Art ===

{{Main|Persian art{{!}}Iranian art|Arts of Iran|Iranian modern and contemporary art}} {{Main|Persian art{{!}}Iranian art|Arts of Iran|Iranian modern and contemporary art}}
]'s ''] of ],'' often considered a starting point in ].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Iranica|url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/kamal-al-molk-mohammad-gaffari |title=Kamāl-al-Molk, Moḥammad Ḡaffāri |volume=XV |pages=417–433 |access-date=13 July 2017}}</ref>|left]] ]'s ''] of ],'' often considered a starting point in ]<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |encyclopedia=Encyclopوdia Iranica|url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/kamal-al-molk-mohammad-gaffari |title=Kamāl-al-Molk, Moḥammad Ḡaffāri |volume=XV |pages=417–433 |access-date=13 July 2017}}</ref>]]
Iran has one of the richest ] heritages in history and been strong in many media including ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ]. At different times, influences from neighbouring civilisations have been important, and latterly Persian art gave and received major influences as part of the wider styles of ].
The art of Iran encompasses many disciplines, including ], ], ], ], and ]. Iranian works of art show a great variety in style, in different regions and periods.<ref>{{cite book |first1=F. |last1=Hole |first2=K. V. |last2=Flannery |title=Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society |date=1968}}</ref> The art of the Medes has been theoretically attributed to the ].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |encyclopedia=] |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/art-in-iran-ii-median |title=Art in Iran |trans-title=ii. Median Art and Architecture |volume=II |pages=565–569 |access-date=18 July 2017}}</ref> The Achaemenids borrowed heavily from the art of their neighbouring civilizations,<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FNLsjZuatMsC |title=Achaemenid Culture and Local Traditions in Anatolia, Southern Caucasus and Iran: New Discoveries |first1=Askolʹd Igorevich |first2=Vaxtang |last1=Ivanchik |last2=Ličʻeli |author-link=Askold Ivanchik |publisher=BRILL |page=117 |year=2007|isbn=978-90-04-16328-7 }}</ref> but produced a synthesis of a unique style.<ref>{{cite book| author1=Lipiński, Edward |author2=Van Lerberghe, Karel |author3=Schoors, Antoon |title=Immigration and emigration within the ancient Near East |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=thIxCmwfNoMC |year=1995 |publisher=Peeters Publishers |isbn=978-90-6831-727-5 |page=119}}</ref> Greek iconography was imported by the ], followed by the recombination of ] and earlier Near Eastern elements in the ].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/art-in-iran-iv-parthian |encyclopedia=] |volume=II |pages=580–585 |title=ART IN IRAN |trans-title=iv. Parthian Art }}</ref>


From the ] of 550–330 BC, the courts of successive dynasties led the style of Persian art, and court-sponsored art left many of the most impressive pieces that remain. The Islamic style of dense decoration, geometrically laid out, developed in Iran into an elegant and harmonious style, combining motifs derived from plants with Chinese motifs such as the cloud-band, and often animals represented at a smaller scale. During the ] in the 16th century, this style was used across a variety of media, and diffused from the court artists of the king, most being painters.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Komaroff |first=Authors: Suzan Yalman, Linda |title=The Art of the Safavids before 1600 {{!}} Essay {{!}} The Metropolitan Museum of Art {{!}} Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History |url=https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/safa/hd_safa.htm |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=The Met’s Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History |language=en}}</ref>
By the time of the Sasanians, Iranian art came across a general renaissance.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Sasanian-dynasty |title=Sāsānian dynasty |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |date=18 July 2017 |quote=Under the Sāsānians Iranian art experienced a general renaissance.}}</ref> During the Middle Ages, Sasanian art played a prominent role in the formation of both European and Asian mediaeval art.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parstimes.com/history/title.html |title=Iran – A country study |publisher=Parstimes.com |access-date=18 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.levity.com/alchemy/islam16.html |title=History of Islamic Science 5 |publisher=Levity.com |access-date=18 June 2011}}</ref><ref name="Iran in Britannica">{{cite encyclopedia |last=Afary |first=Janet |title=Iran |year=2006 |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |access-date=29 October 2007 |url=https://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9106324/Iran}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Iranica |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/art-in-iran-xii-iranian-pre-islamic-elements-in-islamic-art |title=Art in Iran |trans-title=xii. Iranian Pre-Islamic Elements in Islamic Art |volume=II |pages=549–646 |access-date=15 July 2017}}</ref>
The Safavid era is known as the ''Golden Age'' of Iranian art.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q6i8NQAACAAJ |author=Canby, Sheila R. |publisher=British Museum Press |year=2002 |title=The Golden Age of Persian Art: 1501–1722|isbn=978-0-7141-2404-9 }}</ref> ] exerted noticeable influences upon the neighbouring ], the ], and the ], and was also influential through its fashion and garden architecture on 11th–17th-century Europe.


By the time of the Sasanians, Iranian art had a renaissance.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Sasanian-dynasty |title=Sāsānian dynasty |encyclopedia=Encyclopوdia Britannica |date=18 July 2017 |quote=Under the Sāsānians Iranian art experienced a general renaissance. |access-date=20 July 2017 |archive-date=21 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121184437/https://www.britannica.com/topic/Sasanian-dynasty |url-status=live }}</ref> During the Middle Ages, Sasanian art played a prominent role in the formation of European and Asian mediaeval art.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.parstimes.com/history/title.html |title=Iran – A country study |publisher=Parstimes.com |access-date=18 June 2011 |archive-date=28 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728142527/http://www.parstimes.com/history/title.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.levity.com/alchemy/islam16.html |title=History of Islamic Science 5 |publisher=Levity.com |access-date=18 June 2011 |archive-date=5 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605031853/http://www.levity.com/alchemy/islam16.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Iran in Britannica">{{cite encyclopedia |last=Afary |first=Janet |title=Iran |year=2006 |encyclopedia=Encyclopوdia Britannica |access-date=29 October 2007 |url=https://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9106324/Iran |archive-date=2 November 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071102225221/http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9106324/Iran |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |encyclopedia=Encyclopوdia Iranica |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/art-in-iran-xii-iranian-pre-islamic-elements-in-islamic-art |title=Art in Iran |trans-title=xii. Iranian Pre-Islamic Elements in Islamic Art |volume=II |pages=549–646 |access-date=15 July 2017 |archive-date=23 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723171932/http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/art-in-iran-xii-iranian-pre-islamic-elements-in-islamic-art |url-status=live }}</ref>
Iran's ] traces its origins to the time of ],<ref name="IrMo">{{cite encyclopedia |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Iranica|url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/art-in-iran-xi-post-qajar- |title=Art in Iran|trans-title=xi. Post-Qajar (Painting) |volume=II |pages=640–646 |access-date=15 July 2017}}</ref> a prominent ] painter at the court of the ] who affected the norms of painting and adopted a naturalistic style that would compete with photographic works. A new Iranian school of fine art was established by Kamal-ol-Molk in 1928,<ref name="IrMo" /> and was followed by the so-called "coffeehouse" style of painting.
The Safavid era is known as the Golden Age of Iranian art.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q6i8NQAACAAJ |author=Canby, Sheila R. |publisher=British Museum Press |year=2002 |title=The Golden Age of Persian Art: 1501–1722|isbn=978-0-7141-2404-9 }}</ref> ] exerted noticeable influences upon the ], the ], and the ], and was influential through its fashion and garden architecture on 11th–17th-century Europe.


Iran's ] modernists emerged by the arrival of new western influences during World War II.<ref name="IrMo" /> The vibrant contemporary art scene originates in the late 1940s, and Tehran's first modern art gallery, Apadana, was opened in September 1949 by painters Mahmud Javadipur, Hosein Kazemi, and Hushang Ajudani.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cSKMk4dmPVwC |title=Picturing Iran |trans-title=Art, Society and Revolution |first1=Lynn |last1=Gumpert |first2=Shiva |last2=Balaghi |page=48 |year=2002 |publisher=I.B. Tauris|isbn=978-1-86064-883-0 }}</ref> The new movements received official encouragement by the mid-1950s,<ref name="IrMo" /> which led to the emergence of artists such as ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Art in America: Modernity and revolution: a recent show of Iranian art focused on the turbulent time from 1960 to 1980, juxtaposing formally inventive works of art with politically charged photographs and posters – Art & Politics – Between Word and Image: Modern Iranian Visual Culture|date=25 November 2004 |website=looksmart |url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1248/is_2_91/ai_97551434 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041125121857/http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1248/is_2_91/ai_97551434|archive-date=25 November 2004}}</ref> Iran's ] traces its origins to ], a prominent ] painter at the court of the ] who affected the norms of painting and adopted a naturalistic style that would compete with photographic works. A new Iranian school of fine art was established by him in 1928, and was followed by the so-called "coffeehouse" style of painting. Iran's ] modernists emerged by the arrival of new western influences during World War II. The contemporary art scene originates in the late 1940s, and Tehran's first modern art gallery, Apadana, was opened in 1949 by Mahmud Javadipur, Hosein Kazemi, and Hushang Ajudani.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cSKMk4dmPVwC |title=Picturing Iran |trans-title=Art, Society and Revolution |first1=Lynn |last1=Gumpert |first2=Shiva |last2=Balaghi |page=48 |year=2002 |publisher=I.B. Tauris|isbn=978-1-86064-883-0 }}</ref> The new movements received official encouragement by the 1950s,<ref name="IrMo">{{cite encyclopedia |title=Art in Iran |encyclopedia=Encyclopوdia Iranica |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/art-in-iran-xi-post-qajar- |access-date=15 July 2017 |volume=II |pages=640–646 |trans-title=xi. Post-Qajar (Painting) |archive-date=28 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728133830/http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/art-in-iran-xi-post-qajar- |url-status=live }}</ref> which led to the emergence of artists such as ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Art in America: Modernity and revolution: a recent show of Iranian art focused on the turbulent time from 1960 to 1980, juxtaposing formally inventive works of art with politically charged photographs and posters – Art & Politics – Between Word and Image: Modern Iranian Visual Culture|date=25 November 2004 |website=looksmart |url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1248/is_2_91/ai_97551434 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041125121857/http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1248/is_2_91/ai_97551434|archive-date=25 November 2004}}</ref>


=== Architecture === === Architecture ===

{{Main|Iranian architecture|Persian gardens}} {{Main|Iranian architecture|Persian gardens}}
] in ], built during the 17th century with example of a ]'','' ].<ref name=":22">{{Cite book |last=Grigor |first=Talinn |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=M3M5EAAAQBAJ&pg=PT288 |title=The Persian Revival: The Imperialism of the Copy in Iranian and Parsi Architecture |publisher=Penn State Press |year=2021 |isbn=978-0-271-08968-3 |pages=175–176 |language=en}}</ref>]] ] in ], built during the ] with example of a ]'','' ]|222x222px]]
The history of architecture in Iran goes back to the seventh millennium BC,<ref>{{cite book |author=Pope, Arthur Upham |title=Introducing Persian Architecture |publisher=] |location=London |date=1971|author-link=Arthur Upham Pope }}</ref> with ] remaining at sites such as ] and ]. The Iranians made early use of ], ] and ] in their architecture, yielding a tradition with both great structural and aesthetic variety.<ref>{{cite book |author=Pope, Arthur Upham |title=Persian Architecture |url=https://archive.org/details/persianarchitect0000unse |url-access=registration |publisher=] |location=New York |date=1965 |page=|author-link=Arthur Upham Pope }}</ref> The guiding ] of Iranian architecture is its cosmic symbolism.<ref>{{cite book |author1=Ardalan, Nader |author2=]. |title=The Sense of Unity: The Sufi Tradition in Persian Architecture |date=2000 |publisher=University of Chicago Press |isbn=978-1-871031-78-2}}</ref> Iran ranks seventh among ]'s list of countries with the most archaeological ruins and attractions from antiquity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www1.american.edu/ted/iran-tour.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124090123/http://www1.american.edu/ted/iran-tour.htm|archive-date=24 November 2010 |title=Virtual Conference |publisher=American.edu |access-date=18 June 2011}}</ref> Iranian architecture displays great variety, both structural and aesthetic, from a variety of traditions and experience. Without sudden innovations, and despite the repeated trauma of invasions and cultural shocks, it developed a recognizable style distinct from other regions of the Muslim world. Its virtues are "a marked feeling for form and scale; structural inventiveness, especially in ] and ] construction; a genius for decoration with a freedom and success not rivalled in any other architecture".<ref>{{Citation |title=Arthur Upham Pope |date=2023-10-12 |work=Misplaced Pages |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/search/?title=Arthur_Upham_Pope&oldid=1179835502 |access-date=2024-03-18 |language=en}}</ref> The history of architecture in Iran dates back to at least 5,000 BC, with characteristic examples distributed over an area from what is now ] and ] to ] and ], and from the ] to ]. The Iranians made early use of ], ] and ] in their architecture, yielding a tradition with structural and aesthetic variety.<ref>{{cite book |author=Pope, Arthur Upham |title=Persian Architecture |url=https://archive.org/details/persianarchitect0000unse |url-access=registration |publisher=] |location=New York |date=1965 |page=|author-link=Arthur Upham Pope }}</ref> The guiding ] is its cosmic symbolism.<ref>{{cite book |author1=Ardalan, Nader |author2=]. |title=The Sense of Unity: The Sufi Tradition in Persian Architecture |date=2000 |publisher=University of Chicago Press |isbn=978-1-871031-78-2}}</ref>

Without sudden innovations, and despite the trauma of invasions and cultural shocks, it developed a recognizable style distinct from other regions of the Muslim world. Its virtues are "a marked feeling for form and scale; structural inventiveness, especially in ] and ] construction; a genius for decoration with a freedom and success not rivalled in any other architecture".{{Citation needed|date=August 2024}} In addition to historic gates, palaces, and mosques, the rapid growth of cities such as Tehran has brought a wave of construction. Iran ranks 7th among ]'s list of countries with the most archaeological ruins and attractions from antiquity.<ref>{{cite web |title=Virtual Conference |url=http://www1.american.edu/ted/iran-tour.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124090123/http://www1.american.edu/ted/iran-tour.htm |archive-date=24 November 2010 |access-date=18 June 2011 |publisher=American.edu}}</ref>

=== World Heritage Sites ===
{{Main|List of World Heritage Sites in Iran|Iran National Heritage List|}}
Iran's rich ] and history is reflected by its 27 ]s, ranking 1st in the Middle East, and 10th in the world. These include ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], the city of ] and more. Iran has 24 ], or Human treasures, which ranks 5th worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 December 2023 |title=Iran secures 5th place worldwide for UNESCO-listed intangible treasures |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/492297/Iran-secures-5th-place-worldwide-for-UNESCO-listed-intangible |access-date=12 January 2024 |website=Tehran Times |language=en |archive-date=14 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214020926/https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/492297/Iran-secures-5th-place-worldwide-for-UNESCO-listed-intangible |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=asadian |date=6 December 2023 |title=Iran Reached 5th in UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list |url=https://en.shafaqna.com/340309/iran-reached-5th-rank-in-unesco-intangible-cultural-heritage-list/ |access-date=12 January 2024 |website=International Shia News Agency |language=en-US |archive-date=12 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112082739/https://en.shafaqna.com/340309/iran-reached-5th-rank-in-unesco-intangible-cultural-heritage-list/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


=== Weaving === === Weaving ===
{{Main|Persian carpet|Tabriz rug|Ardabil Carpet}}
]
Iran's carpet-weaving has its origins in the ] and is one of the most distinguished manifestations of Iranian art. Carpet weaving is an essential part of ] and ]. Persian rugs and carpets were woven in parallel by nomadic tribes in village and town workshops, and by ] manufactories. As such, they represent simultaneous lines of tradition, and reflect the history of Iran, Persian culture, and its various peoples. Although the term "Persian carpet" most often refers to pile-woven textiles, flat-woven carpets and rugs like ], ], and embroidered tissues like ] are part of the manifold tradition of Persian carpet weaving.


Iran produces three-quarters of the world's handmade carpets, and has 30% of export markets.<ref name="Goswami2009">{{cite book|author=K K Goswami|title=Advances in Carpet Manufacture|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-cekAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA148|year=2009|publisher=Elsevier|isbn=978-1-84569-585-9|page=148}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Khalaj |first=Mehrnosh |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/5a5c0444-1669-11df-bf44-00144feab49a.html?ftcamp=rss |title=Iran's oldest craft left behind |publisher=Financial Times |date=10 February 2010 |access-date=4 October 2013 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=26 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226073509/https://www.ft.com/content/5a5c0444-1669-11df-bf44-00144feab49a?ftcamp=rss%20 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2010, the "traditional skills of carpet weaving" in ] and ] were inscribed to the ] List.<ref>{{Cite web |title=UNESCO – Traditional skills of carpet weaving in Fars |url=https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/traditional-skills-of-carpet-weaving-in-fars-00382 |access-date=1 January 2024 |website=ich.unesco.org |language=en |archive-date=8 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208020730/https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/traditional-skills-of-carpet-weaving-in-fars-00382 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=UNESCO – Traditional skills of carpet weaving in Kashan |url=https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/traditional-skills-of-carpet-weaving-in-kashan-00383 |access-date=1 January 2024 |website=ich.unesco.org |language=en |archive-date=8 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208020852/https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/traditional-skills-of-carpet-weaving-in-kashan-00383 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=8 December 2012 |title=Iran's carpet washing ritual registered on UNESCO representative list |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/53059/Iran-s-carpet-washing-ritual-registered-on-UNESCO-representative |access-date=1 January 2024 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en |archive-date=1 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101111553/https://en.mehrnews.com/news/53059/Iran-s-carpet-washing-ritual-registered-on-UNESCO-representative |url-status=live }}</ref> Within the ]s produced by the countries of the "rug belt", the Persian carpet stands out by the variety and elaborateness of its manifold designs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Team |first=SURFIRAN Editorial |date=2016-02-06 |title=Persian Carpets Return to the US Market |url=https://surfiran.com/mag/iranian-carpet/ |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=SURFIRAN Mag |language=en-US}}</ref>
{{Main|Persian carpet}}

Iran's carpet-weaving has its origins in the ] and is one of the most distinguished manifestations of Iranian art. Iran is the world's largest producer and exporter of handmade carpets, producing three-quarters of the world's output and having a share of 30% of export markets.<ref name="Goswami2009">{{cite book|author=K K Goswami|title=Advances in Carpet Manufacture|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-cekAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA148|year=2009|publisher=Elsevier|isbn=978-1-84569-585-9|page=148}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Khalaj |first=Mehrnosh |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/5a5c0444-1669-11df-bf44-00144feab49a.html?ftcamp=rss |title=Iran's oldest craft left behind |publisher=Financial Times |date=10 February 2010 |access-date=4 October 2013|url-access=subscription}}</ref> In 2010, the "traditional skills of carpet weaving" in ] and ] were inscribed to the ] List.<ref>{{Cite web |title=UNESCO - Traditional skills of carpet weaving in Fars |url=https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/traditional-skills-of-carpet-weaving-in-fars-00382 |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=ich.unesco.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=UNESCO - Traditional skills of carpet weaving in Kashan |url=https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/traditional-skills-of-carpet-weaving-in-kashan-00383 |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=ich.unesco.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-12-08 |title=Iran's carpet washing ritual registered on UNESCO representative list |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/53059/Iran-s-carpet-washing-ritual-registered-on-UNESCO-representative |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en}}</ref> Carpet weaving is an essential part of ] and ]. Within the group of ]s produced by the countries of the "rug belt", the Persian carpet stands out by the variety and elaborateness of its manifold designs. Carpets woven in towns and regional centres like ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ] are characterized by their specific weaving techniques and use of high-quality materials, colours and patterns. Hand-woven Persian rugs and carpets have been regarded as objects of high artistic and utilitarian value and prestige since the first time they were mentioned by ] writers.
Carpets woven in towns and regional centres like ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ] are characterized by their specific weaving techniques and use of high-quality materials, colours and patterns. Hand-woven Persian rugs and carpets have been regarded as objects of high artistic value and prestige, since they were mentioned by ] writers.


=== Literature === === Literature ===
{{Main|Literature in Iran|Iranian literature|Persian literature}} {{Main|Literature in Iran|Iranian literature|Persian literature}}
{{multiple image
], an influential ] from the mediaeval period. ]]
| align = right
Iran's oldest ] is that of ], the ] ] of the ], which consists of the legendary and religious texts of ] and the ].<ref>{{cite journal |journal=Indo-Iranian Journal |title=A Glossary of Terms for Weapons and Armor in Old Iranian|first=W.W. |last=Malandra |volume=15 |issue=4|pages=264–289|year=1973 |location=Philadelphia |publisher=Brill |jstor=24651454|doi=10.1163/000000073790079071|s2cid=162194727}}</ref>
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] is considered one of the four main bodies of world literature.<ref>{{cite book |author1=David Levinson |author2=Karen Christensen |title=Encyclopedia of Modern Asia: Iaido to Malay |url=https://archive.org/details/encyclopediamode02levi_463 |url-access=limited |year=2002 |publisher=Charles Scribner's Sons |isbn=978-0-684-80617-4 |page=}}</ref> The Persian language was used and developed further through ] in ], ], and ], leaving extensive influences on ] and ], among others. Iran has a number of famous mediaeval poets, most notably ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite book|author=François de Blois |title=Persian Literature: A Bio-bibliographical Survey|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=F-lH8aQ9-HsC&pg=363|access-date=21 June 2013|volume=5|date=April 2004|publisher=Routledge|quote=Nizami Ganja'i, whose personal name was Ilyas, is the most celebrated native poet of the Persians after Firdausi.|isbn=978-0-947593-47-6|page=363}}</ref> Iran's oldest ] tradition is that of ], the ] ] of the ], which consists of the legendary and religious texts of ] and the ].<ref>{{cite journal |journal=Indo-Iranian Journal |title=A Glossary of Terms for Weapons and Armor in Old Iranian|first=W.W. |last=Malandra |volume=15 |issue=4|pages=264–289|year=1973 |location=Philadelphia |publisher=Brill |jstor=24651454|doi=10.1163/000000073790079071|s2cid=162194727}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author1=David Levinson |author2=Karen Christensen |title=Encyclopedia of Modern Asia: Iaido to Malay |url=https://archive.org/details/encyclopediamode02levi_463 |url-access=limited |year=2002 |publisher=Charles Scribner's Sons |isbn=978-0-684-80617-4 |page=}}</ref> The Persian language was used and developed through ] in ], ], and ], leaving extensive influences on ] and ], among others. Iran has several famous mediaeval poets, notably ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite book|author=François de Blois |title=Persian Literature: A Bio-bibliographical Survey|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=F-lH8aQ9-HsC&pg=363|access-date=21 June 2013|volume=5|date=April 2004|publisher=Routledge|quote=Nizami Ganja'i, whose personal name was Ilyas, is the most celebrated native poet of the Persians after Firdausi.|isbn=978-0-947593-47-6|page=363}}</ref>


Described as one of the great literatures of humanity,<ref>Arthur John Arberry, ''The Legacy of Persia'', Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1953, {{ISBN|0-19-821905-9}}, p. 200.</ref> including ]'s assessment of it as one of the four main bodies of world literature,<ref>Von David Levinson; Karen Christensen, ''Encyclopedia of Modern Asia'', Charles Scribner's Sons. 2002, vol. 4, p. 480</ref> Persian literature has its roots in surviving works of ] and ], the latter of which dates back as far as 522&nbsp;BCE, the date of the earliest surviving ] inscription, the ]. The bulk of surviving Persian literature, however, comes from the times following the ] in c. 650&nbsp;CE. After the ]s came to power (750 CE), the Iranians became the scribes and bureaucrats of the ] and, increasingly, also its writers and poets. The New Persian language literature arose and flourished in ] and ] because of political reasons, early Iranian dynasties of post-Islamic Iran such as the ] and ] being based in ].<ref>Frye, R.N., "Darī", ''The Encyclopaedia of Islam'', Brill Publications, CD version.</ref>
=== World Heritage Sites ===
{{Main|List of World Heritage Sites in Iran|Iran National Heritage List|}}
Iran ranks 10th globally in terms of ], with 27.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-09-07 |title=Iran ranks 10th at UNESCO world heritage registration list |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/163202/Iran-ranks-10th-at-UNESCO-world-heritage-registration-list |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en}}</ref> These include ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], the city of ] and more. Iran also has 24 ], or "Human treasures", which ranks 5th worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-08 |title=Iran secures 5th place worldwide for UNESCO-listed intangible treasures |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/492297/Iran-secures-5th-place-worldwide-for-UNESCO-listed-intangible |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=Tehran Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=asadian |date=2023-12-06 |title=Iran Reached 5th in UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list |url=https://en.shafaqna.com/340309/iran-reached-5th-rank-in-unesco-intangible-cultural-heritage-list/ |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=International Shia News Agency |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Dance ===
{{Main|Iranian dance|Classical Persian dance|}}
] (Shahr-e-Rey), Iran, 5000 BC.|left]]
Iran has known dance in the forms of music, play, drama or religious rituals since at least the 6th millennium BC. Artifacts with pictures of dancers were found in many archaeological prehistoric sites.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foundation |first=Encyclopaedia Iranica |title=Welcome to Encyclopaedia Iranica |url=https://iranicaonline.org/ |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=iranicaonline.org |language=en-US}}</ref> Genres of dance in Iran vary depending on the area, culture, and language of the local people, and can range from sophisticated reconstructions of refined court dances to energetic ]s.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-12 |title=A Brief Introduction to Iranian Dance |url=http://www.laurelvictoriagray.com/persian-dance.html |website=Laurel Victoria Gray}}</ref> Each group, region, and historical epoch has specific dance styles associated with it. The earliest researched dance from historic Iran is a dance worshipping Mithra. Ancient Persian dance was significantly researched by Greek historian from ]. Iran was occupied by foreign powers, causing a slow disappearance of heritage dance traditions. The Qajar dynasty had an important influence on Persian dance. In this period, a style of dance began to be called "]". Dancers performed artistic dances in the court of the king for entertainment purposes such as coronations, marriage celebrations, and ] celebrations. In the 20th century, the music came to be orchestrated and dance movement and costuming gained a modernistic orientation to the West. In 1928, ballet came to Iran and impacted dance performance.{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}}


=== Philosophy === === Philosophy ===
{{Main|Ancient philosophy#Ancient Iranian philosophy|Iranian philosophy}} {{Main|Ancient philosophy#Ancient Iranian philosophy|Iranian philosophy}}
] is a monument donated by Iran to the ], with statues of Iranian mediaeval scholars.]]
The ], which is known as "the first charter of ]", is often seen as a reflection of the questions and thoughts expressed by ] and developed in Zoroastrian schools of the Achaemenid era.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |editor=Kreyenbroek, Philip G. |title=Morals and Society in Zoroastrian Philosophy" in "Persian Philosophy |encyclopedia=Companion Encyclopedia of Asian Philosophy |first1=Brian |last1=Carr |first2=Indira |last2=Mahalingam |publisher=Routledge |year=2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |editor=Boyce, Mary |title=The Origins of Zoroastrian Philosophy" in "Persian Philosophy |encyclopedia=Companion Encyclopedia of Asian Philosophy |first1=Brian |last1=Carr |first2=Indira |last2=Mahalingam |publisher=Routledge |year=2009}}</ref> The earliest tenets of Zoroastrian schools are part of the extant scriptures of the Zoroastrian religion in ]. Among them are treatises such as the Zatspram, ], and ], as well as older passages of the Avesta and the ].<ref>{{cite book |title=An Anthology of Philosophy in Persia: From Zoroaster to Omar Khayyam |first1=S.H. |last1=Nasr |first2=M. |last2=Aminrazavi |publisher=I.B. Tauris |year=2008 |isbn=978-1-84511-541-8}}</ref> Contemporary Iranian philosophy has been limited in its scope by intellectual repression.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Ayatollahy|first=Hamidreza|title=Philosophy in Contemporary Iran|journal=Revista Portuguesa de Filosofia|year=2006|volume=62|issue=2/4|pages=811–816|jstor=40419494}}</ref> ] is a monument donated by Iran to the ]. The monument architecture is Persian ], with the statues of Iranian mediaeval scholars, ], ], ] and ] inside the pavilion.<ref>{{Cite web |title=United Nations Information Service Vienna |url=https://unis.unvienna.org/unis/en/index.html |access-date=2024-01-27 |website=United Nations : Information Service Vienna |language=en}}</ref>
Iranian philosophy can be traced back as far as ] philosophical traditions and thoughts which originated in ancient ] roots and were influenced by ]'s teachings. Throughout Iranian history and due to remarkable political and social changes such as ] and ], a wide spectrum of schools of thoughts showed a variety of views on philosophical questions, extending from Old Iranian and mainly ]-related traditions, to schools appearing in the late pre-Islamic era such as ] and ] as well as post-Islamic schools.


The ] is seen as a reflection of the questions and thoughts expressed by ] and developed in Zoroastrian schools of the Achaemenid era.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |editor=Boyce, Mary |title=The Origins of Zoroastrian Philosophy" in "Persian Philosophy |encyclopedia=Companion Encyclopedia of Asian Philosophy |first1=Brian |last1=Carr |first2=Indira |last2=Mahalingam |publisher=Routledge |year=2009}}</ref> Post-Islam Iranian philosophy is characterised by different interactions with the ], the ] and with the development of ]. The ] and the ] are regarded as two of the main philosophical traditions of that era in Iran. Contemporary Iranian philosophy has been limited in its scope by intellectual repression.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Ayatollahy|first=Hamidreza|title=Philosophy in Contemporary Iran|journal=Revista Portuguesa de Filosofia|year=2006|volume=62|issue=2/4|pages=811–816|jstor=40419494}}</ref>
=== Folklore ===
{{Main|Iranian folklore|}}
] tragedy, two of the greatest Persian heroes, in ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rustam, mythological Iranian hero |url=http://www.ferdowsihotel.com/Blog/PostDetails/32/Rustam-mythological-Iranian-hero |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=www.ferdowsihotel.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rostam, the Hero of Heroes |url=https://irantour.tours/iran-blog/rostam,-the-hero-of-heroes.html |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=irantour.tours}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-10-30 |title=Rostam and Sohrab: 'A Story Filling the Eyes with Tears' |url=https://www.leidenmedievalistsblog.nl/articles/rostam-and-sohrab-a-story-filling-the-eyes-with-tears |access-date=2024-01-19 |website=www.leidenmedievalistsblog.nl |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=نصب تندیس رستم و سهراب در باغ ملی سبزوار: پايگاه خبري سبزوار پيام |url=http://www.sabzevarpayam.com/news.php?id=5824 |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=sabzevarpayam.com}}</ref>]]
] has an significant presence in Iranian folklore and culture.<ref name="auto6">{{Cite web |last=Foundation |first=Encyclopaedia Iranica |title=Welcome to Encyclopaedia Iranica |url=https://iranicaonline.org/ |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=iranicaonline.org |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=UNESCO - Naqqāli, Iranian dramatic story-telling |url=https://ich.unesco.org/en/USL/naqqli-iranian-dramatic-story-telling-00535 |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=ich.unesco.org |language=en}}</ref> In classical Iran, minstrels performed for their audiences at royal courts<ref name="auto6"/> and in public theatres.<ref name="auto6"/><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-20 |title=Persian Poetry and Its Evolution in Pre-Islamic Royal Courts |url=https://old.saednews.com/en/post/persian-poetry-and-its-evolution-in-pre-islamic-royal-courts |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=old.saednews.com |language=fa}}</ref> A minstrel was referred to by the ] as ], and by the ] as huniyāgar.<ref name="auto6"/><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-15 |title=MYTHOLOGIES OF PERSIA (IRAN) |url=https://indigenouspeoplenet.wordpress.com/2023/02/14/mythologies-of-persia-iran/ |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=Indigenous Peoples Literature |language=en}}</ref> Since the ], storytellers and poetry readers appeared at coffeehouses.<ref name="auto6"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Khandwala |first=Anoushka |date=2021-03-30 |title=From the Grounds Up: Coffeeshops and the History of Iranian Art |url=https://elephant.art/from-the-grounds-up-coffeeshops-and-the-history-of-iranian-art-30032021/ |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=ELEPHANT |language=en-US}}</ref> After the ], it took until 1985 to found the ] (Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran Cultural Heritage, Handcraft and Tourism Organization |url=https://www.loc.gov/item/lcwaN0016051/ |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=Library of Congress}}</ref> a now heavily centralized organization, supervising all kinds of cultural activities. It held the first scientific meeting on anthropology and folklore in 1990.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran Cultural Heritage, Handcraft and Tourism Organization |url=https://www.loc.gov/item/lcwaN0016051/ |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA}}</ref>


=== Mythology === === Mythology and folklore ===
{{Main|Persian mythology|Iranian folklore}}
], with his son ], in ]]]
] consists of ancient ] and stories of extraordinary beings reflecting on ] (] and ]), actions of the gods, and the exploits of heroes and creatures. The tenth-century Persian poet, ], is the author of the ] known as the '']'' ("Book of Kings"), which is for the most part based on ''Xwadāynāmag'', a ] compilation of the history of Iranian kings and heroes,<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ferdowsi#ref69128 |title=Ferdowsī |author=Boyle, John Andrew |encyclopedia=Encyclopوdia Britannica |access-date=18 July 2017 |archive-date=10 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010062257/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ferdowsi#ref69128 |url-status=live }}</ref> as well as the stories and characters of the ] tradition, from the texts of the ], the ], the ] and the ]. Modern scholars study the myths to shed light on the religious and political institutions of not only Iran but of the ], which includes regions of ], ], ], and ] where the ] has had significant influence.


] has a significant presence in Iranian folklore and culture.<ref>{{Cite web |title=UNESCO – Naqqāli, Iranian dramatic story-telling |url=https://ich.unesco.org/en/USL/naqqli-iranian-dramatic-story-telling-00535 |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=ich.unesco.org |language=en |archive-date=22 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222215849/https://ich.unesco.org/en/USL/naqqli-iranian-dramatic-story-telling-00535 |url-status=live }}</ref> In classical Iran, minstrels performed for their audiences at royal courts and in public theatres.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 January 2021 |title=Persian Poetry and Its Evolution in Pre-Islamic Royal Courts |url=https://old.saednews.com/en/post/persian-poetry-and-its-evolution-in-pre-islamic-royal-courts |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=old.saednews.com |language=fa |archive-date=31 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131115021/https://old.saednews.com/en/post/persian-poetry-and-its-evolution-in-pre-islamic-royal-courts |url-status=live }}</ref> A minstrel was referred to by the ] as ], and by the ] as huniyāgar.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 February 2023 |title=MYTHOLOGIES OF PERSIA (IRAN) |url=https://indigenouspeoplenet.wordpress.com/2023/02/14/mythologies-of-persia-iran/ |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=Indigenous Peoples Literature |language=en |archive-date=31 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131115020/https://indigenouspeoplenet.wordpress.com/2023/02/14/mythologies-of-persia-iran/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Since the ], storytellers and poetry readers appeared at coffeehouses.<ref name="auto6">{{Cite web |last=Foundation |first=Encyclopaedia Iranica |title=Welcome to Encyclopaedia Iranica |url=https://iranicaonline.org/ |access-date=14 January 2024 |website=iranicaonline.org |language=en-US |archive-date=10 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100410171658/https://iranicaonline.org/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Khandwala |first=Anoushka |date=30 March 2021 |title=From the Grounds Up: Coffeeshops and the History of Iranian Art |url=https://elephant.art/from-the-grounds-up-coffeeshops-and-the-history-of-iranian-art-30032021/ |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=ELEPHANT |language=en-US |archive-date=31 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131115021/https://elephant.art/from-the-grounds-up-coffeeshops-and-the-history-of-iranian-art-30032021/ |url-status=live }}</ref> After the ], it took until 1985 to found the ] (Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran Cultural Heritage, Handcraft and Tourism Organization |url=https://www.loc.gov/item/lcwaN0016051/ |access-date=14 January 2024 |website=Library of Congress |archive-date=14 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114100923/https://www.loc.gov/item/lcwaN0016051/ |url-status=live }}</ref> a now heavily centralised organisation, supervising all kinds of cultural activities. It held the first scientific meeting on anthropology and folklore in 1990.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran Cultural Heritage, Handcraft and Tourism Organization |url=https://www.loc.gov/item/lcwaN0016051/ |access-date=14 January 2024 |website=Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA}}</ref>
{{Main|Persian mythology|}}
], a mythical bird of Persian legends and fables.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nair |first=Nitten |date=2022-01-21 |title=Huma Bird : The Bird of Fortune |url=https://mythlok.com/huma-bird/ |access-date=2023-12-26 |website=Mythlok |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Huma Bird of Iranian Legend – Cultured Chef |url=https://www.culturedchef.com/the-huma-bird-of-iranian-legend/ |access-date=2023-12-26 |language=en-US}}</ref>]]
] consists of ancient ] and stories of extraordinary beings reflecting on ] (] and ]), actions of the gods, and the exploits of heroes and creatures. The tenth-century Persian poet, ], is the author of the ] known as the '']'' ("Book of Kings"), which is for the most part based on ''Xwadāynāmag'', a ] compilation of the history of Iranian kings and heroes,<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ferdowsi#ref69128 |title=Ferdowsī |author=Boyle, John Andrew |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |access-date=18 July 2017}}</ref> as well as the stories and characters of the ] tradition, from the texts of the ], the ], the ] and the ].


=== Music === === Museums ===
{{Main|List of museums in Iran}}
], in Tehran]]


The ] in ] is the country's most important cultural institution.<ref>{{Cite web |title=National Museum of Iran |url=https://www.letsgoiran.com/iran-travel-guide/tehran-travel-guide/national-museum-of-iran |access-date=6 January 2024 |website=letsgoiran.com |archive-date=22 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222222428/https://www.letsgoiran.com/iran-travel-guide/tehran-travel-guide/national-museum-of-iran |url-status=live }}</ref> As the first and biggest museum in Iran, the institution includes the ] and the ]. The National Museum is the world's most important museum in terms of preservation, display and research of archaeological collections of Iran,<ref>{{Cite web |title=National Museum of Iran – Official Site For National Museum Of Iran |url=https://irannationalmuseum.ir/en/ |access-date=6 January 2024 |language=fa-IR |archive-date=2 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202002842/https://irannationalmuseum.ir/en/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and ranks as one of the few most prestigious museums globally in terms of volume, diversity and quality of its monuments.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 January 2024 |title=National Museum of Iran |url=https://en.unesco.org/silkroad/content/national-museum-iran |website=UNESCO |access-date=6 January 2024 |archive-date=6 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106224054/https://en.unesco.org/silkroad/content/national-museum-iran |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{Main|Music of Iran}}
], an ancient Iranian musical instrument from the sixth century BC, kept at the Persepolis Museum.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-26 |title=2600-Year-Old Instrument on Display in Persepolis Museum |url=https://ifpnews.com/2600-year-old-instrument-display-persepolis-museum/ |website=IFP News}}</ref>|left]]
Iran is the apparent birthplace of the earliest complex instruments, dating to the third millennium BC.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/music-history-i-pre-islamic-iran |title=Music History |trans-title=i. Third Millennium B.C.E. |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Iranica |last1=Foundation |first1=Encyclopaedia Iranica }}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=The current source is tertiary|date=January 2024}} The use of ]s have been documented at the sites Madaktu and ], with the largest collection of ]ite instruments documented at Kul-e Farah. ]'s '']'' mentions singing women at the court of the ]. Under the ], the '']'' (] for "minstrel") had a prominent role in society.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |encyclopedia=] |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/gosan |title=GŌSĀN |volume=Xi |pages=167–170 |access-date=15 July 2017}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=The current source is tertiary|date=January 2024}}


There are many other popular museums across the country such as the ] (]), ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], Hegmataneh Museum, Susa Museum and more. Around 25 million people visited the museums in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 January 2024 |title=25 million people visited museums last year |url=https://en.irna.ir/news/83321603/25-million-people-visit-museums-last-year |website=IRNA |access-date=6 January 2024 |archive-date=6 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106225535/https://en.irna.ir/news/83321603/25-million-people-visit-museums-last-year |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=21 May 2019 |title=25 million visited Iran's heritage museums in calendar year |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/436197/25-million-visited-Iran-s-heritage-museums-in-calendar-year |access-date=6 January 2024 |website=Tehran Times |language=en |archive-date=29 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229012947/https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/436197/25-million-visited-Iran-s-heritage-museums-in-calendar-year |url-status=live }}</ref>
The history of ] is better documented than the earlier periods and is especially more evident in Avestan texts.<ref name=EI-mhphi>{{harv|Lawergren|2009}} iv. First millennium C.E. (1) Sasanian music, 224–651.</ref> By the time of ], the Sasanian royal court hosted a number of prominent musicians, namely Azad, ], ], ], Ramtin, and ]. Iranian traditional musical instruments include string instruments such as ] (]), ], ], ] (], ]), ], ], ], ], and ], wind instruments such as ] (], ]) and ], and percussion instruments such as ], ], ] (]), and ].


=== Music and dance ===
Iran's first symphony orchestra, the ], was founded by Qolam-Hoseyn Minbashian in 1933. By the late 1940s, ] founded the country's first national music society and established the School of National Music in 1949.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/arts/story/2006/11/061113_pm-mk-khaleghi.shtml|title=BBCPersian.com|work=BBC|access-date=26 October 2015}}</ref>
{{Main|Music of Iran|Iranian dance|Classical Persian dance}}
{{multiple image|
| direction = vertical
| width = 210
| image1 = Museum of Persepolis Darafsh (16) (cropped).JPG
| caption1 = A ], an ancient Iranian musical instrument from 6th century BC, kept at the Persepolis Museum
| image2 = Dancers on a piece of ceramic from CheshmeAli, Iran, 5000 BC, Louvre.jpg
| caption2 = Dancers on a piece of ceramic from ], 5000 BC
}}
Iran is the apparent birthplace of the earliest complex instruments, dating to the third millennium&nbsp;BC.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/music-history-i-pre-islamic-iran |title=Music History |trans-title=i. Third Millennium B.C.E. |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Iranica |last1=Foundation |first1=Encyclopaedia Iranica |access-date=27 August 2015 |archive-date=11 May 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200511141918/http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/music-history-i-pre-islamic-iran |url-status=live }}</ref> The use of ]s have been documented at Madaktu and ], with the largest collection of ]ite instruments documented at Kul-e Farah. ]'s '']'' mentions singing women at the court of the ]. Under the ], the '']'' (] for 'minstrel') had a prominent role.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Iranica |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/gosan |title=GŌSĀN |volume=Xi |pages=167–170 |access-date=15 July 2017 |archive-date=24 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924074942/http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/gosan |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Farrokh |first=Kaveh |title=Parthian and Central Asian Martial Music |url=https://www.kavehfarrokh.com/ancient-prehistory-651-a-d/parthian/parthian-and-central-asian-martial-music/ |access-date=2024-05-26 |website=Kaveh Farrokh |archive-date=26 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526112928/https://www.kavehfarrokh.com/ancient-prehistory-651-a-d/parthian/parthian-and-central-asian-martial-music/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


The history of ] is better documented than earlier periods and is especially more evident in Avestan texts.<ref name=EI-mhphi>{{harv|Lawergren|2009}} iv. First millennium C.E. (1) Sasanian music, 224–651.</ref> By the time of ], the Sasanian royal court hosted prominent musicians, namely Azad, ], ], ], Ramtin, and ]. Iranian traditional musical instruments include string instruments such as ] (]), ], ], ] (], ]), ], ], ], ], and ], wind instruments such as ] (], ]) and ], and percussion instruments such as ], ], ] (]), and ].
] has its origins in the Qajar era.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iranchamber.com/music/articles/pop_music_iran.php|title=Iran Chamber Society: Music of Iran: Pop Music in Iran|work=iranchamber.com|access-date=26 October 2015}}</ref> It was significantly developed since the 1950s, using indigenous instruments and forms accompanied by ] and other imported characteristics. ] emerged in the 1960s and ] in the 2000s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://observers.france24.com/content/20130826-iranian-youth-dance-hip-hop |title=Iran's underground hip hop dance scene &#124; The FRANCE 24 Observers |publisher=Observers.france24.com |date=29 August 2013 |access-date=24 February 2014 |archive-date=28 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228082137/http://observers.france24.com/content/20130826-iranian-youth-dance-hip-hop |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |script-title=fa:'اسکورپیو' در آپارات |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/arts/2013/02/130227_aprat_week_09.shtml |publisher=BBC Persian }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Rebels-of-rap-reign-in-Iran-3287827.php|title=Rebels of rap reign in Iran|work=SFGate|date=16 April 2008|access-date=26 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/irans-illegal-rappers-want-cultural-revolution-774943.html|title=Iran's 'illegal' rappers want cultural revolution|author=Anuj Chopra in Tehran|date=28 January 2008|work=The Independent|access-date=26 October 2015|archive-date=3 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003200940/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/irans-illegal-rappers-want-cultural-revolution-774943.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>


Iran's first symphony orchestra, the ], was founded in 1933. By the late 1940s, ] founded the country's first national music society and established the School of National Music in 1949.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/arts/story/2006/11/061113_pm-mk-khaleghi.shtml|title=BBCPersian.com|work=BBC|access-date=26 October 2015}}</ref> ] has its origins in the Qajar era.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iranchamber.com/music/articles/pop_music_iran.php|title=Iran Chamber Society: Music of Iran: Pop Music in Iran|work=iranchamber.com|access-date=26 October 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924043026/http://www.iranchamber.com/music/articles/pop_music_iran.php|url-status=live}}</ref> It was significantly developed since the 1950s, using indigenous instruments and forms accompanied by ] and other imported characteristics. ] emerged in the 1960s and ] in the 2000s.<ref>{{cite web |script-title=fa:'اسکورپیو' در آپارات |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/arts/2013/02/130227_aprat_week_09.shtml |publisher=BBC Persian |access-date=27 August 2015 |archive-date=13 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313105726/http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/arts/2013/02/130227_aprat_week_09.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Rebels-of-rap-reign-in-Iran-3287827.php|title=Rebels of rap reign in Iran|work=SFGate|date=16 April 2008|access-date=26 October 2015|archive-date=22 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151022193843/http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Rebels-of-rap-reign-in-Iran-3287827.php|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Theatre ===


Iran has known dance in the forms of music, play, drama or religious rituals since at least the 6th millennium BC. Artifacts with pictures of dancers were found in archaeological prehistoric sites.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foundation |first=Encyclopaedia Iranica |title=Welcome to Encyclopaedia Iranica |url=https://iranicaonline.org/ |access-date=12 January 2024 |website=iranicaonline.org |language=en-US |archive-date=10 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100410171658/https://iranicaonline.org/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Genres of dance vary depending on the area, culture, and language of the local people, and can range from sophisticated reconstructions of refined court dances to energetic ]s.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 January 2024 |title=A Brief Introduction to Iranian Dance |url=http://www.laurelvictoriagray.com/persian-dance.html |website=Laurel Victoria Gray |access-date=12 January 2024 |archive-date=18 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118050436/http://www.laurelvictoriagray.com/persian-dance.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Each group, region, and historical epoch has specific dance styles associated with it. The earliest researched dance from historic Iran is a dance worshipping Mithra. Ancient Persian dance was significantly researched by Greek historian ]. Iran was occupied by foreign powers, causing a slow disappearance of heritage dance traditions.
{{Main|Persian theatre}}


The Qajar period had an important influence on Persian dance. In this period, a style of dance began to be called "]". Dancers performed artistic dances in court for entertainment purposes such as coronations, marriage celebrations, and ] celebrations. In the 20th century, the music came to be orchestrated and dance movement and costuming gained a modernistic orientation to the West.
The oldest Iranian initiation of theatre can be traced to ancient epic ceremonial theatres such as ''Sug-e Siāvuš'' ("mourning of ]"), as well as dances and theatre narrations of Iranian mythological tales reported by ] and ].


=== Fashion and clothing ===
Iran's traditional theatrical genres include Baqqāl-bāzi ("grocer play", a form of slapstick comedy), Ruhowzi (or ''Taxt-howzi'', comedy performed over a courtyard pool covered with boards), Siāh-bāzi (in which the central comedian appears in blackface), Sāye-bāzi (]), Xeyme-šab-bāzi (]), and Arusak-bāzi (]), and ] (religious tragedy plays).<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/drama |title=DRAMA |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Iranica|access-date=20 July 2017 |volume=VII |pages=529–535}}</ref>
{{Main|Fashion in Iran}}
The exact date of the emergence of ] in Iran is not yet known, but it is likely to coincide with the emergence of ]. ] and many historians have considered ] to be first to use ] and hair as clothing, while others propose ].<ref name=":02">{{Cite book|title=پوشاک در ایران باستان، فریدون پوربهمن/ت: هاجر ضیاء سیکارودی، امیرکبیر|year=2007|pages=24, 25, 57}}</ref> Ferdowsi considers ] to be a kind of ] initiator in Iran. The clothing of ancient Iran took an advanced form, and the fabric and colour of clothing became very important. Depending on the social status, eminence, climate of the region and the season, ] during the Achaemenian period took various forms. This clothing, in addition to being functional, had an aesthetic role.<ref name=":02" />


=== Cinema, animation and theatre ===
Before the Iranian Revolution, the Iranian national stage had become a famous performing scene for known international artists and troupes,<ref>{{cite book |author=Kiann, Nima |date=2015 |title=The History of Ballet in Iran |location=Wiesbaden |publisher=Reichert Publishing}}</ref> with the ] of Tehran constructed to function as the national stage for ] and ]. The hall is home to the ], the Tehran Opera Orchestra, and the ], and was officially renamed ''Vahdat Hall'' after the Revolution.
<!--- Caution should be taken to ensure sections are not simply a list of names or mini biographies of individuals accomplishments.--->
{{Main|Cinema of Iran|Iranian animation|Persian theatre}}
], possibly the world's oldest animation, at the ]<ref>{{cite web|date=19 March 2017|title=کهن‌ترین انیمیشن جهان کجاست؟|url=https://www.isna.ir/news/95122817773/کهن-ترین-انیمیشن-جهان-کجاست|access-date=2 June 2020|website=ایسنا|language=fa}}</ref>]]


A third-millennium BC earthen goblet discovered at the ] in southeast Iran depicts what could be the world's oldest example of animation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animationmagazine.net/article/8045|title=Oldest Animation Discovered in Iran |work=Animation Magazine|date=12 March 2008|access-date=4 August 2014|archive-date=20 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100620141518/http://animationmagazine.net/article/8045|url-status=dead}}</ref> The earliest attested Iranian examples of visual representations, however, are traced back to the bas-reliefs of Persepolis, the ritual centre of the ].<ref>Honour, Hugh and John Fleming, ''The Visual Arts: A History''. New Jersey, Prentice Hall Inc., 1992. Page: 96.</ref>
=== Cinema and animation ===
<!--- Caution should be taken to ensure that the sections are not simply a listing of names or mini biographies of individuals accomplishments.--->
{{Main|Cinema of Iran|History of Iranian animation}}
], Iran, possibly the world's oldest example of animation, kept at the ].<ref>{{cite web|date=19 March 2017|title=کهن‌ترین انیمیشن جهان کجاست؟|url=https://www.isna.ir/news/95122817773/کهن-ترین-انیمیشن-جهان-کجاست|access-date=2 June 2020|website=ایسنا|language=fa}}</ref>]]


The first Iranian filmmaker was probably ], the court photographer of ] of the ]. Mirza Ebrahim obtained a camera and filmed the Qajar ruler's visit to Europe. In 1904, ] opened the first public cinema in Tehran.<ref name="massoudmehrabi1">{{cite web|url=http://www.massoudmehrabi.com/articles.asp?id=1414606616|title=Massoud Mehrabi – Articles|work=massoudmehrabi.com|access-date=26 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623113213/http://www.massoudmehrabi.com/articles.asp?id=1414606616|archive-date=23 June 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> The first Iranian feature film, '']'', was a silent comedy directed by ] in 1930. The first sound one, '']'', was produced by ] and ] in 1932. Iran's animation industry began by the 1950s and was followed by the establishment of the influential ] in 1965.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tehran-animafest.ir/|title=Tehran International Animation Festival (1st Festival 1999 )|work=tehran-animafest.ir|access-date=17 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928232127/http://www.tehran-animafest.ir/|archive-date=28 September 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animation-festivals.com/festivals/tehran-international-animation-festival-tiaf |title=Tehran International Animation Festival (TIAF) |work=animation-festivals.com |access-date=26 October 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015234937/https://www.animation-festivals.com/festivals/tehran-international-animation-festival-tiaf/ |archive-date=15 October 2015 }}</ref>
A third-millennium BC earthen goblet discovered at the ] in southeastern Iran depicts what could be the world's oldest example of animation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animationmagazine.net/article/8045|title=Oldest Animation Discovered in Iran |work=Animation Magazine|date=12 March 2008|access-date=4 August 2014|archive-date=20 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100620141518/http://animationmagazine.net/article/8045|url-status=dead}}</ref> The earliest attested Iranian examples of visual representations, however, are traced back to the bas-reliefs of Persepolis, the ritual centre of the ].<ref>Honour, Hugh and John Fleming, ''The Visual Arts: A History''. New Jersey, Prentice Hall Inc., 1992. Page: 96.</ref>
With the screening of the films '']'' and '']'', directed by ] and ] respectively in 1969, alternative films set out to establish their status in the film industry and ]'s '']'' and ]'s ''Tranquility in the Presence of Others'' followed. Attempts to organise a film festival, which had begun in 1954 within the Golrizan Festival, resulted in the festival of Sepas in 1969. It also resulted in the formation of Tehran's World Film Festival in 1973.<ref name="Esfandiary2012">{{cite book|author=Shahab Esfandiary|title=Iranian Cinema and Globalization: National, Transnational, and Islamic Dimensions|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I2HpN2LohZwC&pg=PA69|year=2012|publisher=Intellect Books|isbn=978-1-84150-470-4|page=69}}</ref>


], two-time ] winner and a prominent filmmaker in the 21st century<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Corliss |first=Richard |date=2012-04-18 |title=Asghar Farhadi - The World's 100 Most Influential People: 2012 - TIME |url=https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2111975_2111976_2112155,00.html |access-date=2024-05-24 |magazine=Time |language=en-US |issn=0040-781X}}</ref>]]
The first Iranian filmmaker was probably ], the court photographer of ] of the ]. Mirza Ebrahim obtained a camera and filmed the Qajar ruler's visit to Europe. Later in 1904, ] opened the first public cinema in Tehran.<ref name="massoudmehrabi1">{{cite web|url=http://www.massoudmehrabi.com/articles.asp?id=1414606616|title=Massoud Mehrabi – Articles|work=massoudmehrabi.com|access-date=26 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623113213/http://www.massoudmehrabi.com/articles.asp?id=1414606616|archive-date=23 June 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> The first Iranian feature film, '']'', was a silent comedy directed by ] in 1930. The first sounded one, '']'', was produced by ] and ] in 1932.


Following the ], a new age emerged in Iranian cinema, starting with ''Long Live!'' by ] and followed by other directors, such as ] and ]. Kiarostami, an acclaimed director, planted Iran firmly on the map of world cinema when he won the {{lang|fr|]|italic=no}} for '']'' in 1997.<ref name="Dabashi2007">{{cite book|author=Hamid Dabashi|title=Masters & Masterpieces of Iranian Cinema|year=2007|publisher=Mage Publishers|isbn=978-0-934211-85-7|page=intro}}</ref> The presence of Iranian films in prestigious international festivals, such as ], ] and ], attracted attention to Iranian films.<ref name="DecherneyAtwood2014">{{cite book|author1=Peter Decherney|author2=Blake Atwood|title=Iranian Cinema in a Global Context: Policy, Politics, and Form|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=p0ODBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA193|year=2014|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-317-67520-4|page=193}}</ref> In 2006, 6 films represented Iranian cinema at Berlin; critics considered this a remarkable event in Iranian cinema.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/arts/story/2006/02/060209_pm-berlin-film-festival.shtml|title=Iran's strong presence in 2006 Berlin International Film Festival|work=BBC|access-date=1 November 2014|archive-date=12 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140412155027/http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/arts/story/2006/02/060209_pm-berlin-film-festival.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4726682.stm|title=BBC NEWS – Entertainment – Iran films return to Berlin festival|work=BBC|access-date=26 October 2015|archive-date=15 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015234934/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4726682.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> ], an Iranian director, has received a ] and two ]s, representing Iran for Best Foreign Language Film in 2012 and 2017, with '']'' and '']''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coates |first=Tyler |date=11 December 2021 |title=Hollywood Flashback: Asghar Farhadi's 'A Separation' Won Iran's First Oscar in 2012 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/asghar-farhadi-a-separation-iran-first-oscar-1235059723/ |access-date=9 January 2024 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US |archive-date=9 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109181357/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/asghar-farhadi-a-separation-iran-first-oscar-1235059723/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Shoard |first=Catherine |date=27 February 2017 |title=The Salesman wins best foreign language Oscar |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/feb/27/the-salesman-wins-best-foreign-language-oscar-asghar-farhadi |access-date=9 January 2024 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=1 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301020902/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/feb/27/the-salesman-wins-best-foreign-language-oscar-asghar-farhadi |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Salesman |url=https://goldenglobes.com/film/the-salesman/ |access-date=9 January 2024 |website=Golden Globes |language=en-US |archive-date=9 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109181356/https://goldenglobes.com/film/the-salesman/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2020, ] "]" became the first representative of Iranian animated cinema in the competition section, in ] and ] categories at the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title='The Last Fiction' qualified for Oscar |url=https://en.ifilmtv.ir/Iran/Content/24813/ |access-date=9 January 2024 |website=ifilm-آیفیلم |language=en |archive-date=9 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109174043/https://en.ifilmtv.ir/Iran/Content/24813/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=21 December 2019 |title=Iran to contend for 2020 Best Picture Oscar with 'The Last Fiction' |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/153551/Iran-to-contend-for-2020-Best-Picture-Oscar-with-The-Last-Fiction |access-date=9 January 2024 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en |archive-date=9 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109174042/https://en.mehrnews.com/news/153551/Iran-to-contend-for-2020-Best-Picture-Oscar-with-The-Last-Fiction |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=20 October 2019 |title=Oscars 2020: 'Last Fiction' First Iranian Film To Run For Best Animated Feature – Iran Front Page |url=https://ifpnews.com/oscars-2020-last-fiction-first-iranian-film-to-run-for-best-animated-feature/ |access-date=9 January 2024 |website=ifpnews.com |language=en-US |archive-date=9 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109174042/https://ifpnews.com/oscars-2020-last-fiction-first-iranian-film-to-run-for-best-animated-feature/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=mhfard |date=1 October 2019 |title='The Last Fiction' is First Iranian Animated Feature to Qualify for Oscars |url=https://hoorakhshstudios.com/the-last-fiction-is-first-iranian-animated-feature-to-qualify-for-oscars/ |access-date=9 January 2024 |website=Hoorakhsh Studios |language=en-US |archive-date=9 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109174048/https://hoorakhshstudios.com/the-last-fiction-is-first-iranian-animated-feature-to-qualify-for-oscars/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Iran's animation industry began by the 1950s and was followed by the establishment of the influential ] in January 1965.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tehran-animafest.ir/|title=Tehran International Animation Festival (1st Festival 1999 )|work=tehran-animafest.ir|access-date=17 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928232127/http://www.tehran-animafest.ir/|archive-date=28 September 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animation-festivals.com/festivals/tehran-international-animation-festival-tiaf |title=Tehran International Animation Festival (TIAF) |work=animation-festivals.com |access-date=26 October 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015234937/https://www.animation-festivals.com/festivals/tehran-international-animation-festival-tiaf/ |archive-date=15 October 2015 }}</ref>
With the screening of the films '']'' and '']'', directed by ] and ] respectively in 1969, alternative films set out to establish their status in the film industry and ]'s '']'' and ]'s ''Tranquility in the Presence of Others'' followed soon. Attempts to organise a film festival, which had begun in 1954 within the framework of the Golrizan Festival, resulted in the festival of Sepas in 1969. The endeavours also resulted in the formation of Tehran's World Film Festival in 1973.<ref name="Esfandiary2012">{{cite book|author=Shahab Esfandiary|title=Iranian Cinema and Globalization: National, Transnational, and Islamic Dimensions|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I2HpN2LohZwC&pg=PA69|year=2012|publisher=Intellect Books|isbn=978-1-84150-470-4|page=69}}</ref>
After the Revolution of 1979, and following the ], a new age emerged in Iranian cinema, starting with ''Long Live!'' by ] and followed by many other directors, such as ] and ]. Kiarostami, an acclaimed Iranian director, planted Iran firmly on the map of world cinema when he won the {{lang|fr|]|italic=no}} for '']'' in 1997.<ref name="Dabashi2007">{{cite book|author=Hamid Dabashi|title=Masters & Masterpieces of Iranian Cinema|year=2007|publisher=Mage Publishers|isbn=978-0-934211-85-7|page=intro}}</ref> The continuous presence of Iranian films in prestigious international festivals, such as the ], the ], and the ], attracted world attention to Iranian masterpieces.<ref name="DecherneyAtwood2014">{{cite book|author1=Peter Decherney|author2=Blake Atwood|title=Iranian Cinema in a Global Context: Policy, Politics, and Form|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=p0ODBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA193|year=2014|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-317-67520-4|page=193}}</ref> In 2006, six Iranian films represented Iranian cinema at the Berlin International Film Festival. Critics considered this a remarkable event in the history of Iranian cinema.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/arts/story/2006/02/060209_pm-berlin-film-festival.shtml|title=Iran's strong presence in 2006 Berlin International Film Festival|work=BBC}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4726682.stm|title=BBC NEWS – Entertainment – Iran films return to Berlin festival|work=BBC|access-date=26 October 2015}}</ref>


The oldest Iranian initiation of theatre can be traced to ancient epic ceremonial theatres such as ''Sug-e Siāvuڑ'' ("mourning of ]"), as well as dances and theatre narrations of Iranian mythological tales reported by ] and ]. Iran's traditional theatrical genres include Baqqāl-bāzi ("grocer play", a form of slapstick comedy), Ruhowzi (or ''Taxt-howzi'', comedy performed over a courtyard pool covered with boards), Siāh-bāzi (the central comedian appears in blackface), Sāye-bāzi (]), Xeyme-ڑab-bāzi (]), and Arusak-bāzi (]), and ] (religious tragedy plays).<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=DRAMA |encyclopedia=Encyclopوdia Iranica |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/drama |access-date=20 July 2017 |volume=VII |pages=529–535 |archive-date=17 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517035351/http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/drama |url-status=live }}</ref>
], a well-known Iranian director, has received a ] and two ]s, representing Iran for Best Foreign Language Film in 2012 and 2017, with '']'' and '']''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coates |first=Tyler |date=2021-12-11 |title=Hollywood Flashback: Asghar Farhadi's 'A Separation' Won Iran's First Oscar in 2012 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/asghar-farhadi-a-separation-iran-first-oscar-1235059723/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Shoard |first=Catherine |date=2017-02-27 |title=The Salesman wins best foreign language Oscar |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/feb/27/the-salesman-wins-best-foreign-language-oscar-asghar-farhadi |access-date=2024-01-09 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Salesman |url=https://goldenglobes.com/film/the-salesman/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=Golden Globes |language=en-US}}</ref>


The ] is home to the ], the Tehran Opera Orchestra, and the ], and was officially renamed '']'' after the Revolution.
In 2020, ] "]" became the first representative of Iranian animated cinema in the competition section in both ] and ] categories at the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title='The Last Fiction' qualified for Oscar |url=https://en.ifilmtv.ir/Iran/Content/24813/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=ifilm-آیفیلم |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-12-21 |title=Iran to contend for 2020 Best Picture Oscar with 'The Last Fiction' |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/153551/Iran-to-contend-for-2020-Best-Picture-Oscar-with-The-Last-Fiction |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-10-19 |title=Iran's "Last Fiction" among submissions for Oscars consideration |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/441263/Iran-s-Last-Fiction-among-submissions-for-Oscars-consideration |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=Tehran Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wit |first=Alex Dudok de |date=2019-10-01 |title='The Last Fiction' Set To Become First Iranian Animated Feature To Qualify For Oscars (Exclusive) |url=https://www.cartoonbrew.com/feature-film/the-last-fiction-set-to-become-first-iranian-animated-feature-to-qualify-for-oscars-exclusive-180272.html |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=Cartoon Brew |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-10-20 |title=Oscars 2020: 'Last Fiction' First Iranian Film To Run For Best Animated Feature - Iran Front Page |url=https://ifpnews.com/oscars-2020-last-fiction-first-iranian-film-to-run-for-best-animated-feature/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=ifpnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=mhfard |date=2019-10-01 |title='The Last Fiction' is First Iranian Animated Feature to Qualify for Oscars |url=https://hoorakhshstudios.com/the-last-fiction-is-first-iranian-animated-feature-to-qualify-for-oscars/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=Hoorakhsh Studios |language=en-US}}</ref>


=== Observances === === Media ===
{{Main|Media of Iran}}
], the Iranian ] media corporation]]


Iran's largest media corporation is the state-owned ]. The ] is responsible for the ], including activities regarding communications and information.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.unesco.org/new/en/tehran/about-this-office/single-view/news/irans_minister_of_culture_and_islamic_guidance_calls_for |title=Iran's Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance calls for expansion of ties with UNESCO |work=UNESCO |access-date=2 December 2018 |date=15 December 2014 |archive-date=8 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208183653/http://www.unesco.org/new/en/tehran/about-this-office/single-view/news/irans_minister_of_culture_and_islamic_guidance_calls_for |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{See also|List of festivals in Iran}}
Most of the ] are in Persian, the country's official and national language. The country's most widely circulated periodicals are based in Tehran, among which are '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']''.<ref name=BYI /> '']'', '']'', and '']'' are among the famous English-language newspapers based in Iran.
], a custom of ], the Iranian New Year.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=parisa |last2=Bakhtiari |first2=Parisa |date=2019-08-24 |title=All About Haft-Sin: The 7 'S' of Iranian New Year |url=https://surfiran.com/mag/all-about-haft-sin-the-7-s-of-iranian-new-year/ |access-date=2023-12-26 |website=SURFIRAN Mag |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=A Traditional Haft Sin Table Celebrating Nowruz - Society/Culture news |url=https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2018/03/20/1684482/a-traditional-haft-sin-table-celebrating-nowruz |access-date=2023-12-26 |website=Tasnim News Agency |language=en}}</ref>|left]]


Iran ranks 17th among ]. ] is Iran's most widely used search engine and ] is the most popular online ].<ref name="Alexa Internet">{{cite web |work=Alexa Internet |url=http://www.alexa.com/topsites/countries/IR |title=Top Sites in Iran |access-date=2 December 2018 |archive-date=10 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101210145701/http://www.alexa.com/topsites/countries/ir |url-status=dead }}</ref> Direct access to many worldwide mainstream websites has been blocked in Iran, including ], which has been blocked since 2009. About 90% of Iran's ] takes place on the Iranian online store ], which has around 750,000 visitors per day and is the most visited online store in the Middle East.<ref>{{cite news |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/may/31/amazon-iranian-style-digikala-other-startups-aparat-hamijoo-takhfifan |title=From Digikala to Hamijoo: the Iranian startup revolution, phase two |last=Kamali Dehghan |first=Saeed |date=13 May 2015 |access-date=14 December 2016 |archive-date=12 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412095014/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/may/31/amazon-iranian-style-digikala-other-startups-aparat-hamijoo-takhfifan |url-status=live }}</ref>
Iran's official ] begins with ], an ancient Iranian tradition celebrated annually on the ] and described as the ''Persian New Year''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/events_calendar/march_2010/norouz_persian_new_year.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100306060954/https://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/events_calendar/march_2010/norouz_persian_new_year.aspx|archive-date=6 March 2010|title=Norouz Persian New Year|publisher=British Museum|date=25 March 2010|access-date=6 April 2010}}</ref> It was registered on the ]'s list of ] in 2009.<ref name="Unesco.org_November_29_2015c">{{cite web |url=http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/en/proclamation-of-masterpieces-00103 |title=Proclamation of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity (2001–2005) – intangible heritage – Culture Sector – UNESCO |newspaper=Unesco.org |date=2000 |access-date= 29 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.un.org/spanish/aboutun/organs/ga/55/verbatim/a55pv94e.pdf |title=General Assembly Fifty-fifth session 94th plenary meeting Friday, 9 March 2001, 10 a.m. New York |publisher=United Nations General Assembly |date=9 March 2001 |access-date=6 April 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060805065511/http://www.un.org/spanish/aboutun/organs/ga/55/verbatim/a55pv94e.pdf |archive-date=5 August 2006 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20100317/wl_time/08599197278600|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100322222922/http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20100317/wl_time/08599197278600|archive-date=22 March 2010|title=Nowrooz, a Persian New Year Celebration, Erupts in Iran – Yahoo!News|publisher=News.yahoo.com|date=16 March 2010|access-date=6 April 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://washingtontimes.com/news/2010/mar/19/us-mulls-persian-new-year-outreach-to-iran/|title=US mulls Persian New Year outreach|work=Washington Times|date=19 March 2010|access-date=6 April 2010}}</ref> On the eve of the last Wednesday of the preceding year, as a prelude to Nowruz, the ancient festival of ] celebrates ] ("fire") by performing rituals such as jumping over ]s and lighting ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://financialtribune.com/articles/people/61234/call-for-safe-yearend-celebration |title=Call for Safe Yearend Celebration |date=12 March 2017 |newspaper=Financial Tribune |quote=The ancient tradition has transformed over time from a simple bonfire to the use of firecrackers{{nbsp}}...}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/north-korea-fires-ballistic-missile-toward-east-sea-official-says-n779401 |title=Light It Up! Iranians Celebrate Festival of Fire |date=19 March 2014 |work=NBC News}}</ref>

], another ancient tradition,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://en.mehrnews.com/news/112907/Yalda-Iranian-celebration-of-winter-solstice |author=Rezaian, Lachin |publisher=] |date=20 December 2015 |title=Yalda: Iranian celebration of winter solstice}}</ref> commemorates the ancient goddess ] and marks the longest night of the year on the eve of the ] (usually falling on 20 or 21 December),<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yonOicJi5BEC |title=No More "us" and "them": Classroom Lessons and Activities to Promote Peer Respect |author=Roessing, Lesley |date=2012 |page=89|publisher=R&L Education |isbn=978-1-61048-812-9 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2013/dec/20/local/la-me-adv-persian-winter-solstice-20131221 |title=In ancient tradition, Iranians celebrate winter solstice |author=Hamedy, Saba |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=20 December 2013}}</ref> during which families gather to recite poetry and eat fruits.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ti24AwAAQBAJ |title=Religions of Iran: From Prehistory to the Present |author=Foltz, Richard |publisher=Oneworld Publications |date=2013 |page=29|isbn=978-1-78074-307-3 |author-link=Foltz, Richard }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OUtoJovyjMI |title=We Are Iran: The Persian Blogs |author=Alavi, Nasrin |date=8 November 2015 |publisher=Soft Skull Press |page=135 }}{{dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In some regions of ] and ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://english.irib.ir/radioculture/iran/history/item/149883-historical-ceremonies-of-iran |title=Historical ceremonies of Iran |publisher=] |date=29 April 2013 |quote=...{{nbsp}}people in Mazandaran province celebrate Tirgan. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010055806/http://english.irib.ir/radioculture/iran/history/item/149883-historical-ceremonies-of-iran |archive-date=10 October 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=http://kutaksam.karabuk.edu.tr/index.php/ilk/article/viewFile/774/582 |journal=Journal of History Culture and Art Research |title=Examining the Social Function of Dramatic Rituals of Mazandaran with Emphasis on Three Rituals of tir mā sizeŝu, bisto šeše aydimā, and čake se mā |last1=Ahmadzadeh |first1=Fatemeh |last2=Mohandespour |first2=Farhad |date=February 2017 |page=839 |quote=...{{nbsp}}Tirgan called tir mā sizeŝu (thirteen night of Tir) is still held in Mazandaran.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.destinationiran.com/ceremonies-iran.htm |title=Ceremonies in Iran |date=22 March 2010 |author=Mehraby, Rahman |website=DestinationIran.com |quote=...{{nbsp}}people in Mazandaran province celebrate Tirgan.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://old.iran-daily.com/1390/4/1/MainPaper/3986/Page/6/MainPaper_3986_6.pdf |date=22 June 2011 |title=Tirgan Festival in Markazi Province |newspaper=]}}</ref> there is a ] festival, ],<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IhhOBAAAQBAJ |title=The Mertowney Mountain Interviews |publisher=] |author=Leviton, Richard |date=16 July 2014 |page=252 |quote=...{{nbsp}}the summer solstice festival, called ''Tiregan'',{{nbsp}}...|isbn=978-1-4917-4129-0 }}</ref> which is observed on ] 13 (2 or 3{{nbsp}}July) as a celebration of water.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hPAnDwAAQBAJ |title=Revelation and the Environment, AD 95-1995 |author1=Hobson, Sarah |author2=Lubchenco, Jane |page=151 |date=5 August 1997 |publisher=] |quote=''Tirgan'', is a joyous celebration of water in the height of summer,{{nbsp}}...|isbn=978-981-4545-69-3 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ulb9CQAAQBAJ |title=Emotional Schema Therapy |author=Leahy, Robert L. |publisher=] |date=2015 |page=212 |quote=...{{nbsp}}, Tirgan (thanksgiving for water),{{nbsp}}...|isbn=978-1-4625-2054-1 }}</ref>

Islamic annual events such as ], ], and ] are marked by the country's large Muslim population, Christian traditions such as ],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://observers.france24.com/en/20131223-iran-muslim-youth-christmas-christians |title=In Iran, Muslim youth are 'even more excited about Christmas than Christians' |publisher=] |date=23 December 2013}}</ref> ], and ]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/media/2017/04/17/1381730/iranian-christians-celebrate-easter |title=Iranian Christians cCelebrate Easter |date=17 April 2017 |publisher=]}}</ref> are observed by the Christian communities, Jewish traditions such as ],<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.tabletmag.com/jewish-life-and-religion/165094/reading-megillah-in-tehran |date=13 March 2014 |author=Secunda, Shai |title=Reading Megillah in Tehran: How Iranian Jews Celebrate Purim |magazine=]}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/galleries/iran-photo-of-the-day.html?displayTab=iranian-jews-observe-hanukkah |title=Iranian Jews observe Hanukkah |date=28 November 2013 |publisher=] |access-date=6 July 2017}}</ref> and ] (Pesah)<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/jewish/iran-jews-celebrate-passover-persian-style-1.358018 |title=Iran Jews Celebrate Passover, Persian-style |newspaper=] |date=25 April 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://washingtonjewishweek.com/1107/persian-passover/special-focuses/holiday-calendar |author=Holzel, David |title=Persian Passover |date=24 May 2013 |publisher=] |access-date=20 July 2017 |archive-date=31 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731023719/http://washingtonjewishweek.com/1107/persian-passover/special-focuses/holiday-calendar/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> are observed by the Jewish communities, and Zoroastrian traditions such as ]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/35170156/ns/technology_and_science-science/t/iranians-celebrate-ancient-persian-fire-fest |title=Iranians celebrate ancient Persian fire fest |date=31 January 2010 |author=Dareini, Ali Akbar |work=NBC News}}</ref> and ] are observed by the Zoroastrians.

==== Public holidays ====

{{Main|Public holidays in Iran}}
{{See also|Iranian calendars}}
Iran's ] is the ], beginning at the ] in the ].<ref name="Calenica">{{cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/calendars |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Iranica |title=Calendars |trans-title=The solar Hejrī (Š. = Šamsī) and Šāhanšāhī calendars |access-date=4 July 2017}}</ref> Each of the 12 months of the Solar Hejri calendar correspond with a ], and the length of each year is solar.<ref name="Calenica" /> Alternatively, the ] is used to indicate Islamic events, and the ] marks international events.

Legal public holidays based on the Iranian solar calendar include the cultural celebrations of Nowruz (] 1–4; 21–24 March) and Sizdebedar (] 13; 2{{nbsp}}April), and the political events of ] (] 12; 1{{nbsp}}April), the death of ] (] 14; 4{{nbsp}}June), the ] (] 15; 5{{nbsp}}June), the anniversary of the ] (] 22; 10 February), and ] (] 29; 19 March).<ref name="irmys">{{cite web |url=https://www.mysteryofiran.com/holidays-in-iran |title=Iran Public Holidays 2017 |publisher=Mystery of Iran |access-date=6 July 2017 |archive-date=10 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010060510/https://www.mysteryofiran.com/holidays-in-iran |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Lunar Islamic public holidays include Tasua (] 9), Ashura (] 10), Arba'een (] 20), the death of Muhammad (] 28), the death of Ali al-Ridha (] 29 or 30), the birthday of Muhammad (] 17), the death of Fatimah (] 3), the birthday of Ali (] 13), Muhammad's first revelation (] 27), the birthday of Muhammad al-Mahdi (] 15), the death of Ali (] 21), Eid al-Fitr (] 1–2), the death of Ja'far al-Sadiq (] 25), Eid al-Qurban (] 10), and Eid al-Qadir (] 18).<ref name="irmys" />


=== Cuisine === === Cuisine ===
{{Main|Iranian cuisine}} {{Main|Iranian cuisine}}
] (rice and ]), one of ]]]
] (rice and ]), one of ].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/restaurants/dindin-kitchen-restaurant-review-9309786.html |newspaper=] |title=Dindin Kitchen – restaurant review |date=1 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.examiner.co.uk/lifestyle/restaurant-review-apadana-huddersfield-4884705 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230083526/http://www.examiner.co.uk/lifestyle/restaurant-review-apadana-huddersfield-4884705 |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 December 2017 |newspaper=] |title=Restaurant review: Apadana, Huddersfield |date=21 June 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/a-maple-syrup-mecca-for-irans-gays |title=A Maple Syrup Mecca for Iran's Gays |date=10 August 2014 |website=]|last1=Strochlic |first1=Nina }}</ref>]]
Iranian main dishes include varieties of ], ], ] (]), ] and ], and ]. Lunch and dinner meals are commonly accompanied by side dishes such as plain ] or ], ], ], and ], and might follow dishes such as ], ], or ].


In Iranian culture, tea is widely consumed.<ref>{{cite book |title=Iran – Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture |author=Williams, Stuart. |chapter=DRINKING |date=October 2008 |publisher=Kuperard |isbn=978-1-85733-598-9 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YXYFAQAAQBAJ |quote=Iranians are obsessive tea drinkers}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/iranianrapperspe0000masl |url-access=registration |title=Iranian Rappers and Persian Porn: A Hitchhiker's Adventures in the New Iran |publisher=Skyhorse Publishing Inc. |author=Maslin, Jamie. |quote=Iran is a nation of obsessive tea drinkers |page=|isbn=978-1-60239-791-0 |year=2009 }}</ref> Iran is the world's seventh major tea producer.<ref name=FAOSTAT>Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations—Production . Retrieved 30 April 2010.</ref> One of Iran's most popular desserts is the ].<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PswWAgAAQBAJ |title=The Foodspotting Field Guide |publisher=Chronicle Books |author=Foodspotting |date=18 March 2014 |chapter=24 / Dessert: Faloodeh|isbn=978-1-4521-3008-8 }}</ref> There is also the popular saffron ice cream, known as '']'' ("traditional ice cream"),<ref>{{cite web |url=https://billypenn.com/2017/02/07/franklin-fountain-has-an-impeach-sundae-with-nuts-from-the-cabinet |author=Henninger, Danya |website=BillyPenn.com |title=Franklin Fountain has an ImPeach sundae with 'nuts from the cabinet' |date=7 February 2017}}</ref> which is sometimes accompanied with ].<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=v-GACwAAQBAJ |title=Taste of Persia: A Cook's Travels Through Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, and Kurdistan |author=Duguid, Naomi |page=353 |quote=...{{nbsp}}havij bastani, a kind of ice cream float, made with Persian ice cream and carrot juice |isbn=978-1-57965-727-7 |date=6 September 2016 |publisher=Artisan }}</ref> Iran is also famous for its ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1383/2228/html/focus.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050716074736/http://www.iran-daily.com/1383/2228/html/focus.htm|archive-date=16 July 2005 |title=Sturgeon Stocks Slump |publisher=Iran-daily.com |access-date=21 June 2013}}</ref> Iranian main dishes include varieties of ], ], ] (]), ] and ], and ]. Lunch and dinner meals are commonly accompanied by side dishes such as plain ] or ], ], ], and ], and might follow dishes such as ], ], or ]. In Iranian culture, tea is widely consumed.<ref>{{cite book |author=Williams, Stuart. |title=Iran – Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture |date=October 2008 |publisher=Kuperard |isbn=978-1-85733-598-9 |chapter=DRINKING |quote=Iranians are obsessive tea drinkers |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YXYFAQAAQBAJ}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Maslin, Jamie. |url=https://archive.org/details/iranianrapperspe0000masl |title=Iranian Rappers and Persian Porn: A Hitchhiker's Adventures in the New Iran |publisher=Skyhorse Publishing Inc. |year=2009 |isbn=978-1-60239-791-0 |page= |quote=Iran is a nation of obsessive tea drinkers |url-access=registration}}</ref> Iran is the world's seventh major tea producer.<ref name="FAOSTAT2">Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations—Production {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111115042315/http://faostat.fao.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?PageID=567&lang=en |date=15 November 2011 }}. Retrieved 30 April 2010.</ref> One of Iran's most popular desserts is the ].<ref>{{cite book |author=Foodspotting |title=The Foodspotting Field Guide |date=18 March 2014 |publisher=Chronicle Books |isbn=978-1-4521-3008-8 |chapter=24 / Dessert: Faloodeh |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PswWAgAAQBAJ}}</ref> There is also the popular saffron ice cream, known as '']'' ("traditional ice cream"),<ref>{{cite web |author=Henninger, Danya |date=7 February 2017 |title=Franklin Fountain has an ImPeach sundae with 'nuts from the cabinet' |url=https://billypenn.com/2017/02/07/franklin-fountain-has-an-impeach-sundae-with-nuts-from-the-cabinet |website=BillyPenn.com |access-date=20 July 2017 |archive-date=19 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819144151/https://billypenn.com/2017/02/07/franklin-fountain-has-an-impeach-sundae-with-nuts-from-the-cabinet/ |url-status=live }}</ref> which is sometimes accompanied with ].<ref>{{Cite book |author=Duguid, Naomi |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=v-GACwAAQBAJ |title=Taste of Persia: A Cook's Travels Through Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, and Kurdistan |date=6 September 2016 |publisher=Artisan |isbn=978-1-57965-727-7 |page=353 |quote=...{{nbsp}}havij bastani, a kind of ice cream float, made with Persian ice cream and carrot juice}}</ref> Iran is also famous for its ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Sturgeon Stocks Slump |url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1383/2228/html/focus.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050716074736/http://www.iran-daily.com/1383/2228/html/focus.htm |archive-date=16 July 2005 |access-date=21 June 2013 |publisher=Iran-daily.com}}</ref>

Typical Iranian main dishes are combinations of ] with ], ]s and ]. ] are frequently used, along with fruits such as ]s, ]s, ], ]s, ]s and ]s. Characteristic Iranian spices and flavourings such as ], ], and ] and other sources of sour flavoring, ], ] and ] are mixed and used in various dishes.


=== Sports === === Sports ===

{{Main|Sport in Iran}} {{Main|Sport in Iran}}
{{multiple image|

| align = right
Iran is most likely the birthplace of ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.polomuseum.com/history_of_polo.htm |title=The History of Polo |publisher=Polomuseum.com |access-date= 27 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/The-Origins-of-Polo/ |title=The origins and history of Polo |publisher=Historic-uk.com |author= Ben Johnson |access-date= 27 March 2015}}</ref> locally known as ''čowgān'', with its earliest records attributed to the ancient ].<ref>{{Cite book|author=Singh, Jaisal|year=2007|title=Polo in India|location=London |publisher=New Holland|page=|isbn=978-1-84537-913-1}}</ref> ] is traditionally considered the ] of Iran, and the ] have been world champions on many occasions. Iran's traditional wrestling, called '']'' ("heroic wrestling"), is registered on ]'s ] list.{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}}

Being a mountainous country, Iran is a venue for ], ], ], ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rockclimbing.com/ |title=Rock Climbing Routes, Gear, Photos, Videos & Articles |publisher=Rockclimbing.com |date=27 October 2009 |access-date=18 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615152628/http://www.rockclimbing.com/ |archive-date=15 June 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mountainzone.ir/ |title=Iran Mountain Zone (IMZ) |publisher=Mountainzone.ir |date=11 June 1966 |access-date=18 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc-of-mountaineering.com/middle-east/iran/ |title=Mountaineering in Iran |publisher=Abc-of-mountaineering.com |access-date=18 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707072811/https://www.abc-of-mountaineering.com/middle-east/iran/ |archive-date=7 July 2011 }}</ref> It is home to several ski resorts, the most famous being ], ], and ].<ref name="Snowseasoncentral.com_November_29_2015c">{{cite web |url=http://www.snowseasoncentral.com/work-a-winter-snow-season-iran |title=Iran – Guide to Skiing and Snowboarding |publisher=Snowseasoncentral.com |date=2015 |access-date= 29 November 2015}}</ref> The resort of Tochal, located in the ] mountain rage, is the world's fifth-highest ski resort ({{convert|3730|m|ft|0|abbr=on|disp=or}} at its highest station). Dizin is the largest Iranian ski resort, and its officially granted the title by ] to administer official and international competitions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-15 |title=Dizi (IRI) |url=https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/event-details.html?eventid=47908&sectorcode=AL&seasoncode=2021 |website=FIS}}</ref>

{{Multiple image
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| image1 = Dizin ski resort.jpg | image1 = Dizin ski resort.jpg
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| caption1 = ] is the biggest ] in the ]. | caption1 = ], biggest ] in the ]
| image2 = Azadi Stadium in the final week of the 39th League.jpg | image2 = Azadi Stadium in the final week of the 39th League.jpg
| alt2 = | alt2 =
| caption2 = ] in ] is ]'s largest football stadium. | caption2 = ] in ], ]'s largest football stadium
}} }}


Iran's ] was founded in 1947. Wrestlers and ] have achieved the country's highest ]. In September 1974, Iran became the first country in West Asia to host the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Asian Games |url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1059784/history-of-asian-games |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=www.insidethegames.biz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iranian Great Power Ambitions and China's Return to the Olympic Movement, 1973-74 {{!}} Wilson Center |url=https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/iranian-great-power-ambitions-and-chinas-return-to-the-olympic-movement-1973-74 |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=www.wilsoncenter.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Teenagers won titles in the Tehran 1974 Asian Games where South Korea and Iran were the bests |url=http://www.asbcnews.org/teenagers-won-titles-in-the-tehran-1974-asian-games-where-south-korea-and-iran-were-the-bests/ |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=ASBCNEWS |language=en-US}}</ref> Iran is the most likely birthplace of ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.polomuseum.com/history_of_polo.htm |title=The History of Polo |publisher=Polomuseum.com |access-date=27 March 2015 |archive-date=17 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130717015002/http://www.polomuseum.com/history_of_polo.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/The-Origins-of-Polo/ |title=The origins and history of Polo |publisher=Historic-uk.com |author=Ben Johnson |access-date=27 March 2015 |archive-date=28 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150228012509/http://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/The-Origins-of-Polo/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran Chamber Society: Sport in Iran: History of Chogân (Polo) |url=https://www.iranchamber.com/sport/chogan/chogan_history.php |access-date=2024-05-26 |website=www.iranchamber.com |archive-date=26 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526112927/https://www.iranchamber.com/sport/chogan/chogan_history.php |url-status=live }}</ref> locally known as Chogan, with its earliest records attributed to the ancient ].<ref>{{Cite book|author=Singh, Jaisal|year=2007|title=Polo in India|location=London |publisher=New Holland|page=|isbn=978-1-84537-913-1}}</ref> ] is traditionally considered the ], and ] have been world champions many times. Iran's traditional wrestling, called '']'' ("heroic wrestling"), is registered on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zurkhaneh Traditional Sports |url=https://traditionalsportsgames.org/index.php/sport/35-traditional-sports-recognized/214-zurkhaneh |access-date=2 May 2024 |website=traditionalsportsgames.org |archive-date=2 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502163840/https://traditionalsportsgames.org/index.php/sport/35-traditional-sports-recognized/214-zurkhaneh |url-status=live }}</ref> Iran's ] was founded in 1947. Wrestlers and ] have achieved the country's highest ]. In 1974, Iran became the first country in West Asia to host the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Asian Games |url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1059784/history-of-asian-games |access-date=28 January 2024 |website=www.insidethegames.biz |archive-date=18 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118004949/https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1059784/history-of-asian-games |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iranian Great Power Ambitions and China's Return to the Olympic Movement, 1973–74 {{!}} Wilson Center |url=https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/iranian-great-power-ambitions-and-chinas-return-to-the-olympic-movement-1973-74 |access-date=28 January 2024 |website=www.wilsoncenter.org |language=en |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128122610/https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/iranian-great-power-ambitions-and-chinas-return-to-the-olympic-movement-1973-74 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Teenagers won titles in the Tehran 1974 Asian Games where South Korea and Iran were the bests |url=http://www.asbcnews.org/teenagers-won-titles-in-the-tehran-1974-asian-games-where-south-korea-and-iran-were-the-bests/ |access-date=28 January 2024 |website=ASBCNEWS |language=en-US |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128122610/http://www.asbcnews.org/teenagers-won-titles-in-the-tehran-1974-asian-games-where-south-korea-and-iran-were-the-bests/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


As a mountainous country, Iran is a venue for ], ], ], ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rockclimbing.com/ |title=Rock Climbing Routes, Gear, Photos, Videos & Articles |publisher=Rockclimbing.com |date=27 October 2009 |access-date=18 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615152628/http://www.rockclimbing.com/ |archive-date=15 June 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mountainzone.ir/ |title=Iran Mountain Zone (IMZ) |publisher=Mountainzone.ir |date=11 June 1966 |access-date=18 June 2011 |archive-date=9 December 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021209175412/http://www.mountainzone.ir/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc-of-mountaineering.com/middle-east/iran/ |title=Mountaineering in Iran |publisher=Abc-of-mountaineering.com |access-date=18 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707072811/https://www.abc-of-mountaineering.com/middle-east/iran/ |archive-date=7 July 2011 }}</ref> It is home to ski resorts, the most famous being ], ], and ].<ref name="Snowseasoncentral.com_November_29_2015c">{{cite web |url=http://www.snowseasoncentral.com/work-a-winter-snow-season-iran |title=Iran – Guide to Skiing and Snowboarding |publisher=Snowseasoncentral.com |date=2015 |access-date=29 November 2015 |archive-date=8 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108113156/http://www.snowseasoncentral.com/work-a-winter-snow-season-iran |url-status=live }}</ref> Dizin is the largest, and authorised by ] to administer international competitions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 December 2023 |title=Dizi (IRI) |url=https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/event-details.html?eventid=47908&sectorcode=AL&seasoncode=2021 |website=FIS |access-date=15 December 2023 |archive-date=15 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215183320/https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/event-details.html?eventid=47908&sectorcode=AL&seasoncode=2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>
] is the most popular sport in Iran, with the ] having won the ] on three occasions. The men's national team ranks first in Asia and 22nd in the world according to the ] ({{as of|September 2021|lc=y}}).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/associations/association/IRN/men/|title=Iran: FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking|publisher=FIFA.com |access-date=4 May 2020}}</ref> The ] in Tehran is the largest association football stadium in ] and on the list of top-20 best stadiums in the world.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayward |first=Joshua |title=Ranking the Top 20 Stadiums in World Football |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1804430-ranking-the-top-20-stadiums-in-world-football |access-date=2023-12-26 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref>


Volleyball is the second most popular sport.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aipsmedia.com/index.php?page=news&cod=16859&tp=n|title=AIPS Web Site – USA Volleyball president tips Iran to qualify for Rio|date=2 December 2011|work=aipsmedia.com|access-date=26 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015234936/http://www.aipsmedia.com/index.php?page=news&cod=16859&tp=n|archive-date=15 October 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldofvolley.com/News/Latest_news/170/volleyball-pioneer-ahmad-masajedi-says-irans-rise-to-the-top-wont-stop-.html|title=WorldofVolley :: Volleyball pioneer Ahmad Masajedi says Iran's rise to the top won't stop|work=worldofvolley.com|date=2 December 2011 |access-date=26 October 2015}}</ref> Having won the 2011 and 2013 ]s, the ] is the strongest team in Asia, and ranks eighth in the ] ({{as of|2017|July|lc=y}}). ] is the most popular sport, with the ] having won the ] three times. The men's team ranks 2nd in Asia and 20th in the ] {{as of|April 2024|lc=y}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/associations/association/IRN/men/|title=Iran: FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking|publisher=FIFA.com|access-date=4 May 2020|archive-date=14 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414135244/https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/associations/association/IRN/men/|url-status=live}}</ref> The ] in Tehran is the largest association football stadium in West Asia and on a list of top-20 stadiums in the world.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayward |first=Joshua |title=Ranking the Top 20 Stadiums in World Football |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1804430-ranking-the-top-20-stadiums-in-world-football |access-date=26 December 2023 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en |archive-date=29 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229064950/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1804430-ranking-the-top-20-stadiums-in-world-football |url-status=live }}</ref> Volleyball is the second most popular sport.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aipsmedia.com/index.php?page=news&cod=16859&tp=n|title=AIPS Web Site – USA Volleyball president tips Iran to qualify for Rio|date=2 December 2011|work=aipsmedia.com|access-date=26 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015234936/http://www.aipsmedia.com/index.php?page=news&cod=16859&tp=n|archive-date=15 October 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldofvolley.com/News/Latest_news/170/volleyball-pioneer-ahmad-masajedi-says-irans-rise-to-the-top-wont-stop-.html|title=WorldofVolley :: Volleyball pioneer Ahmad Masajedi says Iran's rise to the top won't stop|work=worldofvolley.com|date=2 December 2011|access-date=26 October 2015|archive-date=15 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015234934/http://www.worldofvolley.com/News/Latest_news/170/volleyball-pioneer-ahmad-masajedi-says-irans-rise-to-the-top-wont-stop-.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Having won the 2011 and 2013 ]s, the ] is the 2nd strongest in Asia, and 15th in the ] {{as of|2024|January|lc=y}}. ] is also popular, with the ] having won three ] since 2007.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/espnmag/story?id=3671265 |access-date=21 April 2012 |work=ESPN |first=Sam |last=Alipour |title=Mission Improbable |date=21 April 2012 |archive-date=24 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121124115828/http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?id=3671265 |url-status=live }}</ref>


=== Observances ===
] is also popular,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?id=3671265 |access-date=21 April 2012 |work=ESPN |first=Sam |last=Alipour |title=Mission Improbable |date=21 April 2012}}</ref> with the ] having won three ] since 2007.
{{See also|List of festivals in Iran}}
], a custom of ], the Iranian New Year<ref>{{Cite web |last1=parisa |last2=Bakhtiari |first2=Parisa |date=24 August 2019 |title=All About Haft-Sin: The 7 'S' of Iranian New Year |url=https://surfiran.com/mag/all-about-haft-sin-the-7-s-of-iranian-new-year/ |access-date=26 December 2023 |website=SURFIRAN Mag |language=en-US}}</ref>]]


Iran's official ] begins with ], an ancient Iranian tradition celebrated annually on the ] and described as the ''Persian New Year''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/events_calendar/march_2010/norouz_persian_new_year.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100306060954/https://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/events_calendar/march_2010/norouz_persian_new_year.aspx|archive-date=6 March 2010|title=Norouz Persian New Year|publisher=British Museum|date=25 March 2010|access-date=6 April 2010}}</ref> It was registered on the UNESCO's list of ] in 2009.<ref name="Unesco.org_November_29_2015c">{{cite web |url=http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/en/proclamation-of-masterpieces-00103 |title=Proclamation of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity (2001–2005) – intangible heritage – Culture Sector – UNESCO |newspaper=Unesco.org |date=2000 |access-date=29 November 2015 |archive-date=28 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170128153729/http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/en/proclamation-of-masterpieces-00103 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.un.org/spanish/aboutun/organs/ga/55/verbatim/a55pv94e.pdf |title=General Assembly Fifty-fifth session 94th plenary meeting Friday, 9 March 2001, 10 a.m. New York |publisher=United Nations General Assembly |date=9 March 2001 |access-date=6 April 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060805065511/http://www.un.org/spanish/aboutun/organs/ga/55/verbatim/a55pv94e.pdf |archive-date=5 August 2006 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20100317/wl_time/08599197278600|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100322222922/http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20100317/wl_time/08599197278600|archive-date=22 March 2010|title=Nowrooz, a Persian New Year Celebration, Erupts in Iran – Yahoo!News|publisher=News.yahoo.com|date=16 March 2010|access-date=6 April 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://washingtontimes.com/news/2010/mar/19/us-mulls-persian-new-year-outreach-to-iran/|title=US mulls Persian New Year outreach|work=Washington Times|date=19 March 2010|access-date=6 April 2010|archive-date=29 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429190624/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/mar/19/us-mulls-persian-new-year-outreach-to-iran/|url-status=live}}</ref> On the eve of the last Wednesday of the preceding year, as a prelude to Nowruz, the ancient festival of ] celebrates ] ("fire") by performing rituals such as jumping over ]s and lighting ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://financialtribune.com/articles/people/61234/call-for-safe-yearend-celebration |title=Call for Safe Yearend Celebration |date=12 March 2017 |newspaper=Financial Tribune |quote=The ancient tradition has transformed over time from a simple bonfire to the use of firecrackers{{nbsp}}... |access-date=20 July 2017 |archive-date=6 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806054618/https://financialtribune.com/articles/people/61234/call-for-safe-yearend-celebration |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/north-korea-fires-ballistic-missile-toward-east-sea-official-says-n779401 |title=Light It Up! Iranians Celebrate Festival of Fire |date=19 March 2014 |work=NBC News |access-date=20 July 2017 |archive-date=4 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704014053/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/north-korea-fires-ballistic-missile-toward-east-sea-official-says-n779401 |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2016, Iran made global headlines for international female champions boycotting tournaments in Iran in chess (U.S. Woman Grandmaster ])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/37559853/the-22-year-old-chess-star-boycotting-iran-world-championships-over-hijab|title=The 22-year-old chess star boycotting Iran World Championships over hijab|work=BBC|date=5 October 2016|access-date=1 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/10/06/i-will-not-wear-a-hijab-u-s-chess-star-refuses-to-attend-world-championships-in-iran/|title='I will NOT wear a hijab': U.S. chess star refuses to attend world championships in Iran|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=6 October 2016|access-date=1 November 2016}}</ref> and in shooting (Indian world champion ]),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/shooter-heena-sidhu-withdraws-tournament-iran-says-wont-wear-hijab-52095|title=Shooter Heena Sidhu withdraws from tournament in Iran, says won't wear hijab|work=thenewsminute|date=29 October 2016|access-date=1 November 2016}}</ref> as they refused to enter a country where they would be forced to wear a ].


], another ancient tradition,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://en.mehrnews.com/news/112907/Yalda-Iranian-celebration-of-winter-solstice |author=Rezaian, Lachin |publisher=] |date=20 December 2015 |title=Yalda: Iranian celebration of winter solstice |access-date=20 July 2017 |archive-date=23 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423204417/https://en.mehrnews.com/news/112907/Yalda-Iranian-celebration-of-winter-solstice |url-status=live }}</ref> commemorates the ancient goddess ] and marks the longest night of the year on the eve of the ] (usually on 20 or 21 December),<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yonOicJi5BEC |title=No More "us" and "them": Classroom Lessons and Activities to Promote Peer Respect |author=Roessing, Lesley |date=2012 |page=89|publisher=R&L Education |isbn=978-1-61048-812-9 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-adv-persian-winter-solstice-20131221-story.html |title=In ancient tradition, Iranians celebrate winter solstice |author=Hamedy, Saba |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=20 December 2013 |access-date=20 July 2017 |archive-date=21 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221040108/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/dec/20/local/la-me-adv-persian-winter-solstice-20131221 |url-status=live }}</ref> during which families gather to recite poetry and eat fruits.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ti24AwAAQBAJ |title=Religions of Iran: From Prehistory to the Present |author=Foltz, Richard |publisher=Oneworld Publications |date=2013 |page=29|isbn=978-1-78074-307-3 |author-link=Foltz, Richard }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OUtoJovyjMI |title=We Are Iran: The Persian Blogs |author=Alavi, Nasrin |date=8 November 2015 |publisher=Soft Skull Press |page=135 }}{{dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In some regions of ] and ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://english.irib.ir/radioculture/iran/history/item/149883-historical-ceremonies-of-iran |title=Historical ceremonies of Iran |publisher=] |date=29 April 2013 |quote=...{{nbsp}}people in Mazandaran province celebrate Tirgan. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010055806/http://english.irib.ir/radioculture/iran/history/item/149883-historical-ceremonies-of-iran |archive-date=10 October 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=http://kutaksam.karabuk.edu.tr/index.php/ilk/article/viewFile/774/582 |journal=Journal of History Culture and Art Research |title=Examining the Social Function of Dramatic Rituals of Mazandaran with Emphasis on Three Rituals of tir mā sizeŝu, bisto ڑeڑe aydimā, and èake se mā |last1=Ahmadzadeh |first1=Fatemeh |last2=Mohandespour |first2=Farhad |date=February 2017 |page=839 |quote=...{{nbsp}}Tirgan called tir mā sizeŝu (thirteen night of Tir) is still held in Mazandaran. |access-date=20 July 2017 |archive-date=30 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730111934/http://kutaksam.karabuk.edu.tr/index.php/ilk/article/viewFile/774/582 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.destinationiran.com/ceremonies-iran.htm |title=Ceremonies in Iran |date=22 March 2010 |author=Mehraby, Rahman |website=DestinationIran.com |quote=...{{nbsp}}people in Mazandaran province celebrate Tirgan. |access-date=20 July 2017 |archive-date=30 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730193205/https://www.destinationiran.com/ceremonies-iran.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://old.iran-daily.com/1390/4/1/MainPaper/3986/Page/6/MainPaper_3986_6.pdf |date=22 June 2011 |title=Tirgan Festival in Markazi Province |newspaper=] |access-date=20 July 2017 |archive-date=30 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730115718/http://old.iran-daily.com/1390/4/1/MainPaper/3986/Page/6/MainPaper_3986_6.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> there is a ] festival, ],<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IhhOBAAAQBAJ |title=The Mertowney Mountain Interviews |publisher=] |author=Leviton, Richard |date=16 July 2014 |page=252 |quote=...{{nbsp}}the summer solstice festival, called ''Tiregan'',{{nbsp}}...|isbn=978-1-4917-4129-0 }}</ref> which is observed on ] 13 (2 or 3{{nbsp}}July) as a celebration of water.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hPAnDwAAQBAJ |title=Revelation and the Environment, AD 95-1995 |author1=Hobson, Sarah |author2=Lubchenco, Jane |page=151 |date=5 August 1997 |publisher=] |quote=''Tirgan'', is a joyous celebration of water in the height of summer,{{nbsp}}...|isbn=978-981-4545-69-3 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ulb9CQAAQBAJ |title=Emotional Schema Therapy |author=Leahy, Robert L. |publisher=] |date=2015 |page=212 |quote=...{{nbsp}}, Tirgan (thanksgiving for water),{{nbsp}}...|isbn=978-1-4625-2054-1 }}</ref>
=== Museums ===
{{Main|List of museums in Iran}}
], in Tehran.]]
] in ] is the country's most important cultural institution.<ref>{{Cite web |title=National Museum of Iran |url=https://www.letsgoiran.com/iran-travel-guide/tehran-travel-guide/national-museum-of-iran |access-date=2024-01-06 |website=letsgoiran.com}}</ref> As the first and biggest museum in Iran, the institution includes the ] and the ]. The National Museum is the world's most important museum in terms of preservation, display and research of archaeological collections of Iran,<ref>{{Cite web |title=National Museum of Iran – Official Site For National Museum Of Iran |url=https://irannationalmuseum.ir/en/ |access-date=2024-01-06 |language=fa-IR}}</ref> and ranks as one of the few most prestigious museums globally in terms of volume, diversity and quality of its monuments.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-07 |title=National Museum of Iran |url=https://en.unesco.org/silkroad/content/national-museum-iran |website=UNESCO}}</ref>


Islamic annual events such as ], ], and ] are marked by the country's population, Christian traditions such as ],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://observers.france24.com/en/20131223-iran-muslim-youth-christmas-christians |title=In Iran, Muslim youth are 'even more excited about Christmas than Christians' |publisher=] |date=23 December 2013 |access-date=20 July 2017 |archive-date=19 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619132125/http://observers.france24.com/en/20131223-iran-muslim-youth-christmas-christians |url-status=live }}</ref> ], and ] are observed by the Christian communities, Jewish traditions such as ]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/galleries/iran-photo-of-the-day.html?displayTab=iranian-jews-observe-hanukkah |title=Iranian Jews observe Hanukkah |date=28 November 2013 |publisher=] |access-date=6 July 2017 |archive-date=10 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010062829/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/galleries/iran-photo-of-the-day.html?displayTab=iranian-jews-observe-hanukkah |url-status=live }}</ref> and ] (Pesah)<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/jewish/iran-jews-celebrate-passover-persian-style-1.358018 |title=Iran Jews Celebrate Passover, Persian-style |newspaper=] |date=25 April 2011 |access-date=20 July 2017 |archive-date=29 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170529234901/http://www.haaretz.com/jewish/iran-jews-celebrate-passover-persian-style-1.358018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://washingtonjewishweek.com/1107/persian-passover/special-focuses/holiday-calendar |author=Holzel, David |title=Persian Passover |date=24 May 2013 |publisher=] |access-date=20 July 2017 |archive-date=31 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731023719/http://washingtonjewishweek.com/1107/persian-passover/special-focuses/holiday-calendar/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> are observed by the Jewish communities, and Zoroastrian traditions such as ]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna35170156 |title=Iranians celebrate ancient Persian fire fest |date=31 January 2010 |author=Dareini, Ali Akbar |work=NBC News |access-date=20 July 2017 |archive-date=10 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010070334/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/35170156/ns/technology_and_science-science/t/iranians-celebrate-ancient-persian-fire-fest |url-status=live }}</ref> and ] are observed by the Zoroastrians.
There are many other popular museums across the country such as the ] (]), ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], Hegmataneh Museum, Susa Museum and more. In 2019, around 25 million people visited the museums.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-07 |title=25 million people visited museums last year |url=https://en.irna.ir/news/83321603/25-million-people-visit-museums-last-year |website=IRNA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-05-21 |title=25 million visited Iran's heritage museums in calendar year |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/436197/25-million-visited-Iran-s-heritage-museums-in-calendar-year |access-date=2024-01-06 |website=Tehran Times |language=en}}</ref>


=== Media === ==== Public holidays ====
{{Main|Media of Iran}} {{Main|Public holidays in Iran}}


With 26, Iran has one of the world's highest number of public holidays.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ranking of the countries with the most public holidays |url=https://www.hrdive.com/press-release/20190625-ranking-of-the-countries-with-the-most-public-holidays-1/ |access-date=3 May 2024 |website=HR Dive |language=en-US |archive-date=3 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503134859/https://www.hrdive.com/press-release/20190625-ranking-of-the-countries-with-the-most-public-holidays-1/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=soheil |date=9 February 2022 |title=The Total Count of Public Holidays in Iran |url=https://iranamaze.com/public-holidays-iran/ |access-date=3 May 2024 |website=Iran Tours IranAmaze |language=en-US |archive-date=3 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503134859/https://iranamaze.com/public-holidays-iran/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It ranks 1st in the world with the most paid leave days: 52.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Which countries have the most vacation days? |url=https://www.hcamag.com/us/news/general/which-countries-have-the-most-vacation-days/480443 |access-date=3 May 2024 |website=www.hcamag.com |language=en |archive-date=3 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503134859/https://www.hcamag.com/us/news/general/which-countries-have-the-most-vacation-days/480443 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Soltani |first=Zahra |date=23 March 2023 |title=Iran Holiday: National & Public Holidays in Iran (Persian Holidays) |url=https://iranontour.com/festivals/iran-holiday-national-public-holidays-in-iran/ |access-date=3 May 2024 |website=IranOnTour |language=en-US |archive-date=3 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503134859/https://iranontour.com/festivals/iran-holiday-national-public-holidays-in-iran/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Iran's ] is the ], beginning at the ] in the ].<ref name="Calenica">{{cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/calendars |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Iranica |title=Calendars |trans-title=The solar Hejrī (ٹ. = ٹamsī) and ٹāhanڑāhī calendars |access-date=4 July 2017 |archive-date=17 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517021434/http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/calendars |url-status=live }}</ref> Each of the 12 months of the Solar Hejri calendar correspond with a ], and the length of each year is solar.<ref name="Calenica" /> Alternatively, the ] is used to indicate Islamic events, and the ] marks international events.
], the Iranian ] media corporation.|left]]


Legal public holidays based on the Iranian solar calendar include the cultural celebrations of Nowruz (] 1–4; 21–24 March) and Sizdebedar (] 13; 2{{nbsp}}April), and the political events of ] (] 12; 1{{nbsp}}April), the death of ] (] 14; 4{{nbsp}}June), the ] (] 15; 5{{nbsp}}June), the anniversary of the ] (] 22; 10 February), and ] (] 29; 19 March).<ref name="irmys">{{cite web |url=https://www.mysteryofiran.com/holidays-in-iran |title=Iran Public Holidays 2017 |publisher=Mystery of Iran |access-date=6 July 2017 |archive-date=10 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010060510/https://www.mysteryofiran.com/holidays-in-iran |url-status=dead }}</ref>
According to the ], Iran ranks 174th out of 180 countries as of 2021.<ref>{{cite web|date=2020|title=2020 World Press Freedom Index|url=https://rsf.org/en/ranking}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://rsf.org/en/news/iranian-court-imposes-total-ban-telegram |work=Reporters Without Borders |title=Iranian court imposes total ban on Telegram |date=4 May 2018 |access-date=2 December 2018}}</ref> The ] is responsible for the ], including activities regarding communications and information.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.unesco.org/new/en/tehran/about-this-office/single-view/news/irans_minister_of_culture_and_islamic_guidance_calls_for |title=Iran's Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance calls for expansion of ties with UNESCO |work=UNESCO |access-date=2 December 2018 |date=15 December 2014}}</ref>
Most of the ] are in Persian, the country's official language. The country's most widely circulated periodicals are based in Tehran, among which are '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']''.<ref name=BYI /> '']'', '']'', and '']'' are among English-language newspapers based in Iran.


Lunar Islamic public holidays include Tasua (] 9), Ashura (] 10), Arba'een (] 20), Muhammad's death (] 28), the death of Ali al-Ridha (] 29 or 30), the birthday of Muhammad (] 17), the death of Fatimah (] 3), the birthday of Ali (] 13), Muhammad's first revelation (] 27), the birthday of Muhammad al-Mahdi (] 15), the death of Ali (] 21), Eid al-Fitr (] 1–2), the death of Ja'far al-Sadiq (] 25), Eid al-Qurban (] 10), and Eid al-Qadir (] 18).<ref name="irmys" />
Since the Iranian Revolution, Iran's largest media corporation is the ] (IRIB).<ref name=BYI /> Despite the restrictions on non-domestic television, about 65% of the residents of Tehran and about 30 to 40% of residents outside the capital access worldwide television channels through ]es, although observers state that the figures are likely to be higher.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/persian_letters_satellite_dishes_iran_police/24514665.html |title=Nothing Comes Between Iranians And Their Satellite Dishes – Not Even The Police |date=13 March 2012 |work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |work=France 24 |url=http://observers.france24.com/en/20121220-iran-dismantle-satellite-dishes-tv-tehran |title=Iran's war on satellite dishes: "We just buy new ones the next day" |date=20 December 2012}}</ref>

According to Internet World Stats, {{as of|2017|lc=y}}, around 69.1% of the population are Internet users.<ref name="IWStats">{{cite web |work=Internet World Stats |url=http://www.internetworldstats.com/me/ir.htm |title=Iran Internet usage, broadband and telecommunications reports |access-date=2 December 2018}}</ref> Iran ranks 17th among ]. ] is Iran's most widely used search engine and ] is the most popular online ].<ref name="Alexa Internet">{{cite web |work=Alexa Internet |url=http://www.alexa.com/topsites/countries/IR |title=Top Sites in Iran |access-date=2 December 2018 |archive-date=10 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101210145701/http://www.alexa.com/topsites/countries/ir |url-status=dead }}</ref> Direct access to many worldwide mainstream websites has been blocked in Iran, including ], which has been blocked since 2009 due to the organization of anti-governmental protests on the website.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=30 April 2008|url=http://www.hamsaweb.org/crime/4.html|title=Facebook Faces Censorship in Iran|publisher=]|date=29 August 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080424001859/http://www.hamsaweb.org/crime/4.html|archive-date=24 April 2008}}</ref> However, {{as of|2017|lc=y}}, Facebook has around 40 million subscribers based in Iran (48.8% of the population) who use ]s and ]s to access the website.<ref name="IWStats" /> About 90% of Iran's ] takes place on the Iranian online store Digikala, which has around 750,000 visitors per day and is the most visited online store in the Middle East.<ref>{{cite news |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/may/31/amazon-iranian-style-digikala-other-startups-aparat-hamijoo-takhfifan |title=From Digikala to Hamijoo: the Iranian startup revolution, phase two |last=Kamali Dehghan |first=Saeed |date=13 May 2015}}</ref><ref name="Alexa Internet" />

=== Fashion and clothing ===
{{Main|Fashion in Iran}}
], 2019.]]
The exact date of the emergence of ] in Iran is not yet known, but it is likely to coincide with the emergence of ]. ] and many historians have considered ] to be first to use ] and hair as clothing, while others propose ].<ref name=":02">{{Cite book|title=پوشاک در ایران باستان، فریدون پوربهمن/ت: هاجر ضیاء سیکارودی، امیرکبیر|year=2007|pages=24, 25, 57}}</ref> Ferdowsi considers ] to be a kind of ] initiator in Iran. The clothing of ancient Iran took an advanced form, and the fabric and colour of clothing became very important. Depending on the social status, eminence, climate of the region and the season, ] during the Achaemenian period took various forms. This clothing, in addition to being functional, had an aesthetic role.<ref name=":02" />


== See also == == See also ==
{{Portal |Iran|Middle East|Shia Islam}} {{portal|Iran|Shia Islam}}
* ]{{Clear}} * ]


== Explanatory notes == == Explanatory notes ==
<templatestyles src="Reflist/styles.css" /><div class="reflist reflist-lower-alpha"><references group="lower-alpha" /></div>
{{notelist}}


== References == == References ==
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=== Citations === === Citations ===
<references />
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}


== Bibliography == == Bibliography ==
{{Refbegin}} {{Refbegin|30em}}
* {{cite book |last=Axworthy |first=Michael |title=A History of Iran: Empire of the Mind |publisher=Basic Books |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-465-09876-7}} * {{cite book |last=Axworthy |first=Michael |title=A History of Iran: Empire of the Mind |publisher=Basic Books |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-465-09876-7}}
* {{cite book |last=Foltz |first=Richard |title=Iran in World History |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-933550-3}} * {{cite book |last=Foltz |first=Richard |title=Iran in World History |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-933550-3}}
* {{cite book | last=Hamzeh'ee | first=M. Reza | title=The Yaresan: a sociological, historical, and religio-historical study of a Kurdish community | publisher=K. Schwarz | publication-place=Berlin | year=1990 | isbn=3-922968-83-X | oclc=23438701 | url=http://menadoc.bibliothek.uni-halle.de/iud/content/structure/1330754}} * {{cite book | last=Hamzeh'ee | first=M. Reza | title=The Yaresan: a sociological, historical, and religio-historical study of a Kurdish community | publisher=K. Schwarz | publication-place=Berlin | year=1990 | isbn=3-922968-83-X | oclc=23438701 | url=http://menadoc.bibliothek.uni-halle.de/iud/content/structure/1330754 | access-date=26 March 2024 | archive-date=13 October 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013042354/https://menadoc.bibliothek.uni-halle.de/iud/content/structure/1330754 | url-status=live }}
* ''''. 2008, Washington, DC: ], 354 pp. * '' {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622105658/http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/pdf/CS_Iran.pdf |date=22 June 2015 }}''. 2008, Washington, DC: ], 354 pp.
* {{cite encyclopedia |last=Lawergren |first=Bo |author-link=Bo Lawergren |year=2009 |encyclopedia=] |title=Music History i. Pre-Islamic Iran |publisher=] |location=Leiden |url=https://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/music-history-i-pre-islamic-iran}} * {{cite encyclopedia |last=Lawergren |first=Bo |author-link=Bo Lawergren |year=2009 |encyclopedia=] |title=Music History i. Pre-Islamic Iran |publisher=] |location=Leiden |url=https://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/music-history-i-pre-islamic-iran |access-date=5 March 2023 |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326033715/https://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/music-history-i-pre-islamic-iran |url-status=live }}
* {{Cite encyclopedia |year=1998 |title=Ērān, Ērānšahr |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Iranica |publisher=Mazda |location=Costa Mesa |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/eran-eransah |last=MacKenzie |first=David Niel |volume=8}} * {{Cite encyclopedia |year=1998 |title=Ērān, Ērānڑahr |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Iranica |publisher=Mazda |location=Costa Mesa |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/eran-eransah |last=MacKenzie |first=David Niel |volume=8 |access-date=8 August 2011 |archive-date=13 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313095654/http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/eran-eransah |url-status=live }}
*{{cite book |last=Mikaberidze |first=Alexander |title=Conflict and Conquest in the Islamic World: A Historical Encyclopedia |volume=1 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-59884-336-1}} *{{cite book |last=Mikaberidze |first=Alexander |title=Conflict and Conquest in the Islamic World: A Historical Encyclopedia |volume=1 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-59884-336-1}}
* {{cite book |last1=Fisher |first1=William Bayne |last2=Avery |first2=P. |last3=Hambly |first3=G.R.G |last4=Melville |first4=C. |title=The Cambridge History of Iran |volume=7 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H20Xt157iYUC |publisher=Cambridge University Press |location=Cambridge |year=1991 |isbn=978-0-521-20095-0}} * {{Cite book |last=Moin |first=Baqer |title=Khomeini: Life of the Ayatollah |publisher=Thomas Dunne Books |year=2000 |isbn=0-312-26490-9 |url=https://archive.org/details/khomeinilifeofay00moin }}
* {{cite book |last1=Fisher |first1=William Bayne |last2=Avery |first2=P. |last3=Hambly |first3=G.R.G |last4=Melville |first4=C. |title=The Cambridge History of Iran |volume=7 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H20Xt157iYUC |publisher=Cambridge University Press |location=Cambridge |year=1991 |isbn=978-0-521-20095-0 }}
* {{cite book |last1=Roisman |first1=Joseph |last2=Worthington |first2=Ian |title=A Companion to Ancient Macedonia |publisher=John Wiley and Sons |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-4443-5163-7 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QsJ183uUDkMC}} * {{cite book |last1=Roisman |first1=Joseph |last2=Worthington |first2=Ian |title=A Companion to Ancient Macedonia |publisher=John Wiley and Sons |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-4443-5163-7 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QsJ183uUDkMC |access-date=22 August 2017 |archive-date=15 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115223538/https://books.google.com/books?id=QsJ183uUDkMC |url-status=live }}
* {{Cite encyclopedia |year=1987 |title=Aryans |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Iranica |publisher=Routledge & Kegan Paul |location=New York |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/aryans |last=Schmitt |first=Rüdiger |volume=2 |pages=684–687}} * {{Cite encyclopedia |year=1987 |title=Aryans |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Iranica |publisher=Routledge & Kegan Paul |location=New York |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/aryans |last=Schmitt |first=Rüdiger |volume=2 |pages=684–687 |access-date=11 March 2016 |archive-date=20 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420222159/http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/aryans |url-status=live }}
*{{Cite encyclopedia |title=IRAJ |encyclopedia=Encyclopaedia Iranica |url=https://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/iraj |last=Shahbazi |first=Alireza Shapour |date=2004}} *{{Cite encyclopedia |title=IRAJ |encyclopedia=Encyclopaedia Iranica |url=https://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/iraj |last=Shahbazi |first=Alireza Shapour |date=2004 |access-date=26 January 2024 |archive-date=24 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224030714/https://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/iraj |url-status=live }}
*{{Cite book |title=Contemporary Iran: Economy, Society, Politics |last=Tohidi |first=Nayareh |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-19-537849-8 |editor-last=Gheissari |editor-first=Ali |chapter=Ethnicity and Religious Minority Politics in Iran}} *{{Cite book |title=Contemporary Iran: Economy, Society, Politics |last=Tohidi |first=Nayareh |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-19-537849-8 |editor-last=Gheissari |editor-first=Ali |chapter=Ethnicity and Religious Minority Politics in Iran}}
{{Refend}} {{Refend}}


== External links == == External links ==
* * {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206120424/http://www.leader.ir/langs/en/ |date=6 February 2016 }}
* * {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627010455/http://president.ir/en/ |date=27 June 2018 }}
* {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090517064110/http://en.iran.ir/ |date=17 May 2009 }} {{in lang|fa}} * {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090517064110/http://en.iran.ir/ |date=17 May 2009 }} {{in lang|fa}}
* . '']''. ]. * {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505102855/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/iran/ |date=5 May 2024 }}. '']''. ].
* {{GovPubs|iran}} * {{GovPubs|iran}}
* {{curlie|Regional/Middle_East/Iran}}
* {{Wikiatlas|Iran}} * {{Wikiatlas|Iran}}


{{Navboxes top| title = Articles related to Iran}} {{Navboxes top| title = Articles related to Iran}}
<templatestyles src="Plain navboxes/styles.css" /><div class="PlainNavboxes">{{Iran topics|state=expanded}}</div>
{{Portal:Iran/Topics}}
{{Countries bordering the Persian Gulf}} {{Countries bordering the Persian Gulf}}
{{Countries bordering the Arabian Sea}} {{Countries bordering the Arabian Sea}}
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{{Shanghai Cooperation Organisation}} {{Shanghai Cooperation Organisation}}
{{Organisation of Islamic Cooperation|state=collapsed}} {{Organisation of Islamic Cooperation|state=collapsed}}
{{D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation}}
{{Navboxes bottom}} {{Navboxes bottom}}
{{#invoke:Sister project links|main|bar=1}} {{#invoke:Sister project links|main|bar=1}}
{{#invoke:Authority control|authorityControl}} {{#invoke:Authority control|authorityControl}}


{{coord|32|N|53|E|dim:1000km_type:country_region:IR|format=dms|display=title}} {{#invoke:Coordinates|coord|32|N|53|E|dim:1000km_type:country_region:IR|format=dms|display=title}}


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Latest revision as of 00:15, 5 January 2025

Country in West Asia For other uses, see Iran (disambiguation). "Persia" redirects here. Not to be confused with Persis. For other uses, see Persia (disambiguation).

Islamic Republic of Iranجمهوری اسلامی ایران (Persian)
Jomhuri-ye Eslâmi-ye Irân
Flag of Iran Flag Emblem of Iran Emblem
Motto: اَللَّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ
Allāhu ʾakbar (Takbir)
"God is the Greatest"
(de jure)
استقلال، آزادی، جمهوری اسلامی
Esteqlâl, Âzâdi, Jomhuri-ye Eslâmi
"Independence, freedom, the Islamic Republic"
(de facto)
Anthem: سرود ملی جمهوری اسلامی ایران
Sorud-e Melli-ye Jomhuri-ye Eslâmi-ye Irân
"National Anthem of the Islamic Republic of Iran"
Iran on the globeMap of Iran
Capitaland largest cityTehran
35°41′N 51°25′E / 35.683°N 51.417°E / 35.683; 51.417
Official languagesPersian
Demonym(s)Iranian
GovernmentUnitary presidential theocratic Islamic republic
• Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei
• President Masoud Pezeshkian
• Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref
LegislatureIslamic Consultative Assembly
Formation
• Median kingdom c. 678 BC
• Achaemenid Empire 550 BC
• Parthian Empire 247 BC
• Sasanian Empire 224 AD
• Iranian Intermezzo 821
• Safavid Iran 1501
• Afsharid Iran 1736
• Constitutional Revolution 12 December 1905
• Pahlavi Iran 15 December 1925
• Iranian Revolution 11 February 1979
• Current constitution 3 December 1979
Area
• Total1,648,195 km (636,372 sq mi) (17th)
• Water (%)1.63 (as of 2015)
Population
• 2024 estimateNeutral increase 85,961,000 (17th)
• Density52/km (134.7/sq mi) (132nd)
GDP (PPP)2024 estimate
• TotalIncrease $1.698 trillion (23rd)
• Per capitaIncrease $19,607 (95th)
GDP (nominal)2024 estimate
• TotalIncrease $434.243 billion (37th)
• Per capitaIncrease $5,013 (120th)
Gini (2022)Positive decrease 34.8
medium inequality
HDI (2022)Increase 0.780
high (78th)
CurrencyIranian rial (ریال) (IRR)
Time zoneUTC+3:30 (IRST)
ISO 3166 codeIR
Internet TLD
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Iran, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) and also known as Persia, is a country in West Asia. It borders Turkey to the northwest and Iraq to the west, Azerbaijan, Armenia, the Caspian Sea, and Turkmenistan to the north, Afghanistan to the east, Pakistan to the southeast, the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf to the south. With a multi-ethnic population of about 86 million in an area of 1,648,195 km (636,372 sq mi), Iran ranks 17th globally in both geographic size and population. It is the sixth-largest country entirely in Asia and one of the world's most mountainous countries. Officially an Islamic republic, Iran has a Muslim-majority population. The country is divided into five regions with 31 provinces. Tehran is the nation's capital, largest city and financial centre.

A cradle of civilisation, Iran has been inhabited since the Lower Palaeolithic. The large part of Iran was first unified as a political entity by the Medes under Cyaxares in the seventh century BC, and reached its territorial height in the sixth century BC, when Cyrus the Great founded the Achaemenid Empire, one of the largest in ancient history. Alexander the Great conquered the empire in the fourth century BC. An Iranian rebellion established the Parthian Empire in the third century BC and liberated the country, which was succeeded by the Sasanian Empire in the third century AD. Ancient Iran saw some of the earliest developments of writing, agriculture, urbanisation, religion and central government. Muslims conquered the region in the seventh century AD, leading to Iran's Islamisation. The blossoming literature, philosophy, mathematics, medicine, astronomy and art became major elements for Iranian civilisation during the Islamic Golden Age. A series of Iranian Muslim dynasties ended Arab rule, revived the Persian language and ruled the country until the Seljuk and Mongol conquests of the 11th to 14th centuries.

In the 16th century, the native Safavids re-established a unified Iranian state with Twelver Shi'ism as the official religion. During the Afsharid Empire in the 18th century, Iran was a leading world power, though by the 19th century, it had lost significant territory through conflicts with the Russian Empire. The early 20th century saw the Persian Constitutional Revolution and the establishment of the Pahlavi dynasty. Attempts by Mohammad Mosaddegh to nationalise the oil industry led to an Anglo-American coup in 1953. After the Iranian Revolution, the monarchy was overthrown in 1979 and the Islamic Republic of Iran was established by Ruhollah Khomeini, who became the country's first Supreme Leader. In 1980, Iraq invaded Iran, sparking the eight-year-long Iran–Iraq War, which ended in stalemate.

Iran is officially governed as a unitary Islamic republic with a presidential system, with ultimate authority vested in a Supreme Leader. The government is authoritarian and has attracted widespread criticism for its significant violations of human rights and civil liberties. Iran is a major regional power, due to its large reserves of fossil fuels, including the world's second largest natural gas supply, third largest proven oil reserves, its geopolitically significant location, military capabilities, cultural hegemony, regional influence, and role as the world's focal point of Shia Islam. The Iranian economy is the world's 23rd-largest by PPP. Iran is a founding member of the United Nations, OIC, OPEC, and ECO as well as a current member of the NAM, SCO, and BRICS. Iran is home to 28 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the 10th highest in the world, and ranks 5th in Intangible Cultural Heritage, or human treasures.

Etymology

Main article: Name of Iran
Inscription of Ardeshir Babakan (ruling 224–242) in Naqsh-e Rostam
Rock relief of Ardashir I (224–242 AD) in Naqsh-e Rostam, inscribed "This is the figure of Mazdaworshipper, the lord Ardashir, King of Iran."

The term Iran 'the land of the Aryans' derives from Middle Persian Ērān, first attested in a 3rd-century inscription at Naqsh-e Rostam, with the accompanying Parthian inscription using Aryān, in reference to the Iranians. Ērān and Aryān are oblique plural forms of gentilic nouns ēr- (Middle Persian) and ary- (Parthian), deriving from Proto-Iranian language *arya- (meaning 'Aryan', i.e. of the Iranians), recognised as a derivative of Proto-Indo-European language *ar-yo-, meaning 'one who assembles (skilfully)'. According to Iranian mythology, the name comes from Iraj, a legendary king.

Iran was referred to as Persia by the West, due to Greek historians who referred to all of Iran as Persís, meaning 'the land of the Persians'. Persia is the Fars province in southwest Iran, the 4th largest province, also known as Pârs. The Persian Fârs (فارس), derived from the earlier form Pârs (پارس), which is in turn derived from Pârsâ (Old Persian: 𐎱𐎠𐎼𐎿). Due to Fars' historical importance, Persia originated from this territory through Greek in around 550 BC, and Westerners referred to the entire country as Persia, until 1935, when Reza Shah requested the international community to use its native and original name, Iran; Iranians called their nation Iran since at least 1000 BC. Today, both Iran and Persia are used culturally, while Iran remains mandatory in official use.

The Persian pronunciation of Iran is [ʔiːˈɾɒːn]. Commonwealth English pronunciations of Iran are listed in the Oxford English Dictionary as /ɪˈrɑːn/ and /ɪˈræn/, while American English dictionaries provide pronunciations which map to /ɪˈrɑːn, -ˈræn, aɪˈræn/, or /ɪˈræn, ɪˈrɑːn, aɪˈræn/. The Cambridge Dictionary lists /ɪˈrɑːn/ as the British pronunciation and /ɪˈræn/ as the American pronunciation. Voice of America's pronunciation guide provides /ɪˈrɑːn/.

History

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Main article: History of Iran Further information: Timeline of Iranian history
Chogha Zanbil is one of the few extant ziggurats outside of Mesopotamia and is considered to be the best preserved example in the world.

Iran is home to one of the world's oldest continuous major civilisations, with historical and urban settlements dating back to 4000 BC. The western part of the Iranian plateau participated in the traditional ancient Near East with Elam (3200–539 BC), and later with other peoples such as the Kassites, Mannaeans, and Gutians. Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel called the Persians the "first Historical People". The Iranian Empire began in the Iron Age with the rise of the Medes, who unified Iran as a nation and empire in 625 BC. The Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BC), founded by Cyrus the Great, was the largest empire the world had seen, spanning from the Balkans to North Africa and Central Asia. They were succeeded by the Seleucid, Parthian, and Sasanian Empires, who governed Iran for almost 1,000 years, making Iran a leading power once again. Persia's arch-rival during this time was the Roman Empire and its successor, the Byzantine Empire.

Iran endured invasions by the Macedonians, Arabs, Turks, and Mongols. Despite these invasions, Iran continually reasserted its national identity and developed as a distinct political and cultural entity. The Muslim conquest of Persia (632–654) ended the Sasanian Empire and marked a turning point in Iranian history, leading to the Islamisation of Iran from the eighth to tenth centuries and the decline of Zoroastrianism. However, the achievements of prior Persian civilisations were absorbed into the new Islamic polity. Iran suffered invasions by nomadic tribes during the Late Middle Ages and early modern period, negatively impacting the region. Iran was reunified as an independent state in 1501 by the Safavid dynasty, which established Shia Islam as the empire's official religion, marking another turning point in the history of Islam. Iran functioned again as a leading world power, especially in rivalry with the Ottoman Empire. In the 19th century, Iran lost significant territories in the Caucasus to the Russian Empire following the Russo-Persian Wars.

Iran remained a monarchy until the 1979 Iranian Revolution, when it officially became an Islamic republic on 1 April 1979. Since then, Iran has experienced significant political, social, and economic changes. The establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran led to the restructuring of its political system, with Ayatollah Khomeini as the Supreme Leader. Iran's foreign relations have been shaped by the Iran–Iraq War (1980–1988), ongoing tensions with the United States, and its nuclear programme, which has been a point of contention in international diplomacy.

Since the 1990s

Main articles: Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Operation Martyr Soleimani, April 2024 Iranian strikes against Israel, and October 2024 Iranian strikes against Israel

In 1989, Akbar Rafsanjani concentrated on a pro-business policy of rebuilding the economy without breaking with the ideology of the revolution. He supported a free market domestically, favouring privatisation of state industries and a moderate position internationally. In 1997, Rafsanjani was succeeded by moderate reformist Mohammad Khatami, whose government advocated freedom of expression, constructive diplomatic relations with Asia and the European Union, and an economic policy that supported a free market and foreign investment.

The 2005 presidential election brought conservative populist and nationalist candidate Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to power. He was known for his hardline views, nuclearisation, and hostility towards Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UK, the US and other states. He was the first president to be summoned by the parliament to answer questions regarding his presidency. In 2013, centrist and reformist Hassan Rouhani was elected president. In domestic policy, he encouraged personal freedom, free access to information, and improved women's rights. He improved Iran's diplomatic relations through exchanging conciliatory letters. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was reached in Vienna in 2015, between Iran, the P5+1 (UN Security Council + Germany) and the EU. The negotiations centred around ending the economic sanctions in exchange for Iran's restriction in producing enriched uranium. In 2018, however, the US under Trump Administration withdrew from the deal and new sanctions were imposed. This nulled the economic provisions, left the agreement in jeopardy, and brought Iran to nuclear threshold status. In 2020, IRGC general, Qasem Soleimani, the 2nd-most powerful person in Iran, was assassinated by the US, heightening tensions between them. Iran retaliated against US airbases in Iraq, the largest ballistic missile attack ever on Americans; 110 sustained brain injuries.

Hardliner Ebrahim Raisi ran for president again in 2021, succeeding Hassan Rouhani. During Raisi's term, Iran intensified uranium enrichment, hindered international inspections, joined SCO and BRICS, supported Russia in its invasion of Ukraine and restored diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia. In April 2024, Israel's airstrike on an Iranian consulate, killed an IRGC commander. Iran retaliated with UAVs, cruise and ballistic missiles; 9 hit Israel. Western and Jordanian military helped Israel down some Iranian drones. It was the largest drone strike in history, biggest missile attack in Iranian history, its first ever direct attack on Israel and the first time since 1991, Israel was directly attacked by a state force. This occurred during heightened tensions amid the Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip. In May 2024, President Raisi was killed in a helicopter crash, and Iran held a presidential election in June, when reformist and former Minister of Health, Masoud Pezeshkian, was elected to office. On 1 October 2024, Iran launched about 180 ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for assassinations of Ismail Haniyeh, Hassan Nasrallah and Abbas Nilforoushan. On 27 October, Israel responded to that attack by strikes on a missile defence system in the Iranian region of Isfahan.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Iran See also: Borders of Iran and Agriculture in IranMount Damavand, the highest volcano in Asia. It as has a special place in Persian mythology.Forest mountains of Filband region in Mazandaran province

Iran has an area of 1,648,195 km (636,372 sq mi). It is the sixth-largest country entirely in Asia and the second-largest in West Asia. It lies between latitudes 24° and 40° N, and longitudes 44° and 64° E. It is bordered to the northwest by Armenia (35 km or 22 mi), the Azeri exclave of Nakhchivan (179 km or 111 mi), and the Republic of Azerbaijan (611 km or 380 mi); to the north by the Caspian Sea; to the northeast by Turkmenistan (992 km or 616 mi); to the east by Afghanistan (936 km or 582 mi) and Pakistan (909 km or 565 mi); to the south by the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman; and to the west by Iraq (1,458 km or 906 mi) and Turkey (499 km or 310 mi).

Iran is in a seismically active area. On average, an earthquake of magnitude seven on the Richter scale occurs once every ten years. Most earthquakes are shallow-focus and can be very devastating, such as the 2003 Bam earthquake.

Iran consists of the Iranian Plateau. It is one of the world's most mountainous countries; its landscape is dominated by rugged mountain ranges that separate basins or plateaus. The populous west part is the most mountainous, with ranges such as the Caucasus, Zagros, and Alborz, the last containing Mount Damavand, Iran's highest point, at 5,610 m (18,406 ft), which is the highest volcano in Asia. Iran's mountains have impacted its politics and economics for centuries.

The north part is covered by the lush lowland Caspian Hyrcanian forests, near the southern shores of the Caspian Sea. The east part consists mostly of desert basins, such as the Kavir Desert, which is the country's largest desert, and the Lut Desert, as well as salt lakes. The Lut Desert is the hottest recorded spot on the Earth's surface, with 70.7 °C recorded in 2005. The only large plains are found along the coast of the Caspian and at the north end of the Persian Gulf, where the country borders the mouth of the Arvand river. Smaller, discontinuous plains are found along the remaining coast of the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman.

Islands

Main article: List of islands of Iran
Majara Residence, a seaside accommodation complex on the Hormuz Island, Persian Gulf

Iranian islands are mainly located in the Persian Gulf. Iran has 102 islands in Urmia Lake, 427 in Aras River, several in Anzali Lagoon, Ashurade Island in the Caspian Sea, Sheytan Island in the Oman Sea and other inland islands. Iran has an uninhabited island at the far end of the Gulf of Oman, near Pakistan. A few islands can be visited by tourists. Most are owned by the military or used for wildlife protection, and entry is prohibited or requires a permit.

Iran took control of Bumusa, and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs in 1971, in the Strait of Hormuz between the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Despite the islands being small and having little natural resources or population, they are highly valuable for their strategic location. Although the United Arab Emirates claims sovereignty, it has consistently been met with a strong response from Iran, based on their historical and cultural background. Iran has full-control over the islands.

Kish island, as a free trade zone, is touted as a consumer's paradise, with malls, shopping centres, tourist attractions, and luxury hotels. Qeshm is the largest island in Iran, and a UNESCO Global Geopark since 2016. Its salt cave, Namakdan, is the largest in the world, and one of the world's longest caves.

Climate

Main article: Climate of Iran
Köppen climate classification

Iran's climate is diverse, ranging from arid and semi-arid, to subtropical along the Caspian coast and northern forests. On the north edge of the country, temperatures rarely fall below freezing and the area remains humid. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 29 °C (84.2 °F). Annual precipitation is 680 mm (26.8 in) in the east part of the plain and more than 1,700 mm (66.9 in) in the west part. The UN Resident Coordinator for Iran, has said that "Water scarcity poses the most severe human security challenge in Iran today".

To the west, settlements in the Zagros basin experience lower temperatures, severe winters with freezing average daily temperatures and heavy snowfall. The east and central basins are arid, with less than 200 mm (7.9 in) of rain and have occasional deserts. Average summer temperatures rarely exceed 38 °C (100.4 °F). The southern coastal plains of the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman have mild winters, and very humid and hot summers. The annual precipitation ranges from 135 to 355 mm (5.3 to 14.0 in).

Biodiversity

See also: Wildlife of Iran, List of national parks and protected areas of Iran, and Forests of Iran
Persian leopard, native to the Iranian Plateau

More than one-tenth of the country is forested. About 120 million hectares of forests and fields are government-owned for national exploitation. Iran's forests can be divided into five vegetation regions: Hyrcanian region which forms the green belt of the north side of the country; the Turan region, which are mainly scattered in the centre of Iran; Zagros region, which mainly contains oak forests in the west; the Persian Gulf region, which is scattered in the southern coastal belt; the Arasbarani region, which contains rare and unique species. More than 8,200 plant species are grown. The land covered by natural flora is four times that of Europe's. There are over 200 protected areas to preserve biodiversity and wildlife, with over 30 being national parks.

Iran's living fauna includes 34 bat species, Indian grey mongoose, small Indian mongoose, golden jackal, Indian wolf, foxes, striped hyena, leopard, Eurasian lynx, brown bear and Asian black bear. Ungulate species include wild boar, urial, Armenian mouflon, red deer, and goitered gazelle. One of the most famous animals is the critically endangered Asiatic cheetah, which survives only in Iran. Iran lost all its Asiatic lions and the extinct Caspian tigers by the early 20th century. Domestic ungulates are represented by sheep, goat, cattle, horse, water buffalo, donkey and camel. Bird species like pheasant, partridge, stork, eagles and falcons are native.

Government and politics

Main articles: Government of Iran and Politics of Iran

Supreme Leader

Supreme Leader
Ali KhameneiPresident
Masoud Pezeshkian

The Supreme Leader, "Rahbar", Leader of the Revolution or Supreme Leadership Authority, is the head of state and responsible for supervision of policy. The president has limited power compared to the Rahbar. Key ministers are selected with the Rahbar's agreement and they have the ultimate say on foreign policy. The Rahbar is directly involved in ministerial appointments for Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Affairs, as well as other top ministries after submission of candidates from the president.

Regional policy is directly controlled by the Rahbar, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' task limited to protocol and ceremonial occasions. Ambassadors to Arab countries, for example, are chosen by the Quds Force, which directly reports to the Rahbar. The Rahbar can order laws to be amended. Setad was estimated at $95 billion in 2013 by Reuters, accounts of which are secret even to the parliament.

The Rahbar is the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, controls military intelligence and security operations, and has sole power to declare war or peace. The heads of the judiciary, state radio and television networks, commanders of the police and military, and the members of the Guardian Council are all appointed by the Rahbar.

The Assembly of Experts is responsible for electing the Rahbar, and has the power to dismiss him on the basis of qualifications and popular esteem. To date, the Assembly of Experts has not challenged any of the Rahbar's decisions nor attempted to dismiss him. The previous head of the judicial system, Sadeq Larijani, appointed by the Rahbar, said that it is illegal for the Assembly of Experts to supervise the Rahbar. Many believe the Assembly of Experts has become a ceremonial body without any real power.

The political system is based on the country's constitution. Iran ranked 154th in the 2022 The Economist Democracy Index. Juan José Linz wrote in 2000 that "the Iranian regime combines the ideological bent of totalitarianism with the limited pluralism of authoritarianism".

President

Main article: President of Iran
The entrance to Presidential Administration palace (Pasteur), the cabinet's meeting place, and President's office

The President is head of government and the second highest-ranking authority, after the Supreme Leader. The President is elected by universal suffrage for 4 years. Before elections, nominees to become a presidential candidate must be approved by the Guardian Council. The Council's members are chosen by the Leader, with the Leader having the power to dismiss the president. The President can only be re-elected for one term. The president is the deputy commander-in-chief of the Army, the head of Supreme National Security Council, and has the power to declare a state of emergency after passage by the parliament.

The President is responsible for the implementation of the constitution, and for the exercise of executive powers in implementing the decrees and general policies as outlined by the Rahbar, except for matters directly related to the Rahbar, who has the final say. The President functions as the executive of affairs such as signing treaties and other international agreements, and administering national planning, budget, and state employment affairs, all as approved by the Rahbar.

The President appoints ministers, subject to the approval of the Parliament, and the Rahbar, who can dismiss or reinstate any minister. The President supervises the Council of Ministers, coordinates government decisions, and selects government policies to be placed before the legislature. Eight Vice Presidents serve under the President, as well as a cabinet of 22 ministers, all appointed by the president.

Guardian Council

Main article: Guardian Council

Presidential and parliamentary candidates must be approved by the 12-member Guardian Council (all members of which are appointed by the Leader) or the Leader, before running to ensure their allegiance. The Leader rarely does the vetting, but has the power to do so, in which case additional approval of the Guardian Council is not needed. The Leader can revert the decisions of the Guardian Council.

The constitution gives the council three mandates: veto power over legislation passed by the parliament, supervision of elections and approving or disqualifying candidates seeking to run in local, parliamentary, presidential, or Assembly of Experts elections. The council can nullify a law based on two accounts: being against Sharia (Islamic law), or being against the constitution.

Supreme National Security Council

Main article: Supreme National Security Council

The Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) is at the top of the foreign policy decisions process. The council was formed during the 1989 Iranian constitutional referendum for the protection and support of national interests, the revolution, territorial integrity and national sovereignty. It is mandated by Article 176 of the Constitution to be presided over by the President.

The Leader selects the secretary of the Supreme Council, and the decisions of the council are effective after the confirmation by the Leader. The SNSC formulates nuclear policy, and would become effective if they are confirmed by the Leader.

Legislature

Main article: Islamic Consultative Assembly See also: Specialized Commissions of the Parliament of Iran, Supreme Audit Court of Iran, and Majlis Research CentreThe building of Iranian Parliament (Islamic Consultative Assembly—ICA)The ICA comprises 290 members.

The legislature, known as the Islamic Consultative Assembly (ICA), Iranian Parliament or "Majles", is a unicameral body comprising 290 members elected for four-years. It drafts legislation, ratifies international treaties, and approves the national budget. All parliamentary candidates and legislation from the assembly must be approved by the Guardian Council. The Guardian Council can and has dismissed elected members of the parliament. The parliament has no legal status without the Guardian Council, and the Council holds absolute veto power over legislation.

The Expediency Discernment Council has the authority to mediate disputes between Parliament and the Guardian Council, and serves as an advisory body to the Supreme Leader, making it one of the most powerful governing bodies in Iran.

The Parliament has 207 constituencies, including the 5 reserved seats for religious minorities. The remaining 202 are territorial, each covering one or more of Iran's counties.

Law

Main article: Judicial system of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Iran uses the Sharia law as its legal system, with elements of Civil law. The Supreme Leader appoints the head of the Supreme Court and chief public prosecutor. There are several types of courts, including public courts that deal with civil and criminal cases, and revolutionary courts which deal with certain offences, such as crimes against national security. The decisions of the revolutionary courts are final and cannot be appealed.

The Chief Justice is the head of the judicial system and responsible for its administration and supervision. He is the highest judge of the Supreme Court of Iran. The Chief Justice nominates candidates to serve as minister of justice, and the President selects one. The Chief Justice can serve for two five-year terms.

The Special Clerical Court handles crimes allegedly committed by clerics, although it has taken on cases involving laypeople. The Special Clerical Court functions independently of the regular judicial framework and is accountable only to the Rahbar. The Court's rulings are final and cannot be appealed. The Assembly of Experts, which meets for one week annually, comprises 86 "virtuous and learned" clerics elected by adult suffrage for 8-year terms.

Administrative divisions

Main articles: Regions of Iran, Provinces of Iran, and Counties of Iran See also: List of cities in Iran by province

Iran is subdivided into thirty-one provinces (Persian: استان ostân), each governed from a local centre, usually the largest local city, which is called the capital (Persian: مرکز, markaz) of that province. The provincial authority is headed by a governor-general (استاندار ostândâr), who is appointed by the Minister of the Interior subject to approval of the cabinet.

Alborz Ardabil Bushehr Chaharmahal
and Bakhtiari
Isfahan Fars Gilan Golestan Hamadan Hormozgan Ilam Kerman Kermanshah Khuzestan Kohgiluyeh and
Boyer-Ahmad
Kurdistan Lorestan Markazi Mazandaran Qazvin Qom Razavi
Khorasan
Semnan Sistan and
Baluchestan
Tehran Yazd Zanjan North
Khorasan
South
Khorasan
West
Azerbaijan
East
Azerbaijan
Caspian Sea Persian Gulf Turkmenistan Afghanistan Pakistan Azerbaijan Armenia T
u
r
k
e
y
Iraq Kuwait Saudi Arabia Map of Iran's Provinces

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of Iran
Nations with which Iran has diplomatic relations

Iran maintains diplomatic relations with 165 countries, but not the United States and Israel—a state which Iran derecognised in 1979.

Iran has an adversarial relationship with Saudi Arabia due to different political and ideologies. Iran and Turkey have been involved in modern proxy conflicts such as in Syria, Libya, and the South Caucasus. However, they have shared common interests, such as the issue of Kurdish separatism and the Qatar diplomatic crisis. Iran has a close and strong relationship with Tajikistan. Iran has deep economic relations and alliance with Iraq, Lebanon and Syria, with Syria often described as Iran's "closest ally".

The building of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which extensively uses Achaemenid architecture in its facade, National Garden

Russia is a key trading partner, especially in regard to its excess oil reserves. Both share a close economic and military alliance, and are subject to heavy sanctions by Western nations. Iran is the only country in Western Asia that has been invited to join the CSTO, the Russia-based international treaty organisation that parallels NATO.

Relations between Iran and China are strong economically; they have developed a friendly, economic and strategic relationship. In 2021, Iran and China signed a 25-year cooperation agreement that will strengthen the relations between the two countries and would include "political, strategic and economic" components. Iran-China relations dates back to at least 200 BC and possibly earlier. Iran is one of the few countries in the world that has a good relationship with both North and South Korea.

Iran is a member of dozens of international organisations, including the G-15, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, IDA, NAM, IDB, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, OIC, OPEC, WHO, and the UN, and currently has observer status at the WTO.

Military

Main articles: Military history of Iran and Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces
MRBM Sejjil. Iran is the world's 6th missile power, and the 5th country in the world with hypersonic missile technology

The military is organised under a unified structure, the Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces, comprising the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, which includes the Ground Forces, Air Defence Force, Air Force, and Navy; the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which consists of the Ground Forces, Aerospace Force, Navy, Quds Force, and Basij; and the Law Enforcement Command (Faraja), which serves an analogous function to a gendarme. While the IRIAF protects the country's sovereignty in a traditional capacity, the IRGC is mandated to ensure the integrity of the Republic, against foreign interference, coups, and internal riots. Since 1925, it is mandatory for all male citizen aged 18 to serve around 14 months in the IRIAF or IRGC.

Iran has over 610,000 active troops and around 350,000 reservists, totalling over 1 million military personnel, one of the world's highest percentage of citizens with military training. The Basij, a paramilitary volunteer militia within the IRGC, has over 20 million members, 600,000 available for immediate call-up, 300,000 reservists, and a million that could be mobilised when necessary. Faraja, the Iranian uniformed police force, has over 260,000 active personnel. Most statistical organisations do not include the Basij and Faraja in their ratings report.

Excluding the Basij and Faraja, Iran has been identified as a major military power, owing it to the size and capabilities of its armed forces. It possesses the world's 14th strongest military. It ranks 13th globally in terms of overall military strength, 7th in the number of active military personnel, and 9th in the size of both its ground force and armoured force. Iran's armed forces are the largest in West Asia and comprise the greatest Army Aviation fleet in the Middle East. Iran is among the top 15 countries in terms of military budget. In 2021, its military spending increased for the first time in four years, to $24.6 billion, 2.3% of the national GDP. Funding for the IRGC accounted for 34% of Iran's total military spending in 2021.

Since the Revolution, to overcome foreign embargoes, Iran has developed a domestic military industry capable of producing indigenous tanks, armoured personnel carriers, missiles, submarines, missile destroyer, radar systems, helicopters, naval vessels, and fighter planes. Official announcements have highlighted the development of advanced weaponry, particularly in rocketry. Consequently, Iran has the largest and most diverse ballistic missile arsenal in the Middle East and is only the 5th country in the world with hypersonic missile technology. It is the world's 6th missile power. Iran designs and produces a variety of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and is considered a global leader and superpower in drone warfare and technology. It is one of the world's five countries with cyberwarfare capabilities and is identified as "one of the most active players in the international cyber arena". Iran is an key exporter of arms since 2000s.

Following Russia's purchase of Iranian drones during the invasion of Ukraine, in November 2023, the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) finalized arrangements to acquire Russian Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets, Mil Mi-28 attack helicopters, air defence and missile systems. The Iranian Navy has had joint exercises with Russia and China.

Nuclear programme

Main article: Nuclear programme of Iran

Iran's nuclear programme dates back to the 1950s. Iran revived it after the Revolution, and its extensive nuclear fuel cycle, including enrichment capabilities, became the subject of intense international negotiations and sanctions. Many countries have expressed concern Iran could divert civilian nuclear technology into a weapons programme. In 2015, Iran and the P5+1 agreed to the Joint Comprehensive Plan on Action (JCPOA), aiming to end economic sanctions in exchange for restriction in producing enriched uranium.

In 2018, however, the US withdrew from the deal under the Trump administration, and reimposed sanctions. This was met with resistance by Iran and other members of the P5+1. A year later, Iran began decreasing its compliance. By 2020, Iran announced it would no longer observe any limit set by the agreement. Progress since then has brought Iran to the nuclear threshold status. As of November 2023, Iran had uranium enriched to up to 60% fissile content, close to weapon grade. Some analysts already regard Iran as a de facto nuclear power.

Regional influence

Main articles: Iranian influence in Lebanon, Iranian intervention in the Syrian civil war, and Iranian intervention in Iraq (2014–present)
Iran and its sphere of influence

Iran's significant influence and foothold, sometimes characterised as the "Dawn of A New Persian Empire." Some analysts associate the Iranian influence to the nation's proud national legacy, empire and history.

Since the Revolution, Iran has grown its influence across and beyond the region. It has built military forces with a wide network of state and none-state actors, starting with Hezbollah in Lebanon in 1982. The IRGC has been key to Iranian influence, through its Quds Force. The instability in Lebanon (from the 1980s), Iraq (from 2003) and Yemen (from 2014) has allowed Iran to build strong alliances and footholds beyond its borders. Iran has a prominent influence in the social services, education, economy and politics of Lebanon, and Lebanon provides Iran access to the Mediterranean Sea. Hezbollah's strategic successes against Israel, such as its symbolic victory during the 2006 Israel–Hezbollah War, elevated Iran's influence in the Levant and strengthened its appeal across the Muslim World.

Since the US invasion of Iraq in 2003 and the arrival of ISIS in the mid-2010s, Iran has financed and trained militia groups in Iraq. Since the Iran-Iraq war in 1980s and the fall of Saddam Hussein, Iran has shaped Iraq's politics. Following Iraq's struggle against ISIS in 2014, companies linked to the IRGC such as Khatam al-Anbiya, started to build roads, power plants, hotels and businesses in Iraq, creating an economic corridor worth around $9 billion before COVID-19. This is expected to grow to $20 billion.

Achaemenid Empire in 500 BCE

During Yemen's civil war, Iran provided military support to the Houthis, a Zaydi Shiite movement fighting Yemen's Sunni government since 2004. They gained significant power in recent years. Iran has considerable influence in Afghanistan and Pakistan through militant groups such as Liwa Fatemiyoun and Liwa Zainebiyoun.

In Syria, Iran has supported President Bashar al-Assad; the two countries are long-standing allies. Iran has provided significant military and economic support to Assad's government, so has a considerable foothold in Syria. Iran has long supported the anti-Israel fronts in North Africa in countries like Algeria and Tunisia, embracing Hamas in part to help undermine the popularity of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). Iran's support of Hamas emerged more clearly in later years. According to US intelligence, Iran does not have full control over these state and non-state groups.

Human rights and censorship

Main articles: Human rights in Iran, Capital punishment in Iran, and Censorship in Iran
The entrance to Evin Prison, established in 1972. VICE describes the prison as the "legendary terrifying place that nobody wants to end up."

The Iranian government has been denounced by various international organisations and governments for violating human rights. The government has frequently persecuted and arrested critics of the government. Iranian law does not recognise sexual orientations. Sexual activity between members of the same sex is illegal and is punishable by death. Capital punishment is a legal punishment, and according to the BBC, Iran "carries out more executions than any other country, except China". UN Special Rapporteur Javaid Rehman has reported discrimination against several ethnic minorities in Iran. A group of UN experts in 2022 urged Iran to stop "systematic persecution" of religious minorities, adding that members of the Baháʼí Faith were arrested, barred from universities, or had their homes demolished.

Censorship in Iran is ranked among the most extreme worldwide. Iran has strict internet censorship, with the government persistently blocking social media and other sites. Since January 2021, Iranian authorities have blocked a list of social media platforms; Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, Twitter and YouTube.

The 2006 election results were widely disputed, resulting in protests. The 2017–18 Iranian protests swept across the country in response to the economic and political situation. It was formally confirmed that thousands of protesters were arrested. The 2019–20 Iranian protests started on 15 November in Ahvaz, and spread across the country after the government announced increases in fuel prices of up to 300%. A week-long total Internet shutdown marked one of the most severe Internet blackouts in any country, and the bloodiest governmental crackdown of the protestors. Tens of thousands were arrested and hundreds were killed within a few days according to multiple international observers, including Amnesty International.

Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, was a scheduled international civilian passenger flight from Tehran to Kyiv, operated by Ukraine International Airlines. On 8 January 2020, the Boeing 737–800 flying the route was shot down by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) shortly after takeoff, killing all 176 occupants on board and leading to protests. An international investigation led to the government admitting to the shootdown, calling it a "human error". Another Protests against the government began on 16 September 2022 after a woman named Mahsa Amini died in police custody following her arrest by the Guidance Patrol, known commonly as the "morality police".

Economy

Main article: Economy of Iran See also: Subsidies in Iran and Banking and insurance in Iran

As of 2024, Iran has the world's 19th largest economy (by PPP). It is a mixture of central planning, state ownership of oil and other large enterprises, village agriculture, and small-scale private trading and service ventures. Services contribute the largest percentage of GDP, followed by industry (mining and manufacturing) and agriculture. The economy is characterised by its hydrocarbon sector, in addition to manufacturing and financial services. With 10% of the world's oil reserves and 15% of gas reserves, Iran is an energy superpower. Over 40 industries are directly involved in the Tehran Stock Exchange.

Tehran is the economic powerhouse of Iran. About 30% of Iran's public-sector workforce and 45% of its large industrial firms are located there, and half those firms' employees work for government. The Central Bank of Iran is responsible for developing and maintaining the currency: the Iranian rial. The government does not recognise trade unions other than the Islamic labour councils, which are subject to the approval of employers and the security services. Unemployment was 9% in 2022.

Tehran Stock Exchange's market capital capitalisation was $1.5 trillion in 2023.

Budget deficits have been a chronic problem, mostly due to large state subsidies, that include foodstuffs and especially petrol, totalling $100 billion in 2022 for energy alone. In 2010, the economic reform plan was to cut subsidies gradually and replace them with targeted social assistance. The objective is to move towards free market prices and increase productivity and social justice. The administration continues reform, and indicates it will diversify the oil-reliant economy. Iran has developed a biotechnology, nanotechnology, and pharmaceutical industry. The government is privatising industries.

Iran has leading manufacturing industries in automobile manufacture, transportation, construction materials, home appliances, food and agricultural goods, armaments, pharmaceuticals, information technology, and petrochemicals in the Middle East. Iran is among the world's top five producers of apricots, cherries, cucumbers and gherkins, dates, figs, pistachios, quinces, walnuts, Kiwifruit and watermelons. International sanctions against Iran have damaged the economy. Iran is one of three countries that have not ratified the Paris Agreement to limit climate change, although academics say it would be good for the country.

Tourism

Main article: Tourism in Iran
Around 12 million tourists visit Kish Island annually.

Tourism had been rapidly growing before the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching nearly 9 million foreign visitors in 2019, the world's third fastest-growing tourism destination. In 2022 it expanded its share to 5% of the economy. Iran's tourism experienced a growth of 43% in 2023, attracting 6 million foreign tourists. The government ended visa requirements for 60 countries in 2023.

98% of visits are for leisure, while 2% are for business, indicating the country's appeal as a tourist destination. Alongside the capital, the most popular tourist destinations are Isfahan, Shiraz and Mashhad. Iran is emerging as a preferred destination for medical tourism. Travellers from other West Asian countries grew 31% in the first seven months of 2023, surpassing Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. Domestic tourism is one of the world's largests; Iranian tourists spent $33bn in 2021. Iran projects investment of $32 billion in the tourism sector by 2026.

Agriculture and fishery

Main article: Agriculture in Iran
Paddy field in Bandpey, northern Iran

Roughly one-third of Iran's total surface area is suited for farmland. Only 12% of the total land area is under cultivation, but less than one-third of the cultivated area is irrigated; the rest is devoted to dryland farming. Some 92% of agricultural products depend on water. The western and northwestern portions of the country have the most fertile soils. Iran's food security index stands at around 96 percent. 3% of the total land area is used for grazing and fodder production. Most of the grazing is done on mostly semi-dry rangeland in mountain areas and on areas surrounding the large deserts of Central Iran. Progressive government efforts and incentives during the 1990s, improved agricultural productivity, helping Iran toward its goal of reestablishing national self-sufficiency in food production.

Access to the Caspian Sea, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and many river basins provides Iran the potential to develop excellent fisheries. The government assumed control of commercial fishing in 1952. Expansion of the fishery infrastructure enabled the country to harvest an estimated 700,000 tons of fish annually from the southern waters. Since the Revolution, increased attention has been focused on producing fish from inland waters. Between 1976 and 2004, the combined take from inland waters by the state and private sectors increased from 1,100 tons to 110,175 tons. Iran is the world's largest producer and exporter of caviar, exporting more than 300 tonnes annually.

Industry and services

Main article: Industry of Iran
Iran is the world's 16th largest car manufacturer, with IKCO being the largest in the Middle East, Central Asia and North Africa.

Iran is globally ranked 16th in car manufacturing, ahead of the UK, Italy, and Russia. It has outputted 1.188 million cars in 2023, a 12% growth compared to the previous years. Iran has exported various cars to countries such as Venezuela, Russia and Belarus. From 2008 to 2009, Iran leaped to 28th place from 69th in annual industrial production growth rate. Iranian contractors have been awarded several foreign tender contracts in different fields of construction of dams, bridges, roads, buildings, railroads, power generation, and gas, oil and petrochemical industries. As of 2011, some 66 Iranian industrial companies are carrying out projects in 27 countries. Iran exported over $20 billion worth of technical and engineering services over 2001–2011. The availability of local raw materials, rich mineral reserves, experienced manpower have all played crucial role in winning the bids.

45% of large industrial firms are located in Tehran, and almost half of their workers work for government. The Iranian retail industry is largely in the hands of cooperatives, many of them government-sponsored, and of independent retailers in the bazaars. The bulk of food sales occur at street markets, where the Chief Statistics Bureau sets the prices. Iran's main exports are to Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Syria, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, France, Canada, Venezuela, Japan, South Korea and Turkey. Iran's automotive industry is the second most active industry of the country, after its oil and gas industry. Iran Khodro is the largest car manufacturer in the Middle East, and ITMCO is the biggest tractor manufacturer. Iran is the 12th largest automaker in the world. Construction is one of the most important sectors in Iran accounting for 20–50% of the total private investment.

Iran is one of the most important mineral producers in the world, ranked among 15 major mineral-rich countries. Iran has become self-sufficient in designing, building and operating dams and power plants. Iran is one of the six countries in the world that manufacture gas- and steam-powered turbines.

Transport

Main article: Transport in Iran
Iran Air is the flag carrier of Iran. Its known as Huma domestically, which is the name of a mythical Iranian bird, and the symbol of the airways.

In 2011 Iran had 173,000 kilometres (107,000 mi) of roads, of which 73% were paved. In 2008 there were nearly 100 passenger cars for every 1,000 inhabitants. Tehran Metro is the largest in the Middle East, it carries more than 3 million passengers daily and in 2018, 820 million trips. Trains operate on 11,106 km (6,901 mi) of track. The country's major port of entry is Bandar Abbas on the Strait of Hormuz. Imported goods are distributed through the country by trucks and freight trains. The Tehran–Bandar Abbas railroad connects Bandar-Abbas to the railroad system of Central Asia, via Tehran and Mashhad. Other major ports include Bandar e-Anzali and Bandar e-Torkeman on the Caspian Sea and Khorramshahr and Bandar-e Emam Khomeyni on the Persian Gulf.

Dozens of cities have airports that serve passenger and cargo planes. Iran Air, the national airline, operates domestic and international flights. All large cities have mass transit systems using buses, and private companies provide bus services between cities. Over a million people work in transport, accounting for 9% of GDP.

Energy

Main articles: Energy in Iran and Petroleum industry in Iran
South Pars Gas-Condensate field, the world's largest gas field, holds 8% of Earth's gas reserves.

Iran is an energy superpower and petroleum plays a key part. As of 2023, Iran produced 4% of the world's crude oil (3.6 million barrels (570,000 m) per day), which generates US$36bn of export revenue and is the main source of foreign currency. Oil and gas reserves are estimated at 1.2 trn barrels; Iran holds 10% of world oil reserves and 15% for gas. It ranks 3rd in oil reserves and is OPEC's 2nd largest exporter. It has the 2nd largest gas reserves, and 3rd largest natural gas production. In 2019, Iran discovered a southern oil field of 50 bn barrels and in April 2024, the NIOC discovered 10 giant shale oil deposits, totalling 2.6 bn barrels. Iran plans to invest $500 billion in oil by 2025.

Iran manufactures 60–70% of its industrial equipment domestically, including turbines, pumps, catalysts, refineries, oil tankers, drilling rigs, offshore platforms, towers, pipes, and exploration instruments. The addition of new hydroelectric stations and streamlining of conventional coal and oil-fired stations increased installed capacity to 33 GW; about 75% was based on natural gas, 18% on oil, and 7% on hydroelectric power. In 2004, Iran opened its first wind-powered and geothermal plants, and the first solar thermal plant began in 2009. Iran is the world's third country to develop GTL technology.

Demographic trends and intensified industrialisation have caused electric power demand to grow by 8% per year. The government's goal of 53 GW of installed capacity by 2010 is to be reached by bringing on line new gas-fired plants, and adding hydropower and nuclear generation capacity. Iran's first nuclear power plant went online in 2011.

Science and technology

Main article: Science and technology in Iran
Nasir al-Din al-Tusi, polymath, architect, philosopher, physician, scientist and theologian

Iran has made considerable advances in science and technology, despite international sanctions. In the biomedical sciences, Iran's Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics has a UNESCO chair in biology. In 2006, Iranian scientists successfully cloned a sheep at the Royan Research Centre in Tehran. Stem cell research is among the top 10 in the world. Iran ranks 15th in the world in nanotechnologies. Iranian scientists outside Iran have made major scientific contributions. In 1960, Ali Javan co-invented the first gas laser, and fuzzy set theory was introduced by Lotfi A. Zadeh.

Cardiologist Tofy Mussivand invented and developed the first artificial cardiac pump, the precursor of the artificial heart. Furthering research in diabetes, the HbA1c was discovered by Samuel Rahbar. Many papers in string theory are published in Iran. In 2014, Iranian mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani became the first woman, and Iranian, to receive the Fields Medal, the highest prize in mathematics.

Iran increased its publication output nearly tenfold from 1996 through 2004, and ranked first in output growth rate, followed by China. According to a study by SCImago in 2012, Iran would rank fourth in research output by 2018, if the trend persisted. The Iranian humanoid robot Sorena 2, which was designed by engineers at the University of Tehran, was unveiled in 2010. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has placed the name of Surena among the five most prominent robots, after analysing its performance.

Iran was ranked 64th in the Global Innovation Index in 2024.

Iranian Space Agency

Main articles: Iranian Space Agency, Iranian Space Research Center, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force
Historic launch of Safir

The Iranian Space Agency (ISA) was established in 2004. Iran became an orbital-launch-capable nation in 2009, and is a founding member of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Iran placed its domestically built satellite Omid into orbit on the 30th anniversary of the Revolution, in 2009, through its first expendable launch vehicle Safir. It became the 9th country capable of both producing a satellite and sending it into space from a domestically made launcher. Simorgh's launch in 2016, is the successor of Safir.

In January 2024, Iran launched the Soraya satellite into its highest orbit yet (750 km), a new space launch milestone for the country. It was launched by Qaem 100 rocket. Iran also successfully launched 3 indigenous satellites, The Mahda, Kayan and Hatef, into orbit using the Simorgh carrier rocket. It was the first time in country's history that it simultaneously sent three satellites into space. The three satellites are designed for testing advanced satellite subsystems, space-based positioning technology, and narrowband communication.

In February 2024, Iran launched its domestically developed imaging satellite, Pars 1, from Russia into orbit. This was the second time since August 2022, when Russia launched another Iranian remote-sensing, Khayyam satellite, into orbit from Kazakhstan, reflecting deep scientific cooperation between the countries.

Telecommunication

Main articles: Communications in Iran, Telecommunication Company of Iran, and Iran Electronics Industries

Iran's telecommunications industry is almost entirely state-owned, dominated by the Telecommunication Company of Iran (TCI). As of 2020, 70 million Iranians use high-speed mobile internet. Iran is among the first five countries which have had a growth rate of over 20 percent and the highest level of development in telecommunication. Iran has been awarded the UNESCO special certificate for providing telecommunication services to rural areas.

Globally, Iran ranks 75th in mobile internet speed and 153rd in fixed internet speed.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Iran Population of Iranian provinces and counties in 2021

Iran's population grew rapidly from about 19 million in 1956 to about 85 million by February 2023. However, Iran's fertility rate has dropped dramatically, from 6.5 children born per woman to about 1.7 two decades later, leading to a population growth rate of about 1.39% as of 2018. Due to its young population, studies project that the growth will continue to slow until it stabilises around 105 million by 2050.

Iran hosts one of the largest refugee populations, with almost one million, mostly from Afghanistan and Iraq. According to the Iranian Constitution, the government is required to provide every citizen with access to social security, covering retirement, unemployment, old age, disability, accidents, calamities, health and medical treatment and care services. This is covered by tax revenues and income derived from public contributions.

The country has one of the highest urban growth rates in the world. From 1950 to 2002, the urban proportion of the population increased from 27% to 60%. Iran's population is concentrated in its western half, especially in the north, north-west and west.

Tehran, with a population of around 9.4 million, is Iran's capital and largest city. The country's second most populous city, Mashhad, has a population of around 3.4 million, and is capital of the province of Razavi Khorasan. Isfahan has a population of around 2.2 million and is Iran's third most populous city. It is the capital of Isfahan province and was also the third capital of the Safavid Empire.

  Largest cities or towns in Iran
2016 census
Rank Name Province Pop. Rank Name Province Pop.
Tehran
Tehran
Mashhad
Mashhad
1 Tehran Tehran 8,693,706 11 Rasht Gilan 679,995 Isfahan
Isfahan
Karaj
Karaj
2 Mashhad Razavi Khorasan 3,001,184 12 Zahedan Sistan and Baluchestan 587,730
3 Isfahan Isfahan 1,961,260 13 Hamadan Hamadan 554,406
4 Karaj Alborz 1,592,492 14 Kerman Kerman 537,718
5 Shiraz Fars 1,565,572 15 Yazd Yazd 529,673
6 Tabriz East Azarbaijan 1,558,693 16 Ardabil Ardabil 529,374
7 Qom Qom 1,201,158 17 Bandar Abbas Hormozgan 526,648
8 Ahvaz Khuzestan 1,184,788 18 Arak Markazi 520,944
9 Kermanshah Kermanshah 946,651 19 Eslamshahr Tehran 448,129
10 Urmia West Azarbaijan 736,224 20 Zanjan Zanjan 430,871

Ethnic groups

Main article: Ethnicities in Iran

Ethnic group composition remains a point of debate, mainly regarding the largest and second largest ethnic groups, the Persians and Azerbaijanis, due to the lack of Iranian state censuses based on ethnicity. The World Factbook has estimated that around 79% of the population of Iran is a diverse Indo-European ethno-linguistic group, with Persians (including Mazenderanis and Gilaks) constituting 61% of the population, Kurds 10%, Lurs 6%, and Balochs 2%. Peoples of other ethnolinguistic groups make up the remaining 21%, with Azerbaijanis constituting 16%, Arabs 2%, Turkmens and other Turkic tribes 2%, and others (such as Armenians, Talysh, Georgians, Circassians, Assyrians) 1%.

The Library of Congress issued slightly different estimates: 65% Persians (including Mazenderanis, Gilaks, and the Talysh), 16% Azerbaijanis, 7% Kurds, 6% Lurs, 2% Baloch, 1% Turkic tribal groups (including Qashqai and Turkmens), and non-Iranian, non-Turkic groups (including Armenians, Georgians, Assyrians, Circassians, and Arabs) less than 3%.

Languages

Main article: Languages of Iran
"I am Cyrus the king, an Achaemenid", in Old Persian, Elamite and Akkadian languages; Pasargadae, World Heritage Site.

Most of the population speaks Persian, the country's official and national language. Others include speakers of other Iranian languages, within the greater Indo-European family, and languages belonging to other ethnicities. The Gilaki and Mazenderani languages are widely spoken in Gilan and Mazenderan, northern Iran. The Talysh language is spoken in parts of Gilan. Varieties of Kurdish are concentrated in the province of Kurdistan and nearby areas. In Khuzestan, several dialects of Persian are spoken. South Iran also houses the Luri and Lari languages.

Azerbaijani, the most-spoken minority language in the country, and other Turkic languages and dialects are found in various regions, especially Azerbaijan. Notable minority languages include Armenian, Georgian, Neo-Aramaic, and Arabic. Khuzi Arabic is spoken by the Arabs in Khuzestan, and the wider group of Iranian Arabs. Circassian was also once widely spoken by the large Circassian minority, but, due to assimilation, no sizable number of Circassians speak the language anymore.

Percentages of spoken language continue to be a point of debate, most notably regarding the largest and second largest ethnicities in Iran, the Persians and Azerbaijanis. Percentages given by the CIA's World Factbook include 53% Persian, 16% Azerbaijani, 10% Kurdish, 7% Mazenderani and Gilaki, 7% Luri, 2% Turkmen, 2% Balochi, 2% Arabic, and 2% the remainder Armenian, Georgian, Neo-Aramaic, and Circassian.

Religion

Main article: Religion in Iran
Religion (2011 census)
Note: other groups were excluded
Religion Percent Number
Muslim 99.4% 74,682,938
Christian 0.2% 117,704
Zoroastrian 0.03% 25,271
Jewish 0.01% 8,756
Other 0.07% 49,101
Undeclared 0.4% 265,899

Twelver Shia Islam is the state religion, to which 90–95% of Iranians adhere; about 5–10% are in the Sunni and Sufi branches of Islam. 96% of Iranians believe in Islam, but 14% identify as not religious.

There is a large population of adherents to Yarsanism, a Kurdish indigenous religion, estimated to be over half a million to one million followers. The Baháʼí Faith is not officially recognised and has been subject to official persecution. Since the Revolution, the persecution of Baháʼís has increased. Irreligion is not recognised by the government.

Christianity, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, and the Sunni branch of Islam are officially recognised by the government and have reserved seats in the Parliament. Iran is home to the largest Jewish community in the Muslim World and the Middle East, outside of Israel. Around 250,000 to 370,000 Christians reside in Iran, and Christianity is the country's largest recognised minority religion, most are of Armenian background, as well as a sizable minority of Assyrians. The Iranian government has supported the rebuilding and renovation of Armenian churches, and has supported the Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran. In 2019, the government registered the Vank Cathedral, in Isfahan, as a World Heritage Site. Currently three Armenian churches in Iran have been included in the World Heritage List.

Education

Main article: Education in Iran
University of Tehran, the oldest Iranian university (1851), and among the World's Top Universities

Education is highly centralised. K–12 is supervised by the Ministry of Education, and higher education is supervised by the Ministry of Science and Technology. Literacy among people aged 15 and older was 86% as of 2016, with men (90%) significantly more educated than women (81%). Government expenditure on education is around 4% of GDP.

The requirement to enter into higher education is to have a high school diploma and pass the Iranian University Entrance Exam. Many students do a 1–2-year course of pre-university. Iran's higher education is sanctioned by different levels of diplomas, including an associate degree in two years, a bachelor's degree in four years, and a master's degree in two years, after which another exam allows the candidate to pursue a doctoral programme.

Health

Main articles: Health in Iran and Healthcare in Iran
Razavi Hospital, accredited by ACI for its quality health services

Healthcare is provided by the public-governmental system, the private sector, and NGOs.

Iran is the only country in the world with a legal organ trade. Iran has been able to extend public health preventive services through the establishment of an extensive Primary Health Care Network. As a result, child and maternal mortality rates have fallen significantly, and life expectancy at birth has risen. Iran's medical knowledge rank is 17th globally, and 1st in the Middle East and North Africa. In terms of medical science production index, Iran ranks 16th in the world. Iran is fast emerging as a preferred destination for medical tourism.

The country faces the common problem of other young demographic nations in the region, which is keeping pace with growth of an already huge demand for various public services. An anticipated increase in the population growth rate will increase the need for public health infrastructures and services. About 90% of Iranians have health insurance.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Iran

Art

Main articles: Iranian art, Arts of Iran, and Iranian modern and contemporary art
Kamal-ol-molk's Mirror Hall of Golestan Palace, often considered a starting point in Iranian modern art

Iran has one of the richest art heritages in history and been strong in many media including architecture, painting, literature, music, metalworking, stonemasonry, weaving, calligraphy and sculpture. At different times, influences from neighbouring civilisations have been important, and latterly Persian art gave and received major influences as part of the wider styles of Islamic art.

From the Achaemenid Empire of 550–330 BC, the courts of successive dynasties led the style of Persian art, and court-sponsored art left many of the most impressive pieces that remain. The Islamic style of dense decoration, geometrically laid out, developed in Iran into an elegant and harmonious style, combining motifs derived from plants with Chinese motifs such as the cloud-band, and often animals represented at a smaller scale. During the Safavid Empire in the 16th century, this style was used across a variety of media, and diffused from the court artists of the king, most being painters.

By the time of the Sasanians, Iranian art had a renaissance. During the Middle Ages, Sasanian art played a prominent role in the formation of European and Asian mediaeval art. The Safavid era is known as the Golden Age of Iranian art. Safavid art exerted noticeable influences upon the Ottomans, the Mughals, and the Deccans, and was influential through its fashion and garden architecture on 11th–17th-century Europe.

Iran's contemporary art traces its origins to Kamal-ol-molk, a prominent realist painter at the court of the Qajar Empire who affected the norms of painting and adopted a naturalistic style that would compete with photographic works. A new Iranian school of fine art was established by him in 1928, and was followed by the so-called "coffeehouse" style of painting. Iran's avant-garde modernists emerged by the arrival of new western influences during World War II. The contemporary art scene originates in the late 1940s, and Tehran's first modern art gallery, Apadana, was opened in 1949 by Mahmud Javadipur, Hosein Kazemi, and Hushang Ajudani. The new movements received official encouragement by the 1950s, which led to the emergence of artists such as Marcos Grigorian.

Architecture

Main articles: Iranian architecture and Persian gardens
Chehel Sotoun Palace in Isfahan, built during the Safavid Empire with example of a talar, World Heritage Site

The history of architecture in Iran dates back to at least 5,000 BC, with characteristic examples distributed over an area from what is now Turkey and Iraq to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, and from the Caucasus to Zanzibar. The Iranians made early use of mathematics, geometry and astronomy in their architecture, yielding a tradition with structural and aesthetic variety. The guiding motif is its cosmic symbolism.

Without sudden innovations, and despite the trauma of invasions and cultural shocks, it developed a recognizable style distinct from other regions of the Muslim world. Its virtues are "a marked feeling for form and scale; structural inventiveness, especially in vault and dome construction; a genius for decoration with a freedom and success not rivalled in any other architecture". In addition to historic gates, palaces, and mosques, the rapid growth of cities such as Tehran has brought a wave of construction. Iran ranks 7th among UNESCO's list of countries with the most archaeological ruins and attractions from antiquity.

World Heritage Sites

Main articles: List of World Heritage Sites in Iran and Iran National Heritage List

Iran's rich culture and history is reflected by its 27 World Heritage Sites, ranking 1st in the Middle East, and 10th in the world. These include Persepolis, Naghsh-e Jahan Square, Chogha Zanbil, Pasargadae, Golestan Palace, Arg-e Bam, Behistun Inscription, Shahr-e Sukhteh, Susa, Takht-e Soleyman, Hyrcanian forests, the city of Yazd and more. Iran has 24 Intangible Cultural Heritage, or Human treasures, which ranks 5th worldwide.

Weaving

Main articles: Persian carpet, Tabriz rug, and Ardabil Carpet
The Pazyryk Carpet, 400 BC

Iran's carpet-weaving has its origins in the Bronze Age and is one of the most distinguished manifestations of Iranian art. Carpet weaving is an essential part of Persian culture and Iranian art. Persian rugs and carpets were woven in parallel by nomadic tribes in village and town workshops, and by royal court manufactories. As such, they represent simultaneous lines of tradition, and reflect the history of Iran, Persian culture, and its various peoples. Although the term "Persian carpet" most often refers to pile-woven textiles, flat-woven carpets and rugs like Kilim, Soumak, and embroidered tissues like Suzani are part of the manifold tradition of Persian carpet weaving.

Iran produces three-quarters of the world's handmade carpets, and has 30% of export markets. In 2010, the "traditional skills of carpet weaving" in Fars Province and Kashan were inscribed to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Within the Oriental rugs produced by the countries of the "rug belt", the Persian carpet stands out by the variety and elaborateness of its manifold designs.

Carpets woven in towns and regional centres like Tabriz, Kerman, Ravar, Neyshabour, Mashhad, Kashan, Isfahan, Nain and Qom are characterized by their specific weaving techniques and use of high-quality materials, colours and patterns. Hand-woven Persian rugs and carpets have been regarded as objects of high artistic value and prestige, since they were mentioned by ancient Greek writers.

Literature

Main articles: Literature in Iran, Iranian literature, and Persian literature Tombs of Hafez and Saadi in Shiraz

Iran's oldest literary tradition is that of Avestan, the Old Iranian sacred language of the Avesta, which consists of the legendary and religious texts of Zoroastrianism and the ancient Iranian religion. The Persian language was used and developed through Persianate societies in Asia Minor, Central Asia, and South Asia, leaving extensive influences on Ottoman and Mughal literatures, among others. Iran has several famous mediaeval poets, notably Mawlana, Ferdowsi, Hafez, Sa'adi, Omar Khayyam, and Nezami Ganjavi.

Described as one of the great literatures of humanity, including Goethe's assessment of it as one of the four main bodies of world literature, Persian literature has its roots in surviving works of Middle Persian and Old Persian, the latter of which dates back as far as 522 BCE, the date of the earliest surviving Achaemenid inscription, the Behistun Inscription. The bulk of surviving Persian literature, however, comes from the times following the Muslim conquest in c. 650 CE. After the Abbasids came to power (750 CE), the Iranians became the scribes and bureaucrats of the Islamic Caliphate and, increasingly, also its writers and poets. The New Persian language literature arose and flourished in Khorasan and Transoxiana because of political reasons, early Iranian dynasties of post-Islamic Iran such as the Tahirids and Samanids being based in Khorasan.

Philosophy

Main articles: Ancient philosophy § Ancient Iranian philosophy, and Iranian philosophy
Scholars Pavilion is a monument donated by Iran to the United Nations Office in Vienna, with statues of Iranian mediaeval scholars.

Iranian philosophy can be traced back as far as Old Iranian philosophical traditions and thoughts which originated in ancient Indo-Iranian roots and were influenced by Zarathustra's teachings. Throughout Iranian history and due to remarkable political and social changes such as the Arab and Mongol invasions, a wide spectrum of schools of thoughts showed a variety of views on philosophical questions, extending from Old Iranian and mainly Zoroastrianism-related traditions, to schools appearing in the late pre-Islamic era such as Manicheism and Mazdakism as well as post-Islamic schools.

The Cyrus Cylinder is seen as a reflection of the questions and thoughts expressed by Zoroaster and developed in Zoroastrian schools of the Achaemenid era. Post-Islam Iranian philosophy is characterised by different interactions with the Old Iranian philosophy, the Greek philosophy and with the development of Islamic philosophy. The Illumination School and the Transcendent Philosophy are regarded as two of the main philosophical traditions of that era in Iran. Contemporary Iranian philosophy has been limited in its scope by intellectual repression.

Mythology and folklore

Main articles: Persian mythology and Iranian folklore
Statue of Rostam, with his son Sohrab, in Mashhad

Iranian mythology consists of ancient Iranian folklore and stories of extraordinary beings reflecting on good and evil (Ahura Mazda and Ahriman), actions of the gods, and the exploits of heroes and creatures. The tenth-century Persian poet, Ferdowsi, is the author of the national epic known as the Shahnameh ("Book of Kings"), which is for the most part based on Xwadāynāmag, a Middle Persian compilation of the history of Iranian kings and heroes, as well as the stories and characters of the Zoroastrian tradition, from the texts of the Avesta, the Denkard, the Vendidad and the Bundahishn. Modern scholars study the myths to shed light on the religious and political institutions of not only Iran but of the Greater Iran, which includes regions of West Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, and Transcaucasia where the culture of Iran has had significant influence.

Storytelling has a significant presence in Iranian folklore and culture. In classical Iran, minstrels performed for their audiences at royal courts and in public theatres. A minstrel was referred to by the Parthians as gōsān, and by the Sasanians as huniyāgar. Since the Safavid Empire, storytellers and poetry readers appeared at coffeehouses. After the Iranian Revolution, it took until 1985 to found the MCHTH (Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts), a now heavily centralised organisation, supervising all kinds of cultural activities. It held the first scientific meeting on anthropology and folklore in 1990.

Museums

Main article: List of museums in Iran
National Museum of Iran, in Tehran

The National Museum of Iran in Tehran is the country's most important cultural institution. As the first and biggest museum in Iran, the institution includes the Museum of Ancient Iran and the Museum of the Islamic Era. The National Museum is the world's most important museum in terms of preservation, display and research of archaeological collections of Iran, and ranks as one of the few most prestigious museums globally in terms of volume, diversity and quality of its monuments.

There are many other popular museums across the country such as the Golestan Palace (World Heritage Site), The Treasury of National Jewels, Reza Abbasi Museum, Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, Sa'dabad Complex, The Carpet Museum, Abgineh Museum, Pars Museum, Azerbaijan Museum, Hegmataneh Museum, Susa Museum and more. Around 25 million people visited the museums in 2019.

Music and dance

Main articles: Music of Iran, Iranian dance, and Classical Persian dance A Karnay, an ancient Iranian musical instrument from 6th century BC, kept at the Persepolis MuseumDancers on a piece of ceramic from Cheshmeh-Ali, 5000 BC

Iran is the apparent birthplace of the earliest complex instruments, dating to the third millennium BC. The use of angular harps have been documented at Madaktu and Kul-e Farah, with the largest collection of Elamite instruments documented at Kul-e Farah. Xenophon's Cyropaedia mentions singing women at the court of the Achaemenid Empire. Under the Parthian Empire, the gōsān (Parthian for 'minstrel') had a prominent role.

The history of Sasanian music is better documented than earlier periods and is especially more evident in Avestan texts. By the time of Khosrow II, the Sasanian royal court hosted prominent musicians, namely Azad, Bamshad, Barbad, Nagisa, Ramtin, and Sarkash. Iranian traditional musical instruments include string instruments such as chang (harp), qanun, santur, rud (oud, barbat), tar, dotar, setar, tanbur, and kamanche, wind instruments such as sorna (zurna, karna) and ney, and percussion instruments such as tompak, kus, daf (dayere), and naqare.

Iran's first symphony orchestra, the Tehran Symphony Orchestra, was founded in 1933. By the late 1940s, Ruhollah Khaleqi founded the country's first national music society and established the School of National Music in 1949. Iranian pop music has its origins in the Qajar era. It was significantly developed since the 1950s, using indigenous instruments and forms accompanied by electric guitar and other imported characteristics. Iranian rock emerged in the 1960s and hip hop in the 2000s.

Iran has known dance in the forms of music, play, drama or religious rituals since at least the 6th millennium BC. Artifacts with pictures of dancers were found in archaeological prehistoric sites. Genres of dance vary depending on the area, culture, and language of the local people, and can range from sophisticated reconstructions of refined court dances to energetic folk dances. Each group, region, and historical epoch has specific dance styles associated with it. The earliest researched dance from historic Iran is a dance worshipping Mithra. Ancient Persian dance was significantly researched by Greek historian Herodotus. Iran was occupied by foreign powers, causing a slow disappearance of heritage dance traditions.

The Qajar period had an important influence on Persian dance. In this period, a style of dance began to be called "classical Persian dance". Dancers performed artistic dances in court for entertainment purposes such as coronations, marriage celebrations, and Norouz celebrations. In the 20th century, the music came to be orchestrated and dance movement and costuming gained a modernistic orientation to the West.

Fashion and clothing

Main article: Fashion in Iran

The exact date of the emergence of weaving in Iran is not yet known, but it is likely to coincide with the emergence of civilisation. Ferdowsi and many historians have considered Keyumars to be first to use animals' skin and hair as clothing, while others propose Hushang. Ferdowsi considers Tahmuras to be a kind of textile initiator in Iran. The clothing of ancient Iran took an advanced form, and the fabric and colour of clothing became very important. Depending on the social status, eminence, climate of the region and the season, Persian clothing during the Achaemenian period took various forms. This clothing, in addition to being functional, had an aesthetic role.

Cinema, animation and theatre

Main articles: Cinema of Iran, Iranian animation, and Persian theatre
Reproduction of a 3rd millennium BC goblet from Shahr-e Sukhteh, possibly the world's oldest animation, at the National Museum of Iran

A third-millennium BC earthen goblet discovered at the Burnt City in southeast Iran depicts what could be the world's oldest example of animation. The earliest attested Iranian examples of visual representations, however, are traced back to the bas-reliefs of Persepolis, the ritual centre of the Achaemenid Empire.

The first Iranian filmmaker was probably Mirza Ebrahim (Akkas Bashi), the court photographer of Mozaffar-ed-Din of the Qajar Empire. Mirza Ebrahim obtained a camera and filmed the Qajar ruler's visit to Europe. In 1904, Mirza Ebrahim (Sahhaf Bashi) opened the first public cinema in Tehran. The first Iranian feature film, Abi and Rabi, was a silent comedy directed by Ovanes Ohanian in 1930. The first sound one, Lor Girl, was produced by Ardeshir Irani and Abd-ol-Hosein Sepanta in 1932. Iran's animation industry began by the 1950s and was followed by the establishment of the influential Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults in 1965. With the screening of the films Qeysar and The Cow, directed by Masoud Kimiai and Dariush Mehrjui respectively in 1969, alternative films set out to establish their status in the film industry and Bahram Beyzai's Downpour and Nasser Taghvai's Tranquility in the Presence of Others followed. Attempts to organise a film festival, which had begun in 1954 within the Golrizan Festival, resulted in the festival of Sepas in 1969. It also resulted in the formation of Tehran's World Film Festival in 1973.

Asghar Farhadi, two-time Academy Award winner and a prominent filmmaker in the 21st century

Following the Cultural Revolution, a new age emerged in Iranian cinema, starting with Long Live! by Khosrow Sinai and followed by other directors, such as Abbas Kiarostami and Jafar Panahi. Kiarostami, an acclaimed director, planted Iran firmly on the map of world cinema when he won the Palme d'Or for Taste of Cherry in 1997. The presence of Iranian films in prestigious international festivals, such as Cannes, Venice and Berlin, attracted attention to Iranian films. In 2006, 6 films represented Iranian cinema at Berlin; critics considered this a remarkable event in Iranian cinema. Asghar Farhadi, an Iranian director, has received a Golden Globe Award and two Academy Awards, representing Iran for Best Foreign Language Film in 2012 and 2017, with A Separation and The Salesman. In 2020, Ashkan Rahgozar's "The Last Fiction" became the first representative of Iranian animated cinema in the competition section, in Best Animated Feature and Best Picture categories at the Academy Awards.

The oldest Iranian initiation of theatre can be traced to ancient epic ceremonial theatres such as Sug-e Siāvuڑ ("mourning of Siāvaڑ"), as well as dances and theatre narrations of Iranian mythological tales reported by Herodotus and Xenophon. Iran's traditional theatrical genres include Baqqāl-bāzi ("grocer play", a form of slapstick comedy), Ruhowzi (or Taxt-howzi, comedy performed over a courtyard pool covered with boards), Siāh-bāzi (the central comedian appears in blackface), Sāye-bāzi (shadow play), Xeyme-ڑab-bāzi (marionette), and Arusak-bāzi (puppetry), and Ta'zie (religious tragedy plays).

The Roudaki Hall is home to the Tehran Symphony Orchestra, the Tehran Opera Orchestra, and the Iranian National Ballet Company, and was officially renamed Vahdat Hall after the Revolution.

Media

Main article: Media of Iran
IRIB, the Iranian state-controlled media corporation

Iran's largest media corporation is the state-owned IRIB. The Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance is responsible for the cultural policy, including activities regarding communications and information. Most of the newspapers published in Iran are in Persian, the country's official and national language. The country's most widely circulated periodicals are based in Tehran, among which are Etemad, Ettela'at, Kayhan, Hamshahri, Resalat, and Shargh. Tehran Times, Iran Daily, and Financial Tribune are among the famous English-language newspapers based in Iran.

Iran ranks 17th among countries by number of Internet users. Google Search is Iran's most widely used search engine and Instagram is the most popular online social networking service. Direct access to many worldwide mainstream websites has been blocked in Iran, including Facebook, which has been blocked since 2009. About 90% of Iran's e-commerce takes place on the Iranian online store Digikala, which has around 750,000 visitors per day and is the most visited online store in the Middle East.

Cuisine

Main article: Iranian cuisine
Chelow kabab (rice and kebab), one of Iran's national dishes

Iranian main dishes include varieties of kebab, pilaf, stew (khoresh), soup and āsh, and omelette. Lunch and dinner meals are commonly accompanied by side dishes such as plain yogurt or mast-o-khiar, sabzi, salad Shirazi, and torshi, and might follow dishes such as borani, Mirza Qasemi, or kashk e bademjan. In Iranian culture, tea is widely consumed. Iran is the world's seventh major tea producer. One of Iran's most popular desserts is the falude. There is also the popular saffron ice cream, known as Bastani Sonnati ("traditional ice cream"), which is sometimes accompanied with carrot juice. Iran is also famous for its caviar.

Typical Iranian main dishes are combinations of rice with meat, vegetables and nuts. Herbs are frequently used, along with fruits such as plums, pomegranates, quince, prunes, apricots and raisins. Characteristic Iranian spices and flavourings such as saffron, cardamom, and dried lime and other sources of sour flavoring, cinnamon, turmeric and parsley are mixed and used in various dishes.

Sports

Main article: Sport in Iran Dizin, biggest ski resort in the Middle EastAzadi Stadium in Tehran, West Asia's largest football stadium

Iran is the most likely birthplace of polo, locally known as Chogan, with its earliest records attributed to the ancient Medes. Freestyle wrestling is traditionally considered the national sport, and Iran's wrestlers have been world champions many times. Iran's traditional wrestling, called koڑti e pahlevāni ("heroic wrestling"), is registered on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Iran's National Olympic Committee was founded in 1947. Wrestlers and weightlifters have achieved the country's highest records at the Olympics. In 1974, Iran became the first country in West Asia to host the Asian Games.

As a mountainous country, Iran is a venue for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, rock climbing, and mountain climbing. It is home to ski resorts, the most famous being Tochal, Dizin, and Shemshak. Dizin is the largest, and authorised by FIS to administer international competitions.

Football is the most popular sport, with the men's national team having won the Asian Cup three times. The men's team ranks 2nd in Asia and 20th in the FIFA World Rankings as of April 2024. The Azadi Stadium in Tehran is the largest association football stadium in West Asia and on a list of top-20 stadiums in the world. Volleyball is the second most popular sport. Having won the 2011 and 2013 Asian Men's Volleyball Championships, the men's national team is the 2nd strongest in Asia, and 15th in the FIVB World Rankings as of January 2024. Basketball is also popular, with the men's national team having won three Asian Championships since 2007.

Observances

See also: List of festivals in Iran
Haft-Seen, a custom of Nowruz, the Iranian New Year

Iran's official New Year begins with Nowruz, an ancient Iranian tradition celebrated annually on the vernal equinox and described as the Persian New Year. It was registered on the UNESCO's list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2009. On the eve of the last Wednesday of the preceding year, as a prelude to Nowruz, the ancient festival of بārڑanbe Suri celebrates Ātar ("fire") by performing rituals such as jumping over bonfires and lighting fireworks.

Yaldā, another ancient tradition, commemorates the ancient goddess Mithra and marks the longest night of the year on the eve of the winter solstice (usually on 20 or 21 December), during which families gather to recite poetry and eat fruits. In some regions of Mazanderan and Markazi, there is a midsummer festival, Tirgān, which is observed on Tir 13 (2 or 3 July) as a celebration of water.

Islamic annual events such as Ramezān, Eid e Fetr, and Ruz e Āڑurā are marked by the country's population, Christian traditions such as Noel, elle ye Ruze, and Eid e Pāk are observed by the Christian communities, Jewish traditions such as Hanukā and Eid e Fatir (Pesah) are observed by the Jewish communities, and Zoroastrian traditions such as Sade and Mehrgān are observed by the Zoroastrians.

Public holidays

Main article: Public holidays in Iran

With 26, Iran has one of the world's highest number of public holidays. It ranks 1st in the world with the most paid leave days: 52. Iran's official calendar is the Solar Hejri calendar, beginning at the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. Each of the 12 months of the Solar Hejri calendar correspond with a zodiac sign, and the length of each year is solar. Alternatively, the Lunar Hejri calendar is used to indicate Islamic events, and the Gregorian calendar marks international events.

Legal public holidays based on the Iranian solar calendar include the cultural celebrations of Nowruz (Farvardin 1–4; 21–24 March) and Sizdebedar (Farvardin 13; 2 April), and the political events of Islamic Republic Day (Farvardin 12; 1 April), the death of Ruhollah Khomeini (Khordad 14; 4 June), the Khordad 15 event (Khordad 15; 5 June), the anniversary of the Iranian Revolution (Bahman 22; 10 February), and Oil Nationalisation Day (Esfand 29; 19 March).

Lunar Islamic public holidays include Tasua (Muharram 9), Ashura (Muharram 10), Arba'een (Safar 20), Muhammad's death (Safar 28), the death of Ali al-Ridha (Safar 29 or 30), the birthday of Muhammad (Rabi-al-Awwal 17), the death of Fatimah (Jumada-al-Thani 3), the birthday of Ali (Rajab 13), Muhammad's first revelation (Rajab 27), the birthday of Muhammad al-Mahdi (Sha'ban 15), the death of Ali (Ramadan 21), Eid al-Fitr (Shawwal 1–2), the death of Ja'far al-Sadiq (Shawwal 25), Eid al-Qurban (Zulhijja 10), and Eid al-Qadir (Zulhijja 18).

See also

Explanatory notes

  1. English: /ɪˈrɑːn/ ih-RAHN or /ɪˈræn/ ih-RAN or /aɪˈræn/ eye-RAN
  2. Persian: ایران, romanizedIrân [ʔiːˈɾɒːn]
  3. Persian: جمهوری اسلامی ایران, romanizedJomhuri-ye Eslâmi-ye Irân [dʒomhuːˌɾije eslɒːˌmije ʔiːˈɾɒn]
  4. English: /ˈpɜːrʒə/ PUR-zhə

References

Footnotes

  1. Examples include the Hoot, Kowsar, Zelzal, Fateh-110, Shahab-3, Sejjil, Fattah, Khorramahahr, Kheibar Shekan, Emad, Ghadr-110, Hormuz-1, Dezful, Qiam 1, Ashoura, Fajr-3, Haj Qasem, Persian Gulf, Raad-500, Zolfaghar, Hoveyzeh, Soumar, Fakour-90, Paveh, Rezvan, Samen, Tondar-69.

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