Iran

{{Main|Name of Iran}}

File:Irnp105-Grobowce Naqsh-E Rustam.jpg (224–242 AD) in Naqsh-e Rostam, inscribed "This is the figure of Mazdaworshipper, the lord Ardashir, King of Iran."]]

The term Iran {{Gloss|the land of the Aryans}} derives from Middle Persian {{transliteration|pal|Ērān}}, first attested in a 3rd-century inscription at Naqsh-e Rostam, with the accompanying Parthian inscription using {{transliteration|xpr|Aryān}}, in reference to the Iranians.{{Sfn|MacKenzie|1998}} {{transliteration|pal|Ērān}} and {{transliteration|xpr|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),{{Sfn|MacKenzie|1998}}{{Sfn|Schmitt|1987}} recognised as a derivative of Proto-Indo-European language {{PIE|*ar-yo-}}, meaning {{Gloss|one who assembles (skilfully)}}.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 "aristocracy"), Latin ars "art", etc. According to Iranian mythology, the name comes from Iraj, a legendary king.{{Sfn|Shahbazi|2004}}

Iran was referred to as Persia by the West, due to Greek historians who referred to all of Iran as {{transliteration|grc|Persís}}, meaning 'the land of the Persians'.{{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}}{{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=Oxford University Press |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}}{{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}}[https://www.britannica.com/place/Persia Persia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615050900/https://www.britannica.com/place/Persia |date=15 June 2022 }}, Encyclopædia Britannica, "The term Persia was used for centuries{{nbsp}}... [because] use of the name was gradually extended by the ancient Greeks and other peoples to apply to the whole Iranian plateau." Persia is the Fars province in southwest Iran, the 4th largest province, also known as Pârs.{{Cite web |title=Your Gateway to Knowledge |url=https://knowledgezon.co.in/ |access-date=3 April 2024 |website=Knowledge Zone |language=en}}{{Dead link|date=January 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{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}} 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,{{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}}{{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}} Persia originated from this territory through Greek in around 550 BC,{{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}} and Westerners referred to the entire country as Persia,{{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}}{{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}} until 1935, when Reza Shah requested the international community to use its native and original name, Iran;{{Cite news |date=1 January 1935 |title=Persia Changes Its Name; To Be 'Iran' From Mar. 22 |work=The New York Times |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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}}{{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.}}{{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}}Farrokh, Kaveh. Shadows in the Desert: Ancient Persia at War. {{ISBN|1-84603-108-7}}

The Persian pronunciation of Iran is {{IPA|fa|ʔiːˈɾɒːn||}}. Commonwealth English pronunciations of Iran are listed in the Oxford English Dictionary as {{IPAc-en|ɪ|ˈ|r|ɑː|n}} and {{IPAc-en|ɪ|ˈ|r|æ|n}},{{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}} while American English dictionaries provide pronunciations which map to {{IPAc-en|ɪ|ˈ|r|ɑː|n|,_|-|ˈ|r|æ|n|,_|aɪ|ˈ|r|æ|n}},{{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}} or {{IPAc-en|ɪ|ˈ|r|æ|n|,_|ɪ|ˈ|r|ɑː|n|,_|aɪ|ˈ|r|æ|n}}. The Cambridge Dictionary lists {{IPAc-en|ɪ|ˈ|r|ɑː|n}} as the British pronunciation and {{IPAc-en|ɪ|ˈ|r|æ|n}} as the American pronunciation. Voice of America's pronunciation guide provides {{IPAc-en|ɪ|ˈ|r|ɑː|n}}.{{Cite web |title=How do you say Iran? |url=https://pronounce.voanews.com/phrasedetail.php?name=IRAN |url-status=live |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}}

{{Expand section|date=September 2024}}

{{Main|History of Iran}}

{{further|Timeline of Iranian history}}

File:Choqa Zanbil Darafsh 1 (36).JPG 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.[http://en.people.cn/90001/90782/90874/6236885.html People, "New evidence: modern civilization began in Iran", 10 Aug 2007] {{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 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".{{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}} 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.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 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.{{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}} Iran was reunified as an independent state in 1501 by the Safavid dynasty, which established Shia Islam as the empire's official religion,R. M. Savory, "Safavids", Encyclopedia of Islam, 2nd edition marking another turning point in the history of Islam.[https://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/islam/empires/safavid/abbas.html "The Islamic World to 1600"], 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 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.{{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 |series=2 volumes |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=978-1-59884-948-6 |language=en}}

Iran remained a monarchy until the 1979 Iranian Revolution, when it officially became an Islamic republic on 1 April 1979.[https://www.britannica.com/ebi/article-202892 "Iran Islamic Republic"], {{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{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.britannica.com/eb/article-32981 |title=International relations / The Iranian revolution |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |date=23 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071215140348/https://www.britannica.com/eb/article-32981 |archive-date=15 December 2007 |access-date=26 September 2024}} {{subscription required}} 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.

{{Main|Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action|Operation Martyr Soleimani|April 2024 Iranian strikes against Israel|October 2024 Iranian strikes against Israel|l1 = ||}}

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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} In 2020, IRGC general, Qasem Soleimani, the 2nd-most powerful person in Iran,{{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}} was assassinated by the US, heightening tensions between them.Carolien Roelants, Iran expert of NRC Handelsblad, in a debate on Buitenhof on Dutch television, 5 January 2020. Iran retaliated against US airbases in Iraq, the largest ballistic missile attack ever on Americans;{{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}} 110 sustained brain injuries.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}

Hardliner Ebrahim Raisi ran for president again in 2021, succeeding Hassan Rouhani.{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}} Iran retaliated with UAVs, cruise and ballistic missiles; 9 hit Israel.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} Western and Jordanian military helped Israel down some Iranian drones.{{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}}{{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}} It was the largest drone strike in history,{{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}} biggest missile attack in Iranian history,{{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}} its first ever direct attack on Israel{{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}}{{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}} and the first time since 1991, Israel was directly attacked by a state force.{{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}} This occurred during heightened tensions amid the Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip. In May 2024, President Raisi was killed in a helicopter crash,{{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}} and Iran held a presidential election in June, when reformist and former Minister of Health, Masoud Pezeshkian, was elected to office.{{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=AP News |language=en}}{{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=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} 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.{{cite news |title=What we know about Israel's attack on Iran |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgr0yvrx4qpo |work=www.bbc.com}}

{{Main|Geography of Iran}}

{{See also|Borders of Iran|Agriculture in Iran}}{{multiple image

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Iran has an area of {{convert|1648195|km2|mi2|abbr=on}}. It is the sixth-largest country entirely in Asia and the second-largest in West Asia.{{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}} It lies between latitudes 24° and 40° N, and longitudes 44° and 64° E. It is bordered to the northwest by Armenia ({{convert|35|km|mi|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}), the Azeri exclave of Nakhchivan ({{convert|179|km|mi|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}),{{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}} and the Republic of Azerbaijan ({{convert|611|km|mi|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}); to the north by the Caspian Sea; to the northeast by Turkmenistan ({{convert|992|km|mi|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}); to the east by Afghanistan ({{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 Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman; and to the west by Iraq ({{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.{{cite web |url=https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/which-country-has-most-earthquakes |title=Which country has the most earthquakes? |publisher=United States Geological Survey |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}} On average, an earthquake of magnitude seven on the Richter scale occurs once every ten years.{{cite news |url=https://www.ilna.news/fa/tiny/news-11875 |title=هر ده سال، یک زلزله ۷ ریشتری در کشور رخ می‌دهد | 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/بخش-اخبار-47/11875-هر-ده-سال-یک |url-status=live}} 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 {{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 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.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}

{{Main|List of islands of Iran}}

File:Tahmineh Monzavi Photo Majara Residence Hormuz Iran View from the sea 2020.jpg, 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.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}

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.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} Although the United Arab Emirates claims sovereignty,{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} it has consistently been met with a strong response from Iran,{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} based on their historical and cultural background.{{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}} Iran has full control over the islands.{{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}}

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.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} Its salt cave, Namakdan, is the largest in the world, and one of the world's longest caves.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}

{{main|Climate of Iran}}

File:Koppen-Geiger Map IRN present.svg]]

Iran's climate is diverse, ranging from arid and semi-arid, to subtropical along the Caspian coast and northern forests.{{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}} 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}}.{{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}} 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 "Water scarcity poses the most severe human security challenge in Iran today".{{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}}

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.{{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}} 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}}.{{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}}

{{See also|Wildlife of Iran|List of national parks and protected areas of Iran|Forests of Iran}}

File:Persian Leopard sitting.jpg, native to the Iranian Plateau]]

More than one-tenth of the country is forested.{{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}} About 120 million hectares of forests and fields are government-owned for national exploitation.{{Cite journal |last=Kernan |first=Henry S. |date=1957 |title=Forest Management in Iran |journal=Middle East Journal |volume=11 |issue=2 |pages=198–202 |jstor=4322899}}{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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=[https://archive.org/details/iranland0000fast/page/31 31]}}{{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}} 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.{{cite book |author=Guggisberg, C.A.W. |year=1961 |title=Simba: The Life of the Lion |publisher=Howard Timmins, Cape Town}} 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.{{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}}{{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}}

{{Main|Government of Iran|Politics of Iran}}

{{multiple image

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| caption_align = center

| image1 = Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the Great Conference of Basij members at Azadi stadium October 2018 012.jpg

| caption1 = Supreme Leader
Ali Khamenei

| image2 = Masoud Pezeshkian, 2024-6-12 (cropped).jpg

| caption2 = President
Masoud Pezeshkian

| align = right

}}

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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} The Rahbar can order laws to be amended.{{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}} Setad was estimated at $95 billion in 2013 by Reuters, accounts of which are secret even to the parliament.{{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}}{{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}}

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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} Many believe the Assembly of Experts has become a ceremonial body without any real power.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} In February 2025,  the New York Times reported that according to Karim Sadjadpour, an expert on Iran at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, there exist in the Islamic Republic of Iran two parallel regimes.{{Cite news |last1=Sanger |first1=David E. |last2=Barnes |first2=Julian E. |date=2025-02-03 |title=Iran Is Developing Plans for Faster, Cruder Weapon, U.S. Concludes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/03/us/politics/iran-nuclear-weapon.html |access-date=2025-02-05 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} One which is ruled by the military and intelligence forces, who report to the Rahbar, and "who oversee the nuclear programme and regional proxies and are tasked with repression, hostage taking and assassinations”. The other ruled by diplomats and politicians "who are authorized to speak to Western media and officials" and have minimal knowledge of Iran's nuclear programme.

The political system is based on the country's constitution.{{cite web |url=http://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/ir00000_.html |title=Constitution of Iran |publisher=University of Bern |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}} Iran ranked 154th in the 2022 The Economist Democracy Index.{{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=Economist Intelligence Unit |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}} Juan José Linz wrote in 2000 that "the Iranian regime combines the ideological bent of totalitarianism with the limited pluralism of authoritarianism".Juan José Linz, [https://books.google.com/books?id=8cYk_ABfMJIC&pg=PA36 Totalitarian and Authoritarian Regimes] {{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.

{{Main|President of Iran}}

File:Presidential Administration of Iran building.jpg 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.{{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}} The Council's members are chosen by the Leader, with the Leader having the power to dismiss the president.{{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}} The President can only be re-elected for one term.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{cite web |title=Asking for a Miracle: Khamenei's Economic Plan |url=https://iranwire.com/en/features/273 |website=IranWire | 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}}

The President appoints ministers, subject to the approval of the Parliament, and the Rahbar, who can dismiss or reinstate any minister.{{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}}{{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}}{{cite book |author=Amir Saeed Vakil, Pouryya Askary |title=constitution in now law like order |date=2004 |page=362}} The President supervises the Council of Ministers, coordinates government decisions, and selects government policies to be placed before the legislature.{{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}} Eight Vice Presidents serve under the President, as well as a cabinet of 22 ministers, all appointed by the president.{{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}}

{{Main|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.{{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}} 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.{{cite web |author= 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}}

The constitution gives the council three mandates: veto power over legislation passed by the parliament,Article 98 of the constitutionArticles 96 and 94 of the constitution. supervision of elections{{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}} and approving or disqualifying candidates seeking to run in local, parliamentary, presidential, or Assembly of Experts elections.Article 99 of the constitution The council can nullify a law based on two accounts: being against Sharia (Islamic law), or being against the constitution.[http://mellat.majlis.ir/archive/constitution/english.htm Article 4] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061209085520/http://mellat.majlis.ir/archive/constitution/english.htm|date=9 December 2006}}

{{Main|Supreme National Security Council}}

The Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) is at the top of the foreign policy decisions process.{{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}}{{Cite web |date=1 April 2019 |title=Supreme National Security Council of Iran |url=https://iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2019/apr/01/supreme-national-security-council-iran |access-date=8 May 2024 |website=United States Institute of Peace |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=dead}}{{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}} 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.{{cite book |last1=Thaler |first1=David E. |last2=Nader |first2=Alireza |last3=Chubin |first3=Shahram |last4=Green |first4=Jerrold D. |last5=Lynch |first5=Charlotte |last6=Wehrey |first6=Frederic |title=Mullahs, Guards, and Bonyads |date=2010 |publisher=RAND Corporation |isbn=978-0-8330-4773-1 |pages=21–36 |jstor=10.7249/mg878osd.10 |jstor-access=free |chapter=Formal Structures of the Islamic Republic |url=https://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG878.html}} It is mandated by Article 176 of the Constitution to be presided over by the President.{{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}}{{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}}

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.{{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}}{{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}}

{{Main|Islamic Consultative Assembly}}

{{See also|Specialized Commissions of the Parliament of Iran|Supreme Audit Court of Iran|Majlis Research Centre}}{{multiple image|

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The legislature, known as the Islamic Consultative Assembly (ICA), Iranian Parliament or "Majles", is a unicameral body comprising 290 members elected for four-years.{{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}} 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.{{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}}[http://www.rferl.org/newsline/2006/10/031006.asp IRANIAN LEGISLATURE APPROVES FUNDS FOR GASOLINE IMPORTS] {{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. The Guardian Council can and has dismissed elected members of the parliament.{{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}}{{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}} The parliament has no legal status without the Guardian Council, and the Council holds absolute veto power over legislation.{{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}}

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.{{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}}[http://mellat.majlis.ir/archive/constitution/english.htm Article 112] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061209085520/http://mellat.majlis.ir/archive/constitution/english.htm|date=9 December 2006}}

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.

{{Main|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.{{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}}

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.{{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}} The Assembly of Experts, which meets for one week annually, comprises 86 "virtuous and learned" clerics elected by adult suffrage for 8-year terms.

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

{{center|{{Provinces of Iran Labelled Map}}}}

{{center|Map of Iran's Provinces}}

{{Main|Foreign relations of Iran}}

File:Diplomatic relations of Iran.svg

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

Iran has an adversarial relationship with Saudi Arabia due to different political ideologies. Iran and Turkey have been involved in modern proxy conflicts such as in Syria, Libya, and the South Caucasus.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} However, they have shared common interests, such as the issue of Kurdish separatism and the Qatar diplomatic crisis.{{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}}{{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}} Iran has a close and strong relationship with Tajikistan.{{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}}{{cite book |last1=Lal |first1=Rollie |title=Central Asia and Its Asian Neighbors |date=2006 |publisher=RAND Corporation |isbn=978-0-8330-3878-4 |pages=11–18 |jstor=10.7249/mg440af.10 |jstor-access=free |chapter=Iran |url=https://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG440.html}}{{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}}{{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}} Iran has deep economic relations and alliance with Iraq, Lebanon and Syria, with Syria often described as Iran's "closest ally".{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}

File:Iranian_Foreign_Affaire_Ministry.jpg, which extensively uses Achaemenid architecture in its facade, National Garden]]

Russia is a key trading partner, especially in regard to its excess oil reserves.{{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}}{{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}} Both share a close economic and military alliance, and are subject to heavy sanctions by Western nations.{{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}}{{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}}{{Cite web |date=1 March 2023 |title=Timeline: Iran-Russia Collaboration on Drones |url=https://iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2023/mar/01/timeline-iran-russia-collaboration-drones |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=United States Institute of Peace |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=dead}}{{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}} 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.{{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}}

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.{{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}} Iran-China relations dates back to at least 200 BC and possibly earlier.{{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}}{{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}} Iran is one of the few countries in the world that has a good relationship with both North and South Korea.{{Cite journal |last=Azad |first=Shirzad |date=2012 |title=Iran and the Two Koreas: A Peculiar Pattern of Foreign Policy |journal=The Journal of East Asian Affairs |volume=26 |issue=2 |pages=163–192 |jstor=23595522}}

In December 2024, the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, a close ally of Iran, was a severe setback for the political influence of Iran in the region.{{cite news |title=Assad regime's collapse is a devastating defeat for Iran |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/assad-regimes-collapse-devastating-defeat-iran-rcna183369 |work=NBC News |date=9 December 2024 |language=en}}

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.

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

File:Sejjil missile launch - November 2008 (21).jpg 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.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7064353.stm "Profile: Iran's Revolutionary Guards"] {{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. Since 1925, it is mandatory for all male citizen aged 18 to serve around 14 months in the IRIAF or IRGC.{{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/اخبار-سیاسی-۲۶-اسفند-کمک-رهبرانقلاب-به-زندانیان-نیازمند-تایید |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/اخبار-سیاسی-۲۶-اسفند-کمک-رهبرانقلاب-به-زندانیان-نیازمند-تایید |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=روزبهی |first=محدثه |date=16 March 2024 |title=تایید مصوبه کاهش مدت سربازی در شورای نگهبان |url=https://www.ekhtebar.ir/تایید-مصوبه-کاهش-مدت-سربازی-در-شورای-نگ/ |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/تایید-مصوبه-کاهش-مدت-سربازی-در-شورای-نگ/ |url-status=live}}

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.{{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}}{{cite book |last1=Jones |first1=Seth G. |chapter=Regular Military Power |pages=19–27 |jstor=resrep29480.7 |jstor-access=free |title=Containing Tehran: Understanding Iran's Power and Exploiting Its Vulnerabilities |journal=Containing Tehran |date=2020 |publisher=Center for Strategic and International Studies |isbn=978-1-4422-8149-3}}{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{Cite web |title=ارتش بیست میلیونی |url=http://www.imam-khomeini.ir/fa/n151194/ارتش_بیست_میلیونی |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/ارتش_بیست_میلیونی |url-status=live}}{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}} It ranks 13th globally in terms of overall military strength, 7th in the number of active military personnel,{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} Iran is among the top 15 countries in terms of military budget.{{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}} In 2021, its military spending increased for the first time in four years, to $24.6 billion, 2.3% of the national GDP.{{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}} Funding for the IRGC accounted for 34% of Iran's total military spending in 2021.{{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}}

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.{{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}} Official announcements have highlighted the development of advanced weaponry, particularly in rocketry.{{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}}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.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}} 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.{{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}}[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-31984423 "Are the Iran nuclear talks heading for a deal?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617121201/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-31984423 |date=17 June 2018 }}. BBC News Online. Retrieved: 4 August 2016. It is the world's 6th missile power.{{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}} Iran designs and produces a variety of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and is considered a global leader and superpower in drone warfare and technology.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} 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".{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} Iran is an key exporter of arms since 2000s.{{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}}

Following Russia's purchase of Iranian drones during the invasion of Ukraine,{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}} The Iranian Navy has had joint exercises with Russia and China.{{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}}

{{Main|Nuclear programme of Iran}}

Iran's nuclear programme dates back to the 1950s.{{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}} Iran revived it after the Revolution, and its extensive nuclear fuel cycle, including enrichment capabilities, became the subject of intense international negotiations and sanctions.{{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}} Many countries have expressed concern Iran could divert civilian nuclear technology into a weapons programme.{{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}} 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.{{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}}

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.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} A year later, Iran began decreasing its compliance.{{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}} By 2020, Iran announced it would no longer observe any limit set by the agreement.{{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}}{{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}} Progress since then has brought Iran to the nuclear threshold status.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} {{As of|November 2023}}, Iran had uranium enriched to up to 60% fissile content, close to weapon grade.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} Some analysts already regard Iran as a de facto nuclear power.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}

{{Main|Iranian influence in Lebanon|Iranian intervention in the Syrian civil war|Iranian intervention in Iraq (2014–present)}}

File:Iranian Influence (2).png]]

Iran's significant influence and foothold, sometimes characterised as the "Dawn of A New Persian Empire."{{Cite web |title=Are We Witnessing The Dawn Of A New Persian Empire? |url=https://en.radiofarda.com/a/iran-influence-in-middle-east-new-empire/28735042.html |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=en.radiofarda.com|date=14 September 2017 }}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} Some analysts associate the Iranian influence to the nation's proud national legacy, empire and history.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}

Since the Revolution, Iran has grown its influence across and beyond the region.{{Cite web |date=1 August 2015 |title=The Challenge of Iran |url=https://iranprimer.usip.org/resource/challenge-iran |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=United States Institute of Peace |language=en |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130174231/https://iranprimer.usip.org/resource/challenge-iran |url-status=dead}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} It has built military forces with a wide network of state and none-state actors, starting with Hezbollah in Lebanon in 1982.{{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 |journal=American Intelligence Journal |volume=35 |issue=2 |pages=67–73 |jstor=26566567}}{{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}} The IRGC has been key to Iranian influence, through its Quds Force.{{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}}{{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}}{{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 |journal=Perspectives on Terrorism |volume=6 |issue=4/5 |pages=85–107 |jstor=26296878}} The instability in Lebanon (from the 1980s),{{Cite journal |last=Kliot |first=N. |date=1987 |title=The Collapse of the Lebanese State |journal=Middle Eastern Studies |volume=23 |issue=1 |pages=54–74 |doi=10.1080/00263208708700688 |jstor=4283154}} Iraq (from 2003) {{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}} and Yemen (from 2014) {{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}} 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,{{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}}{{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}} and Lebanon provides Iran access to the Mediterranean Sea.{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}}

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.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} Since the Iran-Iraq war in 1980s and the fall of Saddam Hussein, Iran has shaped Iraq's politics.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}} This is expected to grow to $20 billion.{{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}}{{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}}

File:Achaemenid Empire 500 BCE.jpg

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

In Syria, Iran has supported President Bashar al-Assad;{{Cite journal |last=Terrill |first=W. Andrew |date=2015 |title=Iran's Strategy for Saving Asad |journal=Middle East Journal |volume=69 |issue=2 |pages=222–236 |doi=10.3751/69.2.1 |jstor=43698235}}{{Cite web |date=30 July 2012 |title=Iran's Evolving Policy on Syria |url=https://iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2012/jul/30/iran%E2%80%99s-evolving-policy-syria |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=United States Institute of Peace |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=dead}} the two countries are long-standing allies.{{Cite journal |last=Samii |first=Abbas William |date=2008 |title=A Stable Structure on Shifting Sands: Assessing the Hizbullah-Iran-Syria Relationship |journal=Middle East Journal |volume=62 |issue=1 |pages=32–53 |doi=10.3751/62.1.12 |jstor=25482471}}{{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}} Iran has provided significant military and economic support to Assad's government,{{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}}{{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}} so has a considerable foothold in Syria.{{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}}{{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=dead}} 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).{{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}} Iran's support of Hamas emerged more clearly in later years.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} According to US intelligence, Iran does not have full control over these state and non-state groups.{{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}}

{{Main|Human rights in Iran|Capital punishment in Iran|Censorship in Iran}}

File:EvinHouseofDetention.jpg, established in 1972. VICE describes the prison as the "legendary terrifying place that nobody wants to end up."{{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}}|225x225px]]

The Iranian government has been denounced by various international organisations and governments for violating human rights.{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}} Capital punishment is a legal punishment, and according to the BBC, Iran "carries out more executions than any other country, except China".{{cite news |title=Iran halts execution of three protesters after online campaign |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-53463685 |work=BBC |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}} UN Special Rapporteur Javaid Rehman has reported discrimination against several ethnic minorities in Iran.{{Cite news |date=22 October 2019 |title=Iran: UN expert says ethnic, religious minorities face discrimination |work=Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights |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}} 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.{{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=UN News |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}}{{Cite news |title=UN Rights Experts Call On Iran To Stop Persecution Of Baha'is, Other Religious Minorities |language=en |work=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty |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}}

Censorship in Iran is ranked among the most extreme worldwide.{{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}}{{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=Reporters Without Borders}}{{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}} Iran has strict internet censorship, with the government persistently blocking social media and other sites.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} Since January 2021, Iranian authorities have blocked a list of social media platforms; Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, Twitter and YouTube.{{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}}

The 2006 election results were widely disputed, resulting in protests.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} The 2017–18 Iranian protests swept across the country in response to the economic and political situation.{{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}} It was formally confirmed that thousands of protesters were arrested.{{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}} 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%.{{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}} 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.{{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}} Tens of thousands were arrested and hundreds were killed within a few days according to multiple international observers, including Amnesty International.{{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}}

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".{{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}}{{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}} Further 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".{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}

{{Main|Economy of Iran}}

{{See also|Subsidies in Iran|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.{{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}} Services contribute the largest percentage of GDP, followed by industry (mining and manufacturing) and agriculture.[http://www.turquoisepartners.com/iraninvestment/IIM-AprMay12.pdf Iran Investment Monthly] {{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. The economy is characterised by its hydrocarbon sector, in addition to manufacturing and financial services.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} Unemployment was 9% in 2022.{{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}}

File:Tehran_Stock_Exchange_3513534.jpg's market capital capitalisation was $1.5 trillion in 2023.{{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}}]]

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.{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}} The administration continues reform, and indicates it will diversify the oil-reliant economy. Iran has developed a biotechnology, nanotechnology, and pharmaceutical industry.{{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}} 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.{{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}} Iran is among the world's top five producers of apricots, cherries, cucumbers and gherkins, dates, figs, pistachios, quinces, walnuts, Kiwifruit and watermelons.{{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}} International sanctions against Iran have damaged the economy.{{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}} 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.{{cite journal |last1=Larch |first1=Mario |last2=Wanner |first2=Joschka |title=The consequences of non-participation in the Paris Agreement |journal=European Economic Review |date=April 2024 |volume=163 |pages=104699 |doi=10.1016/j.euroecorev.2024.104699 |hdl=10419/302105 |hdl-access=free}}

Iran suffers from high inflation{{Cite web |title=World Bank Open Data |url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.DEFL.KD.ZG?locations=IR |access-date=2025-03-10 |website=World Bank Open Data}}{{Cite web |title=Iran Datasets |url=https://www.imf.org/external/datamapper/profile/IRN |access-date=2025-03-10 |website=www.imf.org}} and especially surging food prices. A major contributing factor is the involvement of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the economy,{{Citation |last1=Wehrey |first1=Frederic |title=Economic Expansion: The IRGCʹs Business Conglomerate and Public Works |date=2009 |work=The Rise of the Pasdaran |pages=55–76 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.7249/mg821osd.12 |access-date=2025-03-10 |series=Assessing the Domestic Roles of IranA's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps |publisher=RAND Corporation |isbn=978-0-8330-4620-8 |last2=Green |first2=Jerrold D. |last3=Nichiporuk |first3=Brian |last4=Nader |first4=Alireza |last5=Hansell |first5=Lydia |last6=Nafisi |first6=Rasool |last7=Bohandy |first7=S. R.|jstor=10.7249/mg821osd.12 }} particularly in the agriculture and food sectors but also due to significant spending on the Axis of Resistance which increase the public deficit.{{Cite web |last=Amiri |first=Hoshang |date=2024-05-27 |title=Iran's Government Budget Deficit Worsened During Ebrahim Raisi's Presidency |url=https://iranfocus.com/economy/51255-irans-government-budget-deficit-worsened-during-ebrahim-raisis-presidency/ |access-date=2025-03-10 |website=Iran Focus |language=en-US}}

{{Main|Tourism in Iran}}

File:Kish Island, Persian Gulf, Iran.jpg annually.{{Cite web |title=Kish Island, Hormozgan province – ITTO |url=https://itto.org/iran/city/Kish-Island/ |access-date=9 January 2024 |website=itto.org}}]]

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.{{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}}{{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}} In 2022 it expanded its share to 5% of the economy.{{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}} Iran's tourism experienced a growth of 43% in 2023, attracting 6 million foreign tourists.{{Cite news |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/بازدید-۶میلیون-گردشگر-خارجی-از-ایران-در-یک-سال-صعود-۶-پله-ای |work=Islamic Republic News Agency |access-date=28 May 2024 |archive-date=28 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528112554/https://www.irna.ir/news/85492058/بازدید-۶میلیون-گردشگر-خارجی-از-ایران-در-یک-سال-صعود-۶-پله-ای |url-status=live}} The government ended visa requirements for 60 countries in 2023.{{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}}

98% of visits are for leisure, while 2% are for business, indicating the country's appeal as a tourist destination.{{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}} Alongside the capital, the most popular tourist destinations are Isfahan, Shiraz and Mashhad.[http://www.tehrantimes.com/PDF/10978/10978-7.pdf Sightseeing and excursions in Iran] {{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. Iran is emerging as a preferred destination for medical tourism.{{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}}{{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}} Travellers from other West Asian countries grew 31% in the first seven months of 2023, surpassing Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.{{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}} Domestic tourism is one of the world's largests; Iranian tourists spent $33bn in 2021.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} Iran projects investment of $32 billion in the tourism sector by 2026.{{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}}

{{Main|Agriculture in Iran}}

File:Ali Azad.jpg 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.{{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}} The western and northwestern portions of the country have the most fertile soils. Iran's food security index stands at around 96 percent.{{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}}{{Cite journal |last=Seyf |first=Ahmad |date=1984 |title=Technical Changes in Iranian Agriculture, 1800–1906 |journal=Middle Eastern Studies |volume=20 |issue=4 |pages=142–154 |doi=10.1080/00263208408700603 |jstor=4283034}} 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.{{Cite web |title=About this Collection | Country Studies | Digital Collections | 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}} Iran is the world's largest producer and exporter of caviar, exporting more than 300 tonnes annually.{{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}}{{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}}

{{Main|Industry of Iran}}

File:IKCO Reera 01 2023-09-01.jpg being the largest in the Middle East, Central Asia and North Africa.{{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}}]]

Iran is globally ranked 16th in car manufacturing, ahead of the UK, Italy, and Russia.{{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}}{{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 }} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}}

45% of large industrial firms are located in Tehran, and almost half of their workers work for government.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}}

{{Main|Transport in Iran}}

File:Iran Air Cargo Boeing 747-200 KvW.jpg 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 {{convert|173000|km|mi|sp=}} of roads, of which 73% were paved.{{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}} In 2008 there were nearly 100 passenger cars for every 1,000 inhabitants.{{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}}

Tehran Metro is the largest in the Middle East,{{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}}{{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}} it carries more than 3 million passengers daily and in 2018, 820 million trips.{{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}}{{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}} Trains operate on {{convert|11,106|km|mi|abbr=on}} of track.{{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}} 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.{{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}}

{{main|Energy in Iran|Petroleum industry in Iran}}

File:South Pars Onshore Facilities (8).jpg, the world's largest gas field, holds 8% of Earth's gas reserves.{{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}}]]

Iran is an energy superpower and petroleum plays a key part.{{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}}{{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}} {{As of|2023}}, Iran produced 4% of the world's crude oil ({{convert|3.6|Moilbbl|m3}} per day),{{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}} which generates US$36bn{{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}} of export revenue and is the main source of foreign currency.{{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}} Oil and gas reserves are estimated at 1.2 trn barrels;{{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}} Iran holds 10% of world oil reserves and 15% for gas. It ranks 3rd in oil reserves{{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}} and is OPEC's 2nd largest exporter. It has the 2nd largest gas reserves,{{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}} and 3rd largest natural gas production. In 2019, Iran discovered a southern oil field of 50 bn barrels{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} and in April 2024, the NIOC discovered 10 giant shale oil deposits, totalling 2.6 bn barrels.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} Iran plans to invest $500 billion in oil by 2025.[http://www.nitc.co.ir/iran-daily/1387/3109/html/economy.htm Iran Daily – Domestic Economy – 04/24/08]{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

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.[http://www.shana.ir/155561-en.html SHANA: Share of domestically made equipments on the rise] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309074817/http://www.shana.ir/155561-en.html|date=9 March 2012}}. Retrieved 26 July 2010. 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.{{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}}

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.{{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}}{{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}}

Despite being an energy superpower as of 2024-2025 Iran suffers from an energy crisis, manifested by many power outages.{{Cite news |last=فردا |first=رادیو |date=2024-12-12 |title=بازگشت دوباره خاموشی‌ها به خاطر مشکل سوخت در ایران |url=https://www.radiofarda.com/a/iran-blackouts-returns/33237782.html |access-date=2025-03-10 |work=رادیو فردا |language=fa}}{{Cite web |date=2025-02-24 |title=Energy shortages force Iran to cut workweek to two, three days |url=https://www.iranintl.com/en/202502248976 |access-date=2025-03-10 |website=www.iranintl.com |language=en}}

{{Main|Science and technology in Iran}}

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.{{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}} In 2006, Iranian scientists successfully cloned a sheep at the Royan Research Centre in Tehran.{{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}} Stem cell research is among the top 10 in the world.{{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}} Iran ranks 15th in the world in nanotechnologies.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}}

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.{{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}} In 2014, Iranian mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani became the first woman, and Iranian, to receive the Fields Medal, the highest prize in mathematics.{{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}}

Iran increased its publication output nearly tenfold from 1996 through 2004, and ranked first in output growth rate, followed by China.{{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}} According to a study by SCImago in 2012, Iran would rank fourth in research output by 2018, if the trend persisted.{{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}} 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.{{cite web |url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1389/8/18/MainPaper/3817/Page/1/Index.htm |title=No. 3817 | Front page | 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}}

According to a 2019 study by Isabel Campos-Varela et al., Iran recorded the highest proportion of retracted publications globally, with 15.52 retractions per 10,000 publications. Media reports from 2023 indicate that Iran continues to rank among the countries with the highest retraction rates. Common types of misconduct include fraudulent peer review processes, plagiarism, and data fabrication. Data from the Retraction Watch Leaderboard further highlights that two of the 32 individuals with the highest number of retracted articles worldwide are based in Iran.{{Cite web |title=Academic misconduct: Are we progressing or going backwards? |url=https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20250305070534841 |access-date=2025-03-10 |website=University World News |language=en}}

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

{{Main|Iranian Space Agency|Iranian Space Research Center|Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force}}

File:Safir navid 1.jpg]]

The Iranian Space Agency (ISA) was established in 2004. Iran became an orbital-launch-capable nation in 2009,{{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}} 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,{{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}} 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.{{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}} Simorgh's launch in 2016, is the successor of Safir.{{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}}

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

In February 2024, Iran launched its domestically developed imaging satellite, Pars 1, from Russia into orbit.{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}}

{{Main|Communications in Iran|Telecommunication Company of Iran|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.{{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}} 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.{{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}}

{{Main|Demographics of Iran}}

{{#invoke:multiple image|

| perrow = 1

| total_width = 200

| image1 = Provinces of Iran by population.svg

| image2 = Iran Counties by Population (2021).svg

| footer = 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.{{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}} However, Iran's fertility rate has dropped dramatically, from 6.5 children born per woman to about 1.7 two decades later,Latest Statistical Center of Iran fertility rate statistics (published February 2023). [https://www.amar.org.ir/Portals/0/PropertyAgent/461/Files/26322/Mizan_Barvari_Kol_1400.xlsx xlsx] {{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 [https://www.amar.org.ir/پایگاه-ها-و-سامانه-ها/سریهای-زمانی/agentType/ViewType/PropertyTypeID/1936 page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326043023/https://www.amar.org.ir/پایگاه-ها-و-سامانه-ها/سریهای-زمانی/agentType/ViewType/PropertyTypeID/1936 |date=26 March 2023 }}.{{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}}{{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}} leading to a population growth rate of about 1.39% as of 2018.{{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}} Due to its young population, studies project that the growth will continue to slow until it stabilises at around 105 million by 2050.U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2005. Unpublished work tables for estimating Iran's mortality. Washington, D.C.:

Population Division, International Programs Center{{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}}{{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}}

Iran hosts one of the largest refugee populations, with almost one million,{{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}} mostly from Afghanistan and Iraq.{{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}} 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.{{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}} This is covered by tax revenues and income derived from public contributions.{{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}}

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%.{{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}} Iran's population is concentrated in its western half, especially in the north, north-west and west.{{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}}

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 of Iran|class=info}}

{{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. The World Factbook has estimated that around 79% of the population of Iran is a diverse Indo-European ethno-linguistic group,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 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%.{{cite web |url=https://www.loc.gov/rr/frd/cs/pdf/CS_Iran.pdf#27 |title=Country Profile: Iran |publisher=Federal Research Division, Library of Congress |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}}{{cite web |title=World Heritage List |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/ |publisher=UNESCO |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}}

Ethnic based discrimination is prevalent in Iran. Minorities in Iran have been disproportionately affected by the ongoing crackdown aimed at repressing the 'Woman, Life, Freedom' movement, according to the UN Fact-Finding Mission.{{Cite web |title=Minorities in Iran have been disproportionally impacted in ongoing crackdown to repress the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement, UN Fact-Finding Mission says |url=https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/08/minorities-iran-have-been-disproportionally-impacted-ongoing-crackdown |access-date=2025-03-10 |website=OHCHR |language=en}}

{{Main|Languages of Iran}}

File:I am Cyrus, Achaemenid King - Pasargady01.jpg 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.{{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}} 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,Annika Rabo, Bo Utas. [https://books.google.com/books?id=rWEbrv5oD8AC The Role of the State in West Asia] Swedish Research Institute in Istanbul, 2005 {{ISBN|91-86884-13-1}} 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.[https://books.google.com/books?id=stl97FdyRswC&pg=PA141 Encyclopedia of the Peoples of Africa and the Middle East] {{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{{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=Encyclopaedia Iranica |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}}{{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}}{{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=The Iranian |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 |archive-date=11 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211033457/https://books.google.com/books?id=5jPL0A31H5MC |url-status=live}}

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.{{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)}}

{{Main|Religion in Iran}}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-left:1em; font-size: 88%; float:right; clear:right"

|+ Religion (2011 census){{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}}
Note: other groups were excluded

|- style="background:#ccf;"

| style="text-align:center" | Religion || style="background:#ccf; text-align:center" | Percent || style="background:#ccf; text-align:center" | Number

|-

| Muslim || style="text-align:center" | 99.4% || style="text-align:right" | 74,682,938

|-

| Christian || style="text-align:center" | 0.2% || style="text-align:right" | 117,704

|-

| Zoroastrian || style="text-align:center" | 0.03% || style="text-align:right" | 25,271

|-

| Jewish || style="text-align:center" | 0.01% || style="text-align:right" | 8,756

|-

| Other || style="text-align:center" | 0.07% || style="text-align:right" | 49,101

|-

| Undeclared || style="text-align:center" | 0.4% || style="text-align:right" | 265,899

|}

Twelver Shia Islam is the state religion, to which 90–95% of Iranians adhere;{{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}}{{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=[https://archive.org/details/persiangulfsouth0000unse/page/158 158] |url=https://archive.org/details/persiangulfsouth0000unse/page/158}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-report-on-international-religious-freedom/iran/ |title=Iran |access-date=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}}{{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}} about 5–10% are in the Sunni and Sufi branches of Islam.{{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}} 96% of Iranians believe in Islam, but 14% identify as not religious.{{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}}{{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 to Yarsanism, a Kurdish indigenous religion, estimated to be over half a million to one million followers.Encyclopedia of the Modern Middle East and North Africa (Detroit: Thomson Gale, 2004) p. 82{{sfnp|Hamzeh'ee|1990|p=39}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} The Baháʼí Faith is not officially recognised and has been subject to official persecution.{{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}} Since the Revolution, the persecution of Baháʼís has increased.{{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}}{{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}} 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.Colin Brock, Lila Zia Levers. [https://books.google.com/books?id=rOJsCQAAQBAJ Aspects of Education in the Middle East and Africa] Symposium Books Ltd., 7 mei 2007 {{ISBN|1-873927-21-5}} p. 99 Iran is home to the largest Jewish community in the Muslim World and the Middle East, outside of Israel.{{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}}{{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=Fox News |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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}}Country Information and Guidance "Christians and Christian converts, Iran" December 2014. p.9 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.[https://ancawr.org/iran-to-register-armenian-cathedral-in-isfahan-as-unesco-world-heritage-site/ "Iran to Register Armenian Cathedral in Isfahan as UNESCO World Heritage Site"] {{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.{{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}}

{{Main|Education in Iran}}

File:TehranUniversityEntrancePanorama.jpg, 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|lc=yes}}, with men (90%) significantly more educated than women (81%). Government expenditure on education is around 4% of GDP.{{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}}

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 one–two-year course of pre-university.{{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}} 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.{{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}}

{{Main|Health in Iran|Healthcare in Iran}}

File:Razavihospital faz2.jpg, accredited by [https://accreditation.ca/ ACI] for its quality health services{{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//گفتگو-با-استادی-که-مبتکروآغاز-کننده-رو/ |access-date=27 January 2024 |website=بیمارستان رضوی |language=fa-IR}}]]

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

Iran is the only country in the world with a legal organ trade.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} About 90% of Iranians have health insurance.{{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}}

{{Main|Culture of Iran}}

{{Main|Persian art{{!}}Iranian art|Arts of Iran|Iranian modern and contemporary art}}

File:Mirror Hall by Kamal-ol-molk.JPG's Mirror Hall of Golestan Palace, often considered a starting point in Iranian modern art{{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}}]]

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.{{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 |date=October 2002 |language=en}}

By the time of the Sasanians, Iranian art had a renaissance.{{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}} During the Middle Ages, Sasanian art played a prominent role in the formation of European and Asian mediaeval art.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}

The Safavid era is known as the Golden Age of Iranian art.{{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}} 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.{{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}} The new movements received official encouragement by the 1950s,{{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}} which led to the emergence of artists such as Marcos Grigorian.{{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}}

{{Main|Iranian architecture|Persian gardens}}

File:Chehel_Sotoon.jpg in Isfahan, built during the Safavid Empire with example of a talar, World Heritage Site|222x222px]]

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.{{cite book |author=Pope, Arthur Upham |title=Persian Architecture |url=https://archive.org/details/persianarchitect0000unse |url-access=registration |publisher=George Braziller |location=New York |date=1965 |page=[https://archive.org/details/persianarchitect0000unse/page/266 266] |author-link=Arthur Upham Pope}} The guiding motif is its cosmic symbolism.{{cite book |author1=Ardalan, Nader |author2=Bakhtiar, Laleh. |title=The Sense of Unity: The Sufi Tradition in Persian Architecture |date=2000 |publisher=University of Chicago Press |isbn=978-1-871031-78-2}}

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".{{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 UNESCO's list of countries with the most archaeological ruins and attractions from antiquity.{{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}}

{{Main|List of World Heritage Sites in Iran|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.{{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}}{{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}}

{{Main|Persian carpet|Tabriz rug|Ardabil Carpet}}

File:Pazyryk_carpet.jpg

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.{{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}}{{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}} In 2010, the "traditional skills of carpet weaving" in Fars Province and Kashan were inscribed to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}}

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.

{{Main|Literature in Iran|Iranian literature|Persian literature}}

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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.{{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}}{{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=[https://archive.org/details/encyclopediamode02levi_463/page/n97 48]}} 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.{{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}}

Described as one of the great literatures of humanity,Arthur John Arberry, The Legacy of Persia, Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1953, {{ISBN|0-19-821905-9}}, p. 200. including Goethe's assessment of it as one of the four main bodies of world literature,Von David Levinson; Karen Christensen, Encyclopedia of Modern Asia, Charles Scribner's Sons. 2002, vol. 4, p. 480 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.Frye, R.N., "Darī", The Encyclopaedia of Islam, Brill Publications, CD version.

{{Main|Ancient philosophy#Ancient Iranian philosophy|Iranian philosophy}}

File:Persian Scholar pavilion in Viena UN (Rhazes&Khayyam).jpg 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}}

{{Main|Persian mythology|Iranian folklore}}

File:Rostam and Sohrab Statue 01.jpg, 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,{{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}} 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.{{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}} In classical Iran, minstrels performed for their audiences at royal courts and in public theatres.{{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}} A minstrel was referred to by the Parthians as gōsān, and by the Sasanians as huniyāgar.{{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}} Since the Safavid Empire, storytellers and poetry readers appeared at coffeehouses.{{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}}{{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}} After the Iranian Revolution, it took until 1985 to found the MCHTH (Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts),{{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}} a now heavily centralised organisation, supervising all kinds of cultural activities. It held the first scientific meeting on anthropology and folklore in 1990.{{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}}

{{Main|List of museums in Iran}}

File:Národní muzeum Íránu.jpg, 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,{{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}} and ranks as one of the few most prestigious museums globally in terms of volume, diversity and quality of its monuments.{{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}}

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.{{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}}{{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}}

{{Main|Music of Iran|Iranian dance|Classical Persian dance}}

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Iran is the apparent birthplace of the earliest complex instruments, dating to the third millennium BC.{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}}

The history of Sasanian music is better documented than earlier periods and is especially more evident in Avestan texts.{{harv|Lawergren|2009}} iv. First millennium C.E. (1) Sasanian music, 224–651. 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.{{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}} Iranian pop music has its origins in the Qajar era.{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}}

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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.

{{Main|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.{{Cite book |title=پوشاک در ایران باستان، فریدون پوربهمن/ت: هاجر ضیاء سیکارودی، امیرکبیر |year=2007 |pages=24, 25, 57}} 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.

{{Main|Cinema of Iran|Iranian animation|Persian theatre}}

File:Vase animation.svg, possibly the world's oldest animation, at the National Museum of Iran{{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}}]]

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.{{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}} 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.Honour, Hugh and John Fleming, The Visual Arts: A History. New Jersey, Prentice Hall Inc., 1992. Page: 96.

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.{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}}

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.{{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}}

File:Asghar Farhadi in 2018-2 (cropped).jpg, two-time Academy Award winner and a prominent filmmaker in the 21st century{{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}}]]

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 {{lang|fr|Palme d'Or|italic=no}} for Taste of Cherry in 1997.{{cite book |author=Hamid Dabashi |title=Masters & Masterpieces of Iranian Cinema |year=2007 |publisher=Mage Publishers |isbn=978-0-934211-85-7 |page=intro}} The presence of Iranian films in prestigious international festivals, such as Cannes, Venice and Berlin, attracted attention to Iranian films.{{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}} In 2006, 6 films represented Iranian cinema at Berlin; critics considered this a remarkable event in Iranian cinema.{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}

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).{{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}}

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.

{{Main|Media of Iran}}

File:IRIB Building.jpg, 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.{{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}}

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.{{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}} 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.{{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}}

{{Main|Iranian cuisine}}

File:Kebab Bakhtyari.jpg (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.{{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}}{{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=[https://archive.org/details/iranianrapperspe0000masl/page/58 58] |quote=Iran is a nation of obsessive tea drinkers |url-access=registration}} Iran is the world's seventh major tea producer.Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations—Production [http://faostat.fao.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?PageID=567&lang=en FAOSTAT] {{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. One of Iran's most popular desserts is the falude.{{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}} There is also the popular saffron ice cream, known as Bastani Sonnati ("traditional ice cream"),{{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}} which is sometimes accompanied with carrot juice.{{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}} Iran is also famous for its caviar.{{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}}

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.

{{Main|Sport in Iran}}

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Iran is the most likely birthplace of polo,{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} locally known as Chogan, with its earliest records attributed to the ancient Medes.{{Cite book |author=Singh, Jaisal |year=2007 |title=Polo in India |location=London |publisher=New Holland |page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=2ZF5EIfX9VwC&pg=PA10 10] |isbn=978-1-84537-913-1}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}

As a mountainous country, Iran is a venue for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, rock climbing,{{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}} and mountain climbing.{{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}}{{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}} It is home to ski resorts, the most famous being Tochal, Dizin, and Shemshak.{{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}} Dizin is the largest, and authorised by FIS to administer international competitions.{{Cite web |date=15 December 2023 |title=Dizi (IRI) |url=https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/event-details.html?eventid=47908§orcode=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§orcode=AL&seasoncode=2021 |url-status=live}}

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|lc=y}}.{{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}} 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.{{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}} Volleyball is the second most popular sport.{{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}}{{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}} 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|2024|January|lc=y}}. Basketball is also popular, with the men's national team having won three Asian Championships since 2007.{{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}}

{{See also|List of festivals in Iran}}

File:7SEEN 89.jpg, a custom of Nowruz, the Iranian New Year{{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}}]]

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.{{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}} It was registered on the UNESCO's list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2009.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}}

Yaldā, another ancient tradition,{{cite news |url=http://en.mehrnews.com/news/112907/Yalda-Iranian-celebration-of-winter-solstice |author=Rezaian, Lachin |publisher=Mehr News Agency |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}} 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),{{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}}{{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}} during which families gather to recite poetry and eat fruits.{{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}}{{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 }} In some regions of Mazanderan and Markazi,{{cite web |url=http://english.irib.ir/radioculture/iran/history/item/149883-historical-ceremonies-of-iran |title=Historical ceremonies of Iran |publisher=IRIB English Radio |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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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=Iran Daily |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}} there is a midsummer festival, Tirgān,{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IhhOBAAAQBAJ |title=The Mertowney Mountain Interviews |publisher=iUniverse |author=Leviton, Richard |date=16 July 2014 |page=252 |quote=...{{nbsp}}the summer solstice festival, called Tiregan,{{nbsp}}... |isbn=978-1-4917-4129-0}} which is observed on Tir 13 (2 or 3{{nbsp}}July) as a celebration of water.{{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=World Scientific |quote=Tirgan, is a joyous celebration of water in the height of summer,{{nbsp}}... |isbn=978-981-4545-69-3}}{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ulb9CQAAQBAJ |title=Emotional Schema Therapy |author=Leahy, Robert L. |publisher=Guilford Publications |date=2015 |page=212 |quote=...{{nbsp}}, Tirgan (thanksgiving for water),{{nbsp}}... |isbn=978-1-4625-2054-1}}

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,{{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=France 24 |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}} elle ye Ruze, and Eid e Pāk are observed by the Christian communities, Jewish traditions such as Hanukā{{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=Al-Monitor |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}} and Eid e Fatir (Pesah){{cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/jewish/iran-jews-celebrate-passover-persian-style-1.358018 |title=Iran Jews Celebrate Passover, Persian-style |newspaper=Haaretz |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}}{{cite news |url=http://washingtonjewishweek.com/1107/persian-passover/special-focuses/holiday-calendar |author=Holzel, David |title=Persian Passover |date=24 May 2013 |publisher=Washington Jewish Week |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}} are observed by the Jewish communities, and Zoroastrian traditions such as Sade{{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}} and Mehrgān are observed by the Zoroastrians.

{{Main|Public holidays in Iran}}

With 26, Iran has one of the world's highest number of public holidays.{{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}}{{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}} It ranks 1st in the world with the most paid leave days: 52.{{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}}{{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}} Iran's official calendar is the Solar Hejri calendar, beginning at the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere.{{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}} 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{{nbsp}}April), and the political events of Islamic Republic Day (Farvardin 12; 1{{nbsp}}April), the death of Ruhollah Khomeini (Khordad 14; 4{{nbsp}}June), the Khordad 15 event (Khordad 15; 5{{nbsp}}June), the anniversary of the Iranian Revolution (Bahman 22; 10 February), and Oil Nationalisation Day (Esfand 29; 19 March).{{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}}

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).

{{portal|Iran|Asia}}

• Outline of Iran

{{reflist|group=n}}

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• {{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}}
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{{Refend}}

• [https://www.leader.ir/en The Office of the Supreme Leader of Iran]
• [https://president.ir/en President of Iran]
• [https://visitiran.ir Visit Iran - Official Travel Guide of Iran]
• [http://en.iran.ir/ Iran.ir] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090517064110/http://en.iran.ir/ |date=17 May 2009 }} {{in lang|fa}}
• [https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/iran/ Iran] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505102855/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/iran/ |date=5 May 2024 }}. The World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency.
• {{GovPubs|iran}}
• {{Wikiatlas|Iran}}

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