View source for Religion:Iran

{{Short description|Country in West Asia}}
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{{Very long|date=January 2024|words='''18305'''}}{{Infobox country
| conventional_long_name = Islamic Republic of Iran
| common_name            = Iran
| native_name            = {{nobold|{{native name|fa|جمهوری اسلامی ایران|italics=off}}}}<br />{{small|{{transliteration|fa|Jomhūrī-ye Eslāmī-ye Īrān}}}}
| image_flag             = Flag of Iran.svg
| image_coat             = Emblem of Iran.svg
| symbol_type            = Emblem
| national_motto         = {{lang|fa|ٱللَّٰهُ أَكْبَر}}<br />{{transliteration|fa|ʾAllāhu ʾAkbar}}<br />"[[Religion:Takbir|God is the Greatest]]"
| national_anthem        = {{lang|fa|سرود ملی جمهوری اسلامی ایران}}<br />{{nowrap|{{transliteration|fa|Sorud-e Melli-ye Jomhuri-ye Eslâmi-ye Irân}}}}<br />{{nowrap|"National Anthem of the Islamic Republic of Iran"}}{{parabr}}{{center|[[File:Sorud-e Mellí-e Yomhurí-e Eslamí-e Irán (instrumental).oga]]}}
| image_map              = {{switcher|[[File:Iran (orthographic projection).svg|upright=1.15|frameless]]|Iran on the globe|[[File:Iran - Location Map (2013) - IRN - UNOCHA.svg|upright=1.15|frameless]]|Map of Iran}}
| capital                = [[Place:Tehran|Tehran]]
| coordinates            = {{Coord|35|41|N|51|25|E|type:city}}
| largest_city           = [[Place:Tehran|Tehran]]
| official_languages     = [[Social:Persian language|Persian]]
| regional_languages     = {{Collapsible list
| titlestyle = background:transparent;text-align:left;font-weight:normal;font-size:100%;
| title = List of languages:<ref name="CIA" /> | Predominantly [[Social:Persian language|Persian]] | 18% [[Social:Azerbaijani language|Azerbaijani]] and other [[Social:Turkic languages|Turkic languages]] {{midsize|(incl. [[Social:Qashqai language|Qashqai]], [[Social:Turkmen language|Turkmen]])<ref name="britannicalanguages">{{Cite web |title=Iran – Languages |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Iran/Languages |access-date=9 January 2020 |website=Encyclopedia Britannica |language=en}}</ref>}} | 10% [[Social:Kurdish languages|Kurdish]] | 7% [[Social:Gilaki language|Gilaki]] and [[Social:Mazanderani language|Mazanderani]] | 6% Luri | 2% Balochi | 2% [[Social:Arabic|Arabic]] | 2% other<ref name=AO /> {{midsize|(incl. [[Social:Armenian language|Armenian]], [[Social:Assyrian Neo-Aramaic|Assyrian]], [[Social:Georgian language|Georgian]], Laki, Semnani, [[Social:Talysh language|Talysh]], [[Social:Tati language (Iran)|Tati]])}}}}
| ethnic_groups          = {{Tree list}}
{{Collapsible list
| title = All
| Predominantly Persians
| Azeris
| Kurds
| Mazanderanis
| Lurs
| Gilaks
| Arabs
| Armenians
| Turkmens
| Baloch
| Talysh
| Tat}}
{{Tree list/end}}
| ethnic_groups_ref      = {{Sfn|Tohidi|2009|p=300}}
| ethnic_groups_year     = 2003 estimate
| religion               = {{unbulleted list
|99% Islam 
|—90% [[Religion:Shia Islam|Shia Islam]] ([[Religion:State religion|official]])
|—9% Sunni Islam
|0.4% Baha'i Faith
|0.1% Christianity
|0.1% Zoroastrianism
|0.1% Jews
|0.3% Others}}|
| religion_year          = 2022
| religion_ref           = <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/iran/ |title=2022 Iran |work=report on international religious freedom=CIA }}</ref>
| demonym                = Iranian
| government_type        = Unitary presidential [[Social:Theocracy#Iran|theocratic Islamic republic]]
| leader_title1          = [[Social:Supreme Leader of Iran|Supreme Leader]]
| leader_name1           = {{nowrap|Ali Khamenei}}
| leader_title2          = President
| leader_name2           = Ebrahim Raisi
| leader_title3          = Vice President
| leader_name3           = Mohammad Mokhber
| leader_title4          = Speaker of the Parliament
| leader_name4           = Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
| leader_title5          = Secretary of the Guardian Council
| leader_name5           = Ahmad Jannati
| leader_title6          = Chief Justice
| leader_name6           = Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje'i
| legislature            = Islamic Consultative Assembly
| sovereignty_type       = [[History:History of Iran|Establishment history]]
| established_event1     = [[Place:Elam|First pre-imperial dynasty]]
| established_date1      = {{circa|3200 BC}}
| established_event2     = Median Empire
| established_date2      = {{circa|678 BC}}
| established_event3     = [[Place:Achaemenid Empire|Achaemenid Empire]]
| established_date3      = 550 BC
| established_event4     = [[History:Parthian Empire|Parthian Empire]]
| established_date4      = 247 BC
| established_event5     = Sasanian Empire
| established_date5      = 224 AD
| established_event6     = Buyid dynasty
| established_date6      = 934
| established_event7     = Safavid Empire
| established_date7      = 1501
| established_event8     = [[Place:Afsharid Iran|Afsharid Iran]]
| established_date8      = 1736
| established_event9     = Zand dynasty
| established_date9      = 1751
| established_event10    = Qajar Iran
| established_date10     = 1796
| established_event11    = Pahlavi Iran
| established_date11     = 15 December 1925
| established_event12    = Iranian Revolution - Constitution of Iran
| established_date12     = 11 February 1979 – 3 December 1979
| established_event13    = Latest amendment
| established_date13     = 28 July 1989
| area_km2               = 1,648,195
| area_rank              = 17th
| area_sq_mi             = 636,372<!--Do not remove per Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and Numbers-->
| percent_water          = 1.63 (as of 2015)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Surface water and surface water change |url=https://stats.oecd.org/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=SURFACE_WATER |access-date=11 October 2020 |publisher=Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)}}</ref>
| population_estimate    = 87,590,873<ref>{{Cite CIA World Factbook|country=Iran|access-date=22 June 2023|year=2023}}</ref>
| population_estimate_year = 2023
| population_estimate_rank = 17th
| population_density_km2 = 55
| population_density_sq_mi = 142<!--Do not remove per Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and Numbers-->
| population_density_rank = 132nd<!--Wiki source[?]-->
| GDP_PPP                = {{increase}} $1.725 trillion<ref name="IMFWEO.IR">{{cite web |url=https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2023/October/weo-report?c=429,&s=NGDPD,PPPGDP,NGDPDPC,PPPPC,&sy=2020&ey=2028&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1 |title=World Economic Outlook Database, October 2023 Edition. (Iran) |publisher=[[Organization:International Monetary Fund|International Monetary Fund]] |website=IMF.org |date=10 October 2023 |access-date=12 October 2023}}</ref>
| GDP_PPP_year           = 2023
| GDP_PPP_rank           = 19th
| GDP_PPP_per_capita     = {{increase}} $19,942<ref name="IMFWEO.IR" />
| GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 79th
| GDP_nominal            = {{increase}} $366.438 billion<ref name="IMFWEO.IR" />
| GDP_nominal_year       = 2023
| GDP_nominal_rank       = 42nd
| GDP_nominal_per_capita = {{increase}} $4,234<ref name="IMFWEO.IR" />
| GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 120th
| Gini                   = 40.9<!--number only-->
| Gini_year              = 2019
| Gini_change            = <!--increase/decrease/steady-->
| Gini_ref               = <ref name="Data.worldbank.org">{{Cite web |title=Gini index |url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI?locations=IR |access-date=13 January 2023 |website=[[Organization:World Bank|World Bank]]}}</ref>
| Gini_rank              = 
| HDI                    = 0.774<!--number only-->
| HDI_year               = 2021<!--Please use the year to which the data refers, not the publication year-->
| HDI_change             = increase <!--increase/decrease/steady-->
| HDI_ref                = <ref name="HDI">{{Cite web |date=8 September 2022 |title=Human Development Report 2021/2022 |url=https://hdr.undp.org/system/files/documents/global-report-document/hdr2021-22pdf_1.pdf |access-date=8 September 2022 |publisher=[[Organization:United Nations Development Programme|United Nations Development Programme]] |language=en}}</ref>
| HDI_rank               = 76th
| currency               = [[Finance:Iranian rial|Iranian rial]] ({{nq|{{wikt-lang|fa|ریال}}}})
| currency_code          = IRR
| time_zone              = [[Iran Standard Time|IRST]]
| utc_offset             = +3:30
| date_format            = <span dir="rtl">yyyy/mm/dd</span> ([[History:Solar Hijri calendar|SH]])
| drives_on              = right
| calling_code           = +98
| iso3166code            = IR
| cctld                  = {{unbulleted list |.ir |ایران.}}
| today                  = 
}}

'''Iran''',{{efn|{{lang-fa|ایران|Īrān}}, {{IPAc-en|lang|audio=En-us-Iran.ogg|ɪ|ˈ|r|ɑː|n}} {{respell|ih|RAHN}} or {{IPAc-en|ɪ|ˈ|r|æ|n}} {{respell|ih|RAN}} or {{IPAc-en|aɪ|ˈ|r|æ|n}} {{respell|eye|RAN}};<ref name="MW">{{Cite web |title=Definition of IRAN |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Iran |access-date=2022-09-24 |website=merriam-webster.com |language=en}}</ref>{{IPA-fa|ʔiːˈɾɒːn||Iran-Pronunciation.ogg}}}} also known as '''Persia'''{{efn|{{IPAc-en|audio=LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-Persia.wav|ˈ|p|ɜːr|ʒ|ə}} {{respell|PUR|zhə}}<ref name="MW" />}} and officially the '''Islamic Republic of Iran''',{{efn|{{lang-fa|جمهوری اسلامی ایران|Jomhūrī-ye Eslāmī-ye Īrān}}, {{pronunciation|Fa-ir-JEI (1).ogg|listen|(|help=no}} {{IPA-fa|dʒomhuːˌɾije eslɒːˌmije ʔiːˈɾɒn|}}}} is a country in [[Place:West Asia|West Asia]]. It is bordered by Iraq to the west and [[Place:Turkey|Turkey]] to the northwest, [[Place:Azerbaijan|Azerbaijan]], [[Place:Armenia|Armenia]], the Caspian Sea and Turkmenistan to the north, Afghanistan to the east, {{wipe|Pakistan}} to the southeast, the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf to the south. It covers an area of {{convert|1.648|e6km2|e6sqmi|2|abbr=off|sp=us}}, making it the world's 17th-largest country. Iran has around 90 million people, making it the world's 17th most populous country. Its capital and largest city is [[Place:Tehran|Tehran]] and the national language is [[Social:Persian language|Farsi]]. Historically a multi-ethnic country, Iran remains a pluralistic society comprising numerous ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups, with the largest of these being the Persians, Azeris, Kurds, Mazanderanis, Lurs, Gilaks, Baluchs, Arabs and Talysh.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/iran/#people-and-society | title=Iran | date=9 January 2024 }}</ref>

Iran is home to one of the world's oldest civilizations, beginning with the formation of the [[Place:Elam|Elam]]ite kingdoms in the fourth millennium BC. It was first unified by the Medes in the seventh century BC and reached its territorial height in the sixth century BC, when Cyrus the Great founded the [[Place:Achaemenid Empire|Achaemenid Empire]]. Alexander the Great conquered the empire in the fourth century BC, and it was subsequently divided into several Hellenistic states. An Iranian rebellion established the [[History:Parthian Empire|Parthian Empire]] in the third century BC, which was succeeded in the third century AD by the Sasanian Empire. [[History:Muslim conquest of Persia|Arab Muslims conquered the empire]] in the seventh century AD, leading to its [[Religion:Islamization of Iran|Islamization]]; Iran thereafter became a major center of Islamic culture and learning. Over the next two centuries, a series of native Iranian Muslim dynasties emerged before the Seljuk and the Mongols conquered the region. In the 16th century, the native Safavids re-established a unified Iranian state. Under the reign of Nader Shah in the 18th century, Iran presided over the most powerful military in the world, though by the 19th century, a series of conflicts with the [[Place:Russian Empire|Russian Empire]] led to significant territorial losses. The early 20th century saw the Persian Constitutional Revolution. Efforts to nationalise its fossil fuel supply led to an Anglo-American coup in 1953. After the Iranian Revolution, the current Islamic republic was established in 1979 by [[Biography:Ruhollah Khomeini|Ruhollah Khomeini]], who became the country's first [[Social:Supreme Leader of Iran|supreme leader]].

The Iranian government is an Islamic republic with a [[Social:Presidential system|presidential system]], though ultimate authority is vested in a theocratic "Rahbar"; the position has been held by Ali Khamenei since Khomeini's death in 1989. The Iranian government is authoritarian, and has attracted widespread criticism for its significant constraints and violations of human rights and civil liberties. It is also a focal point for [[Religion:Shia Islam|Shia Islam]] within the [[Place:Middle East|Middle East]]. Since the Iranian Revolution, the country is considered to be the most determined adversary of Israel and Saudi Arabia. On March 10, 2023, Iran and Saudi Arabia normalized relations after years of hostility.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hafezi |first=Parisa |date=2023-03-10 |title=Iran and Saudi Arabia agree to resume ties in talks brokered by China |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-saudi-arabia-agree-resume-ties-re-open-embassies-iranian-state-media-2023-03-10/ |website=Reuters}}</ref> The Iranian government has been criticised{{by whom|date=January 2024}} for various policies such as its alleged sponsorship of terrorism, funding of proxy militias and its involvement in the majority of modern Middle Eastern conflicts.

Iran is a [[Social:Regional power|regional]] and [[Social:Middle power|middle power]] and occupies a strategic location in the Asian continent. It is a founding member of the {{wipe|United Nations}}, the [[Organization:Economic Cooperation Organization|ECO]], the [[Organization:Organisation of Islamic Cooperation|OIC]], the [[Organization:OPEC|OPEC]], the SCO, and a member of [[Organization:BRICS|BRICS]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-12-29 |title=BRICS to Grow as Saudi, Iran, UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia Join Ranks |language=en |work=Bloomberg.com |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-12-29/brics-to-grow-as-saudi-iran-uae-egypt-ethiopia-join-ranks |access-date=2024-01-01}}</ref> It has large reserves of fossil fuels—including the second largest natural gas supply and the third-largest proven oil reserves. The country's rich cultural legacy is reflected in part by its 27 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which ranks 10th worldwide. Iran places 5th globally in terms of [[Social:Intangible cultural heritage|Intangible Cultural Heritage]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-06 |title=ایران در جایگاه پنجم جهانی ثبت آثار ناملموس در یونسکو قرار گرفت |url=https://www.mehrnews.com/news/5959467/%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%AC%D8%A7%DB%8C%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%87-%D9%BE%D9%86%D8%AC%D9%85-%D8%AC%D9%87%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C-%D8%AB%D8%A8%D8%AA-%D8%A2%D8%AB%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84%D9%85%D9%88%D8%B3-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%DB%8C%D9%88%D9%86%D8%B3%DA%A9%D9%88-%D9%82%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B1-%DA%AF%D8%B1%D9%81%D8%AA |access-date=2023-12-06 |website=Mehrnews}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-06 |title=ایران در جایگاه پنجم جهانی ثبت آثار ناملموس در یونسکو قرار گرفت |url=https://dolat.ir/detail/429567 |archive-date= |access-date=2023-12-06 |website=Dolat}}</ref>

== Etymology ==
[[File:Irnp105-Grobowce Naqsh-E Rustam.jpg|alt=Inscription of Ardeshir Babakan (ruling 224–242) in Naqsh-e Rostam|thumb|The well-preserved Inscription of Ardashir Babakan (r. 224–242 AD) in Naqsh-e Rostam: "This is the figure of Mazdaworshipper, the lord Ardashir, King of Iran{{nbsp}}..."<ref>The history of pre-Islamic literature of Persia, Ahmad Tafazzoli and Zhale Amoozgar, p 84, Sokhan publications, Tehran, {{ISBN|964-5983-14-2}}</ref>]]The term ''Iran'' derives from Middle Persian {{transliteration|pal|Ērān}}, first attested in a third-century inscription at Naqsh-e Rostam, with the accompanying Parthian inscription using the term {{transliteration|xpr|Aryān}}, in reference to the Iranians.{{Sfn|MacKenzie|1998}} The terms {{transliteration|pal|Ērān}} and {{transliteration|xpr|Aryān}} are oblique plural forms of gentilic nouns ''ēr-'' (Middle Persian) and ''ary-'' (Parthian), both 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 "one who assembles (skilfully)".<ref>Laroche. 1957. Proto-Iranian ''*arya-'' descends from Proto-Indo-European (PIE) ''{{PIE|*ar-yo-}}'', a ''yo-''adjective to a root {{PIE|*ar}} "to assemble skillfully", present in Greek ''harma'' "chariot", Greek ''aristos'', (as in "[[Social:Aristocracy|aristocracy]]"), Latin ''ars'' "art", etc.</ref> According to the Iranian mythology, the country's name comes from the name of Iraj, a legendary prince and king.{{Sfn|Shahbazi|2004}}

Historically, Iran has been referred to as ''Persia'' by the West,<ref name="Fishman">{{Cite book |last=A. Fishman |first=Joshua |title=Handbook of Language and Ethnic Identity: Disciplinary and Regional Perspectives (Volume 1) |publisher=[[Organization:Oxford University Press|Oxford University Press]] |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-19-537492-6 |page=266 |quote=" "Iran" and "Persia" are synonymous" The former has always been used by the Iranian speaking peoples themselves, while the latter has served as the international name of the country in various languages}}</ref><ref name="Lewis1984">{{Cite journal |last=Lewis |first=Geoffrey |year=1984 |title=The naming of names |journal=British Society for Middle Eastern Studies Bulletin |volume=11 |issue=2 |pages=121–124 |doi=10.1080/13530198408705394}}</ref> due mainly to the writings of Greek historians who referred to all of Iran as {{transliteration|grc|Persís}} ([[Social:Ancient Greek|Ancient Greek]]: Περσίς; from Old Persian {{lang|peo|𐎱𐎠𐎼𐎿}} {{transliteration|peo|Pârsa}}),<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/place/Persia Persia], ''[[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."</ref> meaning "land of the Persians", while Persis was one of the provinces of ancient Iran.<ref name="Arnold Wilson">{{Cite book |last=Wilson, Arnold |title=The Persian Gulf (RLE Iran A) |date=2012 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-136-84105-7 |page=71 |chapter=The Middle Ages: Fars |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FocirvdZKjcC}}</ref> The word ''Persia'' is a Greek word adopted by the West and the rest of the world that is used as an exonym and was originally used to refer to Cyrus the Great’s empire.<ref>{{Cite web |title=When Did Persia Become Iran and Why? |url=https://www.historyhit.com/when-did-persia-become-iran-and-why/ |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=History Hit |language=en-GB}}</ref>

In 1935, [[Biography:Reza Shah|Reza Pahlavi]] requested the international community to refer to the country by its native name, ''Iran''.<ref>{{Cite news |title=This day in history, March 21: Social media website Twitter established with the sending of the first 'tweet' by co-founder Jack Dorsey |work=Chicago Tribune |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/history/ct-aud-today-history-almanac-march-21-20210321-diloqzhmcvg2bhehhl3ytwwutq-story.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1 January 1935 |title=Persia Changes Its Name; To Be 'Iran' From Mar. 22 |work={{wipe|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}}</ref> Opposition to the name change led to the reversal of the decision in 1959, and Professor Ehsan Yarshater, editor of ''[[Encyclopædia Iranica]]'', propagated a move to use ''Persia'' and ''Iran'' interchangeably.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 January 2020 |title=PERSIA changed to IRAN • Renaming Persia • why & when? |url=http://www.persiansarenotarabs.com/renaming-persia/}}</ref> Today, both ''Iran'' and ''Persia'' are used in cultural contexts, while ''Iran'' remains mandatory in official state contexts.<ref name="artarena">{{Cite web |title=Persia or Iran, a brief history |url=http://www.art-arena.com/history.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523020103/http://www.art-arena.com/history.html |archive-date=23 May 2013 |access-date=21 June 2013 |publisher=Art-arena.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=http://azadegan.info/files/Dr.Frye-discusses-greater-Iran-on-CNN.mp4 |title=interview by Asieh Namdar |date=20 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423185051/http://azadegan.info/files/Dr.Frye-discusses-greater-Iran-on-CNN.mp4 |archive-date=23 April 2016 |url-status=dead |quote=I spent all my life working in Iran, and as you know I don't mean Iran of today, I mean Greater Iran, the Iran which in the past, extended all the way from China to borders of Hungary and from other Mongolia to Mesopotamia |people=Richard N. Frye |work=CNN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Christoph Marcinkowski |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=F9khRsDDuX8C&pg=PA83 |title=Shi'ite Identities: Community and Culture in Changing Social Contexts |publisher=LIT Verlag Münster |year=2010 |isbn=978-3-643-80049-7 |page=83 |quote=The 'historical lands of Iran' – 'Greater Iran' – were always known in the Persian language as Irānshahr or Irānzamīn. |access-date=21 June 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Frye |first=Richard Nelson |date=October 1962 |title=Reitzenstein and Qumrân Revisited by an Iranian |journal=The Harvard Theological Review |volume=55 |issue=4 |pages=261–268 |doi=10.1017/S0017816000007926 |jstor=1508723 |s2cid=162213219 |quote=I use the term Iran in an historical context [...] Persia would be used for the modern state, more or less equivalent to "western Iran". I use the term "Greater Iran" to mean what I suspect most Classicists and ancient historians really mean by their use of Persia – that which was within the political boundaries of States ruled by Iranians.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Richard Frye |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9QOfAvCP1jkC&pg=PA13 |title=Persia (RLE Iran A) |publisher=Routledge |year=2012 |isbn=978-1-136-84154-5 |page=13 |quote=This 'greater Iran' included and still includes part of the Caucasus Mountains, Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Iraq; for Kurds, Baluchis, Afghans, Tajiks, Ossetes, and other smaller groups are Iranians |access-date=21 June 2013}}</ref><ref>Farrokh, Kaveh. Shadows in the Desert: Ancient Persia at War. {{ISBN|1-84603-108-7}}</ref>{{page needed|date=November 2020}}

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

== History ==
{{Overly detailed|section|details=|date=January 2024}} 
{{Main|History:History of Iran}}
{{For timeline|Timeline of Iranian history}}

=== Prehistory ===

[[File:Choqa Zanbil Darafsh 1 (37).JPG|thumb|Chogha Zanbil (14th-13th century BC), an ancient Elamite complex in Khuzestan, built by Untash-Napirisha. UNESCO World Heritage Site.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1997-12-15 |title=Tchogha Zanbil|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/113 |access-date=2023-12-06 |website=Iranica}}</ref>]]
The earliest attested archaeological artifacts in Iran confirm a human presence in Iran since the Lower Paleolithic.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Biglari |first1=Fereidoun |last2=Saman Heydari |last3=Sonia Shidrang |title=Ganj Par: The first evidence for Lower Paleolithic occupation in the Southern Caspian Basin, Iran |url=http://www.antiquity.ac.uk/projgall/biglari302/ |access-date=27 April 2011 |publisher=Antiquity}}</ref> Iran's [[Biology:Neanderthal|Neanderthal]] artifacts have been found mainly in the [[Place:Zagros Mountains|Zagros]] region, at sites such as Warwasi and Yafteh.<ref name="Museum">{{Cite web |title=National Museum of Iran |url=http://www.pbase.com/k_amj/tehran_museum |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726032154/http://www.pbase.com/k_amj/tehran_museum |archive-date=26 July 2013 |access-date=21 June 2013 |publisher=Pbase.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=J. D. Vigne |title=First Steps of Animal Domestication, Proceedings of the 9th Conference of the International Council of Archaeozoology |last2=J. Peters |last3=D. Helmer |date=2002 |publisher=Oxbow Books, Limited |isbn=978-1-84217-121-9}}</ref>{{page needed|date=July 2013}}<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Pichon |first1=Fiona |last2=Estevez |first2=Juan José Ibáñez |last3=Anderson |first3=Patricia C. |last4=Tsuneki |first4=Akira |date=2023-08-25 |title=Harvesting cereals at Tappeh Sang-e Chakhmaq and the introduction of farming in Northeastern Iran during the Neolithic |journal=PLOS ONE |language=en |volume=18 |issue=8 |pages=e0290537 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0290537 |doi-access=free |issn=1932-6203 |pmc=10456166 |pmid=37624813|bibcode=2023PLoSO..1890537P }}</ref> From the tenth to the seventh millennium BC, early agricultural communities began to flourish in and around the Zagros region in western Iran, including Chogha Golan,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nidhi Subbaraman |date=4 July 2013 |title=Early humans in Iran were growing wheat 12,000 years ago |url=http://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/early-humans-iran-were-growing-wheat-12-000-years-ago-f6C10536898 |access-date=26 August 2015 |website=NBC News}}</ref><ref>"Emergence of Agriculture in the Foothills of the Zagros Mountains of Iran", by Simone Riehl, Mohsen Zeidi, Nicholas J. Conard – University of Tübingen, publication 10 May 2013</ref> Chogha Bonut,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Excavations at Chogha Bonut: The earliest village in Susiana |url=http://oi.uchicago.edu/research/pubs/nn/spr97_alizadeh.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725195537/http://oi.uchicago.edu/research/pubs/nn/spr97_alizadeh.html |archive-date=25 July 2013 |access-date=21 June 2013 |publisher=Oi.uchicago.edu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |title=NEOLITHIC AGE IN IRAN |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Iranica |publisher=Encyclopaedia Iranica Foundation |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/neolithic-age-in-iran |access-date=9 August 2012 |last=Hole |first=Frank |date=20 July 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023055952/http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/neolithic-age-in-iran |archive-date=23 October 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and Chogha Mish.<ref>{{Cite web |last=K. Kris Hirst |title=Chogha Mish (Iran) |url=http://archaeology.about.com/od/cterms/g/choghamish.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106002737/http://archaeology.about.com/od/cterms/g/choghamish.htm |archive-date=6 November 2013 |access-date=18 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Collon |first=Dominique |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RTGc9YH-C38C |title=Ancient Near Eastern Art |publisher=University of California Press |year=1995 |isbn=978-0-520-20307-5 |access-date=4 July 2013}}</ref>{{page needed|date=July 2013}}<ref name="xinhuaciv">{{Cite web |date=10 August 2007 |title=New evidence: modern civilization began in Iran |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-08/10/content_6508609.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071217191819/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-08/10/content_6508609.htm |archive-date=17 December 2007 |access-date=21 June 2013 |publisher=News.xinhuanet.com}}</ref>

The occupation of grouped hamlets in the area of Susa, as determined by [[Physics:Radiocarbon dating|radiocarbon dating]], ranges from 4395 to 3955 to 3680–3490 BC.<ref>{{Cite book |last=D. T. Potts |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mc4cfzkRVj4C&pg=PA45 |title=The Archaeology of Elam: Formation and Transformation of an Ancient Iranian State |date=1999 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-56496-0 |pages=45–46 |access-date=21 June 2013}}</ref> There are dozens of prehistoric sites across the [[Place:Iranian Plateau|Iranian Plateau]], pointing to the existence of ancient cultures and urban settlements in the fourth millennium BC.<ref name="xinhuaciv" /><ref name="iran-daily">{{Cite news |title=Panorama – 03/03/07 |work=Iran Daily |url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1385/2795/html/panorama.htm |access-date=21 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312120827/http://www.iran-daily.com/1385/2795/html/panorama.htm |archive-date=12 March 2007}}</ref><ref name="iranian.ws">[http://www.iranian.ws/iran_news/publish/article_22427.shtml Iranian.ws, "Archaeologists: Modern civilization began in Iran based on new evidence", 12 August 2007. Retrieved 1 October 2007.] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626145102/http://www.iranian.ws/iran_news/publish/article_22427.shtml |date=26 June 2015 }}</ref> During the [[History:Bronze Age|Bronze Age]], the territory of present-day Iran was home to several civilizations,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Whatley, Christopher |title=Bought and Sold for English Gold: The Union of 1707 |date=2001 |publisher=Tuckwell Press |author-link=Christopher Whatley}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Lowell Barrington |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yLLuWYL8gTsC&pg=PA121 |title=Comparative Politics: Structures and Choices, 2nd ed.tr: Structures and Choices |date=2012 |publisher=Cengage Learning |isbn=978-1-111-34193-0 |page=121 |access-date=21 June 2013}}</ref> including [[Place:Elam|Elam]], Jiroft, and Zayanderud. Elam, the most prominent of these civilizations, developed in the southwest alongside those in [[Place:Mesopotamia|Mesopotamia]], and continued its existence until the emergence of the Iranian empires. The advent of writing in Elam was paralleled to [[Social:Sumerian language#Writing system|Sumer]], and the [[Social:Elamite cuneiform|Elamite cuneiform]] was developed since the third millennium BC.<ref>{{Cite web |year=1996 |title=Ancient Scripts:Elamite |url=http://www.ancientscripts.com/elamite.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513235032/http://www.ancientscripts.com/elamite.html |archive-date=13 May 2011 |access-date=28 April 2011}}</ref>

Some 8,000 years old artifacts have been unearthed in Iran's Piranshahr city. Diverse artifacts from The Bronze Age, huge structures from The Iron Age and various sites dating back to the Sassanid, Parthian and Islamic eras indicated suitable climate conditions for human civilization over the past 8,000 years in Piranshahr area.<ref>https://en.irna.ir/news/83161183/8-000-years-old-artifacts-unearthed-in-Piranshahr</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://newspakistan.tv/8000-years-old-artifacts-unearthed-in-iran/ | title=8,000 years old artifacts unearthed in Iran | date=7 January 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nation.com.pk/08-Jan-2019/8-000-years-old-artifacts-unearthed-in-iran | title=8,000 years old artifacts unearthed in Iran | date=8 January 2019 }}</ref>

From the 34th to the 20th century BC, northwestern Iran was part of the Kura-Araxes culture, which stretched into the neighboring [[Earth:Caucasus|Caucasus]] and [[Earth:Anatolia|Anatolia]]. Since the earliest second millennium BC, [[Place:Assyria|Assyria]]ns settled in swaths of western Iran and incorporated the region into their territories.

=== Ancient Iran ===

[[File:اکباتان (2).jpg|alt=Inscription of Ardeshir Babakan (ruling 224–242) in Naqsh-e Rostam|thumb|Ecbatana (present-day Hamadan) was chosen as the capital of the Medes Empire by Deioces, in 678 BC.]]
By the second millennium BC, the ancient Iranian peoples arrived in what is now Iran from the [[Earth:Eurasian Steppe|Eurasian Steppe]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Basu |first=Dipak |title=Death of the Aryan Invasion Theory |url=http://www.ivarta.com/columns/OL_051212.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121029171420/http://www.ivarta.com/columns/OL_051212.htm |archive-date=29 October 2012 |access-date=6 May 2013 |publisher=iVarta.com}}</ref> rivaling the native settlers of the region.<ref name="Panshin">{{Cite web |last=Cory Panshin |title=The Palaeolithic Indo-Europeans |url=http://www.panshin.com/trogholm/wonder/indoeuropean/indoeuropean3.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629140035/http://www.panshin.com/trogholm/wonder/indoeuropean/indoeuropean3.html |archive-date=29 June 2013 |access-date=21 June 2013 |publisher=Panshin.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |title=Iran (Ethnic Groups) |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Iran |access-date=28 April 2011 |last1=Afary |first1=Janet |last2=Peter William Avery |last3=Khosrow Mostofi}}</ref> As the Iranians dispersed into the wider area of [[Place:Greater Iran|Greater Iran]] and beyond, the boundaries of modern-day Iran were dominated by Median, Persian, and Parthian tribes.

From the late tenth to the late seventh century BC, the Iranian peoples, together with the "pre-Iranian" kingdoms, fell under the domination of the [[Place:Assyria|Assyria]]n Empire, based in northern [[Place:Mesopotamia|Mesopotamia]].<ref name="Georges Roux – Ancient Iraq">{{Cite book |last=Roux, Georges |title=Ancient Iraq |date=1992 |publisher=Penguin Adult |isbn=978-0-14-193825-7 |author-link=Georges Roux}}</ref>{{page needed|date=November 2020}} Under king Cyaxares, the Medes and Persians entered into an alliance with [[History:Babylonia|Babylonia]]n ruler Nabopolassar, as well as the fellow Iranian [[History:Scythians|Scythians]] and [[Social:Cimmerians|Cimmerians]], and together they attacked the [[Place:Assyria|Assyrian Empire]]. The civil war ravaged the Assyrian Empire between 616 and 605&nbsp;BC, thus freeing their respective peoples from three centuries of Assyrian rule.<ref name="Georges Roux – Ancient Iraq" /> The unification of the Median tribes under king Deioces in 728&nbsp;BC led to the foundation of the Median Empire and their capital Ecbatana, which by 612&nbsp;BC, controlled almost the entire territory of present-day Iran and eastern [[Earth:Anatolia|Anatolia]].<ref>{{Cite web |year=2001 |title=Median Empire |url=http://www.iranchamber.com/history/median/median.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514024224/http://www.iranchamber.com/history/median/median.php |archive-date=14 May 2011 |access-date=29 April 2011 |publisher=Iran Chamber Society}}</ref> This marked the end of the Kingdom of [[Place:Urartu|Urartu]] as well, which was subsequently conquered and dissolve<ref name="Sagona2006">{{Cite book |last=A. G. Sagona |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bW06PE0GRXEC&pg=PA91 |title=The Heritage of Eastern Turkey: From Earliest Settlements to Islam |publisher=Macmillan Education AU |year=2006 |isbn=978-1-876832-05-6 |page=91}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Urartu civilization |url=http://www.allaboutturkey.com/urartu.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701005402/http://www.allaboutturkey.com/urartu.htm |archive-date=1 July 2015 |access-date=26 August 2015 |website=allaboutturkey.com}}</ref>
In 550&nbsp;BC, Cyrus the Great, the son of Mandane and Cambyses I, took over the Median Empire, and founded the [[Place:Achaemenid Empire|Achaemenid Empire]] by unifying other city-states. Pasargadae was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire during the time of Cyrus the Great. The conquest of Media was a result of what is called the ''Persian Revolt''. Later conquests under Cyrus and his successors expanded the empire to include Lydia, Babylon, Egypt, parts of the [[Place:Balkans|Balkans]] and [[Place:Eastern Europe|Eastern Europe]] proper, as well as the lands to the west of the Indus and Oxus rivers. In 539 BC Persian forces defeated the Babylonian army at Opis, and marked the end of around four centuries of Mesopotamian domination of the region by conquering the Neo-Babylonian Empire.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Llewellyn-Jones |first=L. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JG07EAAAQBAJ |title=Persians: The Age of the Great Kings |publisher=Basic Books |year=2022 |isbn=978-1-5416-0035-5 |page=5}}</ref><ref name="book">{{Cite book |last1=David Sacks |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gsGmuQAACAAJ |title=Encyclopedia of the ancient Greek world |last2=Oswyn Murray |last3=Lisa R. Brody |last4=Oswyn Murray |last5=Lisa R. Brody |publisher=Facts On File |year=2005 |isbn=978-0-8160-5722-1 |pages=256 (at the right portion of the page) |access-date=17 August 2016}}</ref><ref name="Encyclopædia Britannica Encyclopedia Article: Media ancient region, Iran">{{Cite encyclopedia |title=Encyclopædia Britannica Encyclopedia Article: Media ancient region, Iran |encyclopedia=Britannica.com |url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/372125/Media |access-date=25 August 2010 |author=Encyclopædia Britannica}}</ref>{{multiple image|275|275
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| image1            = Persepolis Panorama 360 Virtual Reality Tachar castle.jpg
| caption1          = Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the [[Place:Achaemenid Empire|Achaemenid Empire]] (550–330 BC). It is one of the key Iranian Cultural Heritages.
| image2            = The Achaemenid Empire at its Greatest Extent.jpg
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At around 518 BC, Persepolis was founded by Darius the Great as the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire. Susa and Ecbatana were the winter and summer capital of the empire, respectively. its greatest extent, the [[Place:Achaemenid Empire|Achaemenid Empire]] included territories of modern-day Iran, Republic of [[Place:Azerbaijan|Azerbaijan]] (Arran and [[Place:Shirvan|Shirvan]]), [[Place:Armenia|Armenia]], [[Place:Georgia (country)|Georgia]], Turkey (Anatolia), much of the Black Sea coastal regions, northeastern Greece and southern Bulgaria (Thrace), northern Greece and North Macedonia (Paeonia and [[Place:Macedonia (ancient kingdom)|Macedon]]), Iraq, [[Place:Syria|Syria]], [[Place:Lebanon|Lebanon]], Jordan, Israel and the [[Place:Palestinian territories|Palestinian territories]], all significant population centers of ancient Egypt as far west as [[Place:Libya|Libya]], Kuwait, northern Saudi Arabia, parts of the [[Place:United Arab Emirates|United Arab Emirates]] and Oman, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and much of [[Place:Central Asia|Central Asia]], making it the largest empire the world had yet seen.<ref name="book" /> It is estimated that in 480 BC, 50 million people lived in the Achaemenid Empire.<ref name="1996, p. 47">{{Cite book |last=Ehsan Yarshater |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WBAZAQAAIAAJ&q=%28Meyer+p.85%29 |title=Encyclopaedia Iranica |date=1996 |publisher=[[Company:Routledge|Routledge]] & Kegan Paul |isbn=978-1-56859-028-8 |page=47}}</ref><ref name="Cook">While estimates for the Achaemenid Empire range from 10 to 80+ million, most prefer 50 million. Prevas ([https://books.google.com/books?id=1S-Q-6jDZ7AC&pg=PA14 2009, p. 14]) estimates 10 million. Strauss ([https://books.google.com/books?id=nQFtMcD5dOsC&pg=PA37 2004, p. 37]) estimates about 20 million. Ward ([https://books.google.com/books?id=8eUTLaaVOOQC&pg=PA16 2009, p. 16]) estimates at 20 million. Scheidel ([https://books.google.com/books?id=6vnkts2rOJUC&pg=PA99 2009, p. 99]) estimates 35 million. Daniel ([https://books.google.com/books?id=AzqbYf9Q_2UC&pg=PA41 2001, p. 41]) estimates at 50 million. Meyer and Andreades ([https://books.google.com/books?id=Uwn9d01zMvAC&pg=PA58 2004, p. 58]) estimates to 50 million. Jones ([https://books.google.com/books?id=75ueY2rqTYMC&pg=PA8 2004, p. 8]) estimates over 50 million. Richard ([https://books.google.com/books?id=toJI-Z_WAC0C&pg=PA34 2008, p. 34]) estimates nearly 70 million. Hanson ([https://archive.org/details/carnageculturela00hans 2001, p. 32]) estimates almost 75 million. Cowley ([https://books.google.com/books?id=l6JmAAAAMAAJ 1999 and 2001, p. 17]) estimates possibly 80 million.</ref> The empire at its peak ruled over 44% of the world's population, the highest for any empire in history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Largest empire by percentage of world population |url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/largest-empire-by-percentage-of-world-population/ |access-date=11 March 2015 |publisher=Guinness World Records}}</ref>
The Achaemenid Empire is noted for the release of the Jewish exiles in Babylon,<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |title=Cyrus the Great |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Cyrus-the-Great |access-date=2 November 2018 |language=en |quote=In the Bible (e.g., Ezra 1:1–4), Cyrus is famous for freeing the Jewish captives in Babylonia and allowing them to return to their homeland.}}</ref> building infrastructures such as the Royal Road and the Chapar (postal service), and the use of an official language, [[Social:Imperial Aramaic|Imperial Aramaic]].<ref name="book" /> The empire had a centralised, bureaucratic administration under the emperor, a large professional army, and civil services, inspiring similar developments in later empires.<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |title=Achaemenid dynasty |encyclopedia=Encyclopaedia Iranica |publisher=Routledge & Kegan Paul |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/achaemenid-dynasty |last=Schmitt |first=Rüdiger |volume=3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151203002422/http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/achaemenid-dynasty |archive-date=3 December 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="schmitt-EI-i">Schmitt Achaemenid dynasty (i. The clan and dynasty)</ref> Eventual conflict on the western borders began with the Ionian Revolt, which erupted into the Greco-Persian Wars and continued through the first half of the fifth century BC and ended with the withdrawal of the Achaemenids from all of the territories in the [[Place:Balkans|Balkans]] and [[Place:Eastern Europe|Eastern Europe]] proper.{{sfn|Roisman|Worthington|2011|pp=135–138, 342–345}}
In 334&nbsp;BC, Alexander the Great defeated the last Achaemenid emperor, Darius III, at the Battle of Issus. Following the premature death of Alexander, Iran came under the control of the Hellenistic [[Place:Seleucid Empire|Seleucid Empire]].
[[File:Map of the Parthian Empire under Mithridates II.svg|left|thumb|The Parthian Empire (247 BC - 224 AD) in 94 BC at its greatest extent, during the reign of Mithridates II.]]
In the middle of the second century BC, the [[History:Parthian Empire|Parthian Empire]] rose to become the main power in Iran, and the century-long geopolitical arch-rivalry between the Romans and the Parthians began, culminating in the Roman–Parthian Wars. The Parthian Empire continued as a feudal monarchy for nearly five centuries, until 224&nbsp;CE, when it was succeeded by the Sasanian Empire.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jakobsson |first=Jens |year=2004 |title=Seleucid Empire |url=http://www.iranchamber.com/history/seleucids/seleucids.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605054515/http://www.iranchamber.com/history/seleucids/seleucids.php |archive-date=5 June 2011 |access-date=29 April 2011 |publisher=Iran Chamber Society}}</ref> Together with their neighboring arch-rival, the Roman-[[Place:Byzantine Empire|Byzantines]], they made up the world's two most dominant powers at the time, for over four centuries.<ref name="Norman A. Stillman p. 22">{{Cite book |last=Stillman, Norman A. |url=https://archive.org/details/jewsofarablands00stil |title=The Jews of Arab Lands |date=1979 |publisher=Jewish Publication Society |isbn=978-0-8276-1155-9 |page=[https://archive.org/details/jewsofarablands00stil/page/22 22] |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref name="Byzantine Studies 2006, p. 29">{{cite book |author1=Jeffreys, Elizabeth |title=Proceedings of the 21st International Congress of Byzantine Studies: London, 21–26 August, 2006, Volume 1 |author2=Haarer, Fiona K. |publisher=Ashgate Publishing |year=2006 |isbn=978-0-7546-5740-8 |page=29}}</ref>

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

=== Medieval period ===

{{multiple image|245|245
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| caption1          = Taq Kasra, a landmark in the history of architecture, built in 3rd-6th century AD during the Sasanian Empire
| image2            = Falak -ol - Aflak Castle 1. Khoramabad- Lorestan.jpg
| caption2          = Falak-ol-Aflak Castle, one of the engineering and architectural masterpieces built in 240 - 270 AD
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The prolonged Byzantine–Sasanian wars, most importantly the climactic war of 602–628, as well as the [[History:Muslim conquest of Persia#Social problems|social conflict within the Sasanian Empire]], opened the way for an Arab invasion of Iran in the seventh century.<ref>{{cite book|author=George Liska|title=Expanding Realism: The Historical Dimension of World Politics|year=1998|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield Pub Incorporated|isbn=978-0-8476-8680-3|page=170}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Pf_SaxcKAt6VmIl7aNOi_cDPZoGyiAxOSWsOz0EtSSE/embed?size=l&slide=id.g47e99d68c_052 |title=The Rise and Spread of Islam, The Arab Empire of the Umayyads – Weakness of the Adversary Empires |publisher=Occawlonline.pearsoned.com |access-date=30 November 2015}}</ref> The empire was initially defeated by the [[Place:Rashidun Caliphate|Rashidun Caliphate]], which was succeeded by the [[Place:Umayyad Caliphate|Umayyad Caliphate]], followed by the [[Place:Abbasid Caliphate|Abbasid Caliphate]]. A prolonged and gradual process of state-imposed [[Religion:Islamization of Iran|Islamization]] followed, which targeted Iran's then [[Religion:Zoroastrianism|Zoroastrian]] majority and included religious persecution,<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1353/pew.2002.0030 |last=Stepaniants |first=Marietta |title=The Encounter of Zoroastrianism with Islam |journal=Philosophy East and West |volume=52 |issue=2 |pages=159–172 |publisher=University of Hawai'i Press |year=2002 |issn=0031-8221 |jstor=1399963|s2cid=201748179 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Boyce|first=Mary |year=2001 |title=Zoroastrians: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a6gbxVfjtUEC |edition=2 |location=New York |page=252 |publisher=Routledge & Kegan Paul |isbn=978-0-415-23902-8}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1= Meri |first1=Josef W. |last2=Bacharach |first2=Jere L. |title=Medieval Islamic Civilization: L-Z, index |series=Medieval Islamic Civilization: An Encyclopedia |publisher=Taylor & Francis |year=2006 |edition=illustrated |volume=II |page=878 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LaV-IGZ8VKIC&pg=PP1 |isbn=978-0-415-96692-4}}</ref> demolition of libraries<ref name="bbc">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/zoroastrian/history/persia_1.shtml#h4 |title=Under Persian rule|publisher=BBC|access-date=16 December 2009}}</ref> and fire temples,<ref name=khan29>{{cite book |last=Khanbaghi |first=Aptin |title=The Fire, the Star and the Cross: Minority Religions in Medieval and Early Modern Iran |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7iAbUEaXnfEC |page=268 |year=2006 |edition=reprint |publisher=I.B. Tauris |isbn=978-1-84511-056-7}}</ref> a special tax penalty ("[[Religion:Jizya|jizya]]"),<ref name="Hashemi2008">{{cite book |author=Kamran Hashemi |title=Religious Legal Traditions, International Human Rights Law and Muslim States |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yj-MrJ_tOk4C&pg=PA142 |year=2008 |publisher=Brill |isbn=978-90-04-16555-7 |page=142}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Suha Rassam |title=Iraq: Its Origins and Development to the Present Day |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GYC93sfHXAEC&pg=PA77 |year=2005 |publisher=Gracewing Publishing |isbn=978-0-85244-633-1 |page=77}}</ref> and language shift.<ref>{{cite book |publisher=Cambridge University Press|editor=Frye, Richard N.|author=Zarrinkub,'Abd Al-Husain |title=Cambridge History of Iran|chapter=The Arab Conquest of Iran and Its Aftermath |volume=4 |date=1975 |location=London |page=46|isbn=978-0-521-20093-6}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Spuler |first=Bertold |title=A History of the Muslim World: The age of the caliphs |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bGqTkLUslDEC&pg=PP1 |page=138 |year=1994 |edition=Illustrated |publisher=Markus Wiener Publishers |isbn=978-1-55876-095-0}}</ref>

In 750, the [[Place:Abbasid Caliphate|Abbasids]] overthrew the [[Place:Umayyad Caliphate|Umayyads.]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Islamic History: The Abbasid Dynasty |publisher=Religion Facts |url=http://www.religionfacts.com/abbasid-caliphate |access-date=30 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907175311/http://www.religionfacts.com/abbasid-caliphate |archive-date=7 September 2015}}</ref> Arabs Muslims and Persians of all strata made up the rebel army, which was united by the converted Persian Muslim, Abu Muslim.<ref name=wsu>{{cite web| last= Hooker| first= Richard| title= The Abbasid Dynasty| publisher= Washington State University| year= 1996| url= http://public.wsu.edu/~dee/ISLAM/ABASSID.HTM| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110629114400/http://public.wsu.edu/~dee/ISLAM/ABASSID.HTM| archive-date= 29 June 2011| access-date= 17 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Joel Carmichael|title=The Shaping of the Arabs|url=https://archive.org/details/shapingofarabs0000carm|url-access=registration|access-date=21 June 2013|quote=Abu Muslim, the Persian general and popular leader|year=1967|page=[https://archive.org/details/shapingofarabs0000carm/page/235 235]|publisher=Macmillan |isbn=978-0-02-521420-0}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Frye|first=Richard Nelson|title=Iran|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4ZkfAAAAIAAJ|access-date=23 June 2013|edition=2, revised|year=1960|publisher=G. Allen & Unwin|page=47|quote=A Persian Muslim called Abu Muslim.}}</ref> In their struggle for power, the society in their times gradually became cosmopolitan. Persians and Turks began to replace the Arabs in most fields. The fusion of the Arab nobility with the subject races, the practice of polygamy and concubinage, made for a social amalgam wherein loyalties became uncertain, and a hierarchy of officials emerged, a bureaucracy at first Persian and later Turkish which decreased Abbasid prestige and power for good.<ref name="Mahmud1988">{{cite book|author=Sayyid Fayyaz Mahmud|title=A Short History of Islam|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=1988|isbn=978-0-19-577384-2|page=125}}</ref>

After two centuries of Arab rule, semi-independent and independent Iranian kingdoms—including the Tahirids, Saffarids, [[Place:Sajid dynasty|Sajids]], [[Place:Samanid Empire|Samanids]], Ziyarids, Buyids, Sallarids, Rawadids, Marwanids, Shaddadids, Kakuyids, Annazids and Hasanwayhids—began to appear on the fringes of the declining Abbasid Caliphate.<ref>{{cite web |title=Iraq – History {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Iraq/History |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=britannica.com |language=en}}</ref> They also focused on reviving the [[Social:Persian language|Persian language]], the most significant one was Shahnameh written by Ferdowsi.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-06 |title=Ferdowsi and the Ethics of Persian Literature |url=https://library.unc.edu/give/windows-donor-stories/ferdowsi/#:~:text=Through%2060%2C000%20lines%20of%20poetry,invasion%20of%20the%20Persian%20Empire.&text=and%20revived%20the%20Persian%20nationality%20with%20the%20PARSI%20language.%E2%80%9D&text=%E2%80%9CThose%20who%20have%20knowledge%2C%20art,worry%20if%20they%20lack%20treasure%3F%E2%80%9D |access-date=2023-12-06 |website=UNC}}</ref> Shahnameh is the national epic of Iran, and the world's longest epic poem created by a single poet.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Shahnameh: a Literary Masterpiece |url=https://shahnameh.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/literary |access-date=2024-01-27 |website=The Shahnameh: a Persian Cultural Emblem and a Timeless Masterpiece |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Shahnameh Ferdowsi |url=http://shahnameh.eu/ferdowsi.html |access-date=2024-01-27 |website=shahnameh.eu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-15 |title=Iran marks National Day of Ferdowsi |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/200711/Iran-marks-National-Day-of-Ferdowsi |access-date=2024-01-27 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en}}</ref>

The blossoming literature, philosophy, mathematics, [[Medicine:Ancient Iranian medicine|medicine]], astronomy and art of Iran became major elements in the formation of a new age for the Iranian civilization, during a period known as the ''Islamic Golden Age''.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Richard G. Hovannisian|author2=Georges Sabagh|title=The Persian Presence in the Islamic World|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=39XZDnOWUXsC&pg=PA7|year=1998|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-0-521-59185-0|page=7|quote=The Golden age of Islam [...] attributable, in no small measure, to the vital participation of Persian men of letters, philosophers, theologians, grammarians, mathematicians, musicians, astronomers, geographers, and physicians}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Bernard Lewis|title=From Babel to Dragomans : Interpreting the Middle East: Interpreting the Middle East|url=https://archive.org/details/frombabeltodrago00lewi|url-access=registration|access-date=21 June 2013|quote=...{{nbsp}}the Iranian contribution to this new Islamic civilization is of immense importance.|date=2004|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-803863-4|page=[https://archive.org/details/frombabeltodrago00lewi/page/44 44]}}</ref> The Islamic Golden Age reached its peak by the 10th and 11th centuries, during which Iran was the main theater of scientific activities.<ref name="rnfrye">{{cite book|author=Richard Nelson Frye|title=The Cambridge History of Iran|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hvx9jq_2L3EC&pg=PA396|access-date=21 June 2013|volume=4|year=1975|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-0-521-20093-6|page=396}}</ref> The tenth century saw a mass migration of Turkic tribes from [[Place:Central Asia|Central Asia]] into the Iranian Plateau.<ref name="thePersians">{{cite book|author=Gene R. Garthwaite|title=The Persians |date=2008|publisher=Wiley|isbn=978-1-4051-4400-1}}</ref> Turkic tribesmen were first used in the Abbasid army as mamluks (slave-warriors).<ref name="wsu" /> As a result, the Mamluks gained significant political power. In 999, large portions of Iran came briefly under the rule of the [[History:Ghaznavids|Ghaznavids]], whose rulers were of mamluk Turkic origin, and longer subsequently under the Seljuk and Khwarezmian empires.<ref name="thePersians" /> The Seljuks subsequently gave rise to the Sultanate of Rum in Anatolia.<ref>Sigfried J. de Laet. [https://books.google.com/books?id=PvlthkbFU1UC&pg=PA734 ''History of Humanity: From the seventh to the sixteenth century''] UNESCO, 1994. {{ISBN|92-3-102813-8}} p. 734</ref><ref>Ga ́bor A ́goston, Bruce Alan Masters. [https://books.google.com/books?id=QjzYdCxumFcC&pg=PA322 ''Encyclopedia of the Ottoman Empire''] Infobase Publishing, 2009 {{ISBN|1-4381-1025-1}} p. 322</ref> The result of the adoption and patronage of Persian culture by Turkish rulers was the development of a distinct Turco-Persian tradition.{{multiple image|245|245
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From 1219 to 1221, under the Khwarazmian Empire, Iran suffered [[Social:Mongol conquest of the Khwarazmian Empire|a devastating invasion]] by the Mongol Empire. According to Steven R. Ward, "[[Social:Mongol invasions and conquests|Mongol violence and depredations]] killed up to three-fourths of the population of the Iranian Plateau, possibly 10 to 15 million people. Some historians have estimated that Iran's population did not again reach its pre-Mongol levels until the mid-20th century."<ref name="Immortal">{{cite book|author=Steven R. Ward|title=Immortal: A Military History of Iran and Its Armed Forces|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8eUTLaaVOOQC&pg=PA39|year=2009|publisher=Georgetown University Press|isbn=978-1-58901-587-6|page=39}}</ref> Most modern historians either outright dismiss or are highly skeptical of such statistics and deem them to be exaggerations by Muslim chroniclers of that era. Indeed, as far as the Iranian plateau was concerned, the bulk of the Mongol onslaught and battles were in the northeast of what is modern-day Iran, such as in the cities of Nishapur and Tus.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Iran|title=Iran – The Mongol invasion|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|date=3 August 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://iranicaonline.org/|title=Welcome to Encyclopaedia Iranica|first=Encyclopaedia Iranica|last=Foundation|website=iranicaonline.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-the-royal-asiatic-society/article/abs/cambridge-history-of-iran-vol-v-the-saljuq-and-mongol-periods-edited-by-j-a-boyle-pp-xiii-762-16-pl-cambridge-university-press-1968-375/500FB3BC61352E3DF36AE63FD5D4CA16|doi=10.1017/S0035869X0012965X|title=The Cambridge history of Iran. Vol. V: The Saljuq and Mongol periods. Edited by J. A. Boyle, pp. Xiii, 762, 16 pl. Cambridge University Press, 1968. £3.75.|year=1972|last1=Beckingham|first1=C. F.|journal=Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain & Ireland|volume=104|pages=68–69| s2cid=161828080}}</ref>

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

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

[[File:Сефи 1й 1629-42.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Ismail I, the founder of the Safavid Empire]]
By the 1500s, Ismail I established the [[Place:Safavid Iran|Safavid Empire]],<ref>{{cite book |first=Jackson J. |last=Spielvogel |title=World History, Volume I |date=2008 |publisher=Cengage Learning |isbn=978-0-495-56902-2 |page=466 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=arxyJC05vScC&pg=PT498}}</ref><ref name="Andrew J. Newman 2006" /> with his capital at [[Place:Tabriz|Tabriz]].<ref name="thePersians" /> Beginning with [[Place:Azerbaijan (Iran)|Azerbaijan]], he subsequently extended his authority over all of the Iranian territories, and established an intermittent Iranian hegemony over the vast relative regions, reasserting the Iranian identity within large parts of [[Place:Greater Iran|Greater Iran]].<ref>''Why is there such confusion about the origins of this important dynasty, which reasserted Iranian identity and established an independent Iranian state after eight and a half centuries of rule by foreign dynasties?'' RM Savory, ''Iran under the Safavids'' (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1980), p. 3.</ref> Iran was predominantly Sunni,<ref name="Abdullah2014">{{cite book|author=Thabit Abdullah|title=A Short History of Iraq |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ObeOAwAAQBAJ&pg=PT56|date=12 May 2014|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-1-317-86419-6|page=56}}</ref> but Ismail instigated a forced conversion to the [[Religion:Shia Islam|Shia]] branch,<ref name="BBCReligion">{{cite web| title= Safavid Empire (1501–1722)| work= BBC Religion| date= 7 September 2009| url= http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/history/safavidempire_1.shtml| access-date= 20 June 2011}}</ref><ref name="Andrew J. Newman 2006">{{cite book |author=Andrew J. Newman |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=afsYCq1XOewC |title=Safavid Iran: Rebirth of a Persian Empire |date=2006 |publisher=I.B. Tauris |isbn=978-1-86064-667-6 |access-date=21 June 2013}}</ref><ref name="savoryeiref">{{cite encyclopedia |title=Safavids |encyclopedia=Encyclopaedia of Islam |edition=2nd |author=Savory, R. M.}}</ref><ref name="Sarkhosh">{{Citation |author1=Sarkhosh Curtis, Vesta |author2=Stewart, Sarah |date=2005 |title=Birth of the Persian Empire: The Idea of Iran |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a0IF9IdkdYEC |publisher=I.B. Tauris |location=London |page=108 |quote=Similarly the collapse of Sassanian Eranshahr in AD 650 did not end Iranians' national idea. The name 'Iran' disappeared from official records of the Saffarids, Samanids, Buyids, Saljuqs and their successor. But one unofficially used the name Iran, Eranshahr, and similar national designations, particularly Mamalek-e Iran or 'Iranian lands', which exactly translated the old Avestan term Ariyanam Daihunam. On the other hand, when the Safavids (not Reza Shah, as is popularly assumed) revived a national state officially known as Iran, bureaucratic usage in the Ottoman empire and even Iran itself could still refer to it by other descriptive and traditional appellations.|isbn=978-1-84511-062-8 }}</ref> spreading throughout the Safavid territories in the [[Earth:Caucasus|Caucasus]], Iran, [[Earth:Anatolia|Anatolia]], and [[Place:Mesopotamia|Mesopotamia]]. As a result, modern-day Iran is the only official Shia nation of the world, with it holding an absolute majority in Iran and the Republic of [[Place:Azerbaijan|Azerbaijan]].<ref>Juan Eduardo Campo, ''Encyclopedia of Islam'', p.625</ref><ref name="books.google.com.au">{{cite book|author=Shirin Akiner|title=The Caspian: Politics, Energy and Security |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N8IKR0oqdRkC&pg=PA158|year=2004|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-0-203-64167-5|page=158}}</ref> The relationship between the Safavid dynasty and the West begins with the presence of the Portuguese in the Persian Gulf from the 16th century, oscillating between alliances and open war between the 17th and 18th. The Safavid era saw the start of mass integration from Caucasian populations into new layers of the society of Iran, as well as mass resettlement of them within the heartlands of Iran. Following a gradual decline in the late 1600s and the early 1700s, which was caused by internal conflicts, the continuous wars with the Ottomans, and the foreign interference (most notably Russian), the Safavid rule was ended by the [[Place:Hotak dynasty|Pashtun rebels]] who besieged Isfahan and defeated Soltan Hoseyn in 1722.

==== Afsharids ====
{{Main||Place:Afsharid dynasty}}
[[File:Contemporary portrait of Nader Shah. Artist unknown, created in ca. 1740 in Iran (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|Nader Shah Afshar, the founder of the Afsharid Empire.]]
In 1729, Nader Shah successfully drove out and conquered the Pashtun invaders. He subsequently took back the annexed Caucasian territories which were divided among the Ottoman and [[Place:Russian Empire|Russian]] authorities by the ongoing chaos in Iran. During the reign of Nader Shah, Iran reached its greatest extent since the Sasanian Empire, reestablishing the Iranian hegemony all over the [[Earth:Caucasus|Caucasus]], as well as other major parts of the [[Place:West Asia|west]] and [[Place:Central Asia|central Asia]], and briefly possessing what was arguably the most powerful empire at the time.<ref name="books.google.nl">{{cite book |last=Axworthy |first=Michael |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9o0AAwAAQBAJ |title=The Sword of Persia: Nader Shah, from Tribal Warrior to Conquering Tyrant |date=2006 |publisher=I.B. Tauris |isbn=978-0-85772-193-8 |pages=xv, 284 |author-link=Michael Axworthy}}</ref>{{sfn|Fisher|Avery|Hambly|Melville|1991|pp=329–330}}<ref name="Timothy C. Dowling pp. 728-730">{{cite book |author=Dowling, Timothy C. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KTq2BQAAQBAJ |title=Russia at War: From the Mongol Conquest to Afghanistan, Chechnya, and Beyond |publisher=ABC-CLIO |year=2014 |isbn=978-1-59884-948-6 |pages=728–730}}</ref><ref name="books.google.nl" />

Nader Shah invaded India and sacked Delhi by the late 1730s. His territorial expansion, as well as his military successes, went into a decline following the final campaigns in the Northern Caucasus against then revolting Lezgins. The assassination of Nader Shah sparked a brief period of civil war and turmoil, after which Karim Khan of the Zand dynasty came to power in 1750, bringing a period of relative peace and prosperity.<ref name=Immortal />

==== Zands ====

[[File:Karim Khan by Charles Heath.jpg|thumb|Karim Khan Zand, the founder of Zand Empire|upright]]
Compared to its preceding dynasties, the geopolitical reach of the Zand dynasty was limited. Many of the Iranian territories in the Caucasus gained ''de facto'' autonomy and were locally ruled through various [[Place:Khanates of the Caucasus|Caucasian khanates]]. However, despite the self-ruling, they all remained subjects and vassals to the Zand king. It later quickly came to expand to include much of the rest of contemporary Iran (except for the provinces of Balochistan and Khorasan) as well as parts of Iraq. The lands of present-day [[Place:Armenia|Armenia]], [[Place:Azerbaijan|Azerbaijan]], and [[Place:Georgia (country)|Georgia]] were controlled by khanates which were de jure part of the Zand realm, but the region was de facto autonomous.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Perry |first=John R. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_eaEDwAAQBAJ |title=Karim Khan Zand: A History of Iran, 1747-1779 |date=2015-05-14 |publisher=University of Chicago Press |isbn=978-0-226-66102-5 |language=en}}</ref> The island of Bahrain was also held for the Zands by the autonomous Al-Mazkur sheikhdom of [[Place:Bushehr|Bushire]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Floor |first=Willem M. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xZWiIAAACAAJ |title=The Persian Gulf: The Rise of the Gulf Arabs : the Politics of Trade on the Persian Littoral, 1747-1792 |date=2007 |publisher=Mage Publishers |isbn=978-1-933823-18-8 |language=en}}</ref><ref>Encyclopedia of Soviet law By Ferdinand Joseph Maria Feldbrugge, Gerard Pieter van den Berg, William B. Simons, Page 457</ref> The reign of its most important ruler, Karim Khan, was marked by prosperity and peace. With its capital at [[Place:Shiraz|Shiraz]], arts and architecture flourished under Karim Khan's reign, with some themes in architecture being revived from the nearby sites of the Achaemenid and Sasanian era's of pre-Islamic Iran. Another civil war ensued after the death of Karim Khan in 1779, out of which Agha Mohammad Khan emerged, founding the Qajar dynasty in 1794.

==== Qajars ====
Agha Mohammad Khan's reign is noted for the return of a centralized and unified Iran and for relocating the capital to [[Place:Tehran|Tehran]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-04-25 |title=The Qajars |url=https://iranologie.com/the-history-page/the-qajars/ |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=Iranologie.com |language=en}}</ref> In 1795, following the disobedience of the Georgian subjects and their alliance with the Russians, the Qajars captured [[Place:Tbilisi|Tbilisi]] by the Battle of Krtsanisi, and drove the Russians out of the entire Caucasus, reestablishing the Iranian suzerainty over the region. The Russo-Iranian wars of 1804–1813 and 1826–1828 resulted in large irrevocable territorial losses for Iran in the Caucasus, comprising all of the [[Place:South Caucasus|South Caucasus]] and Dagestan, which made part of the very concept of Iran for centuries,{{sfn|Fisher|Avery|Hambly|Melville|1991|pp=329–330}} and thus substantial gains for the neighboring Russian Empire.
As a result of the 19th-century Russo-Iranian wars, the Russians took over the Caucasus, and Iran irrevocably lost control over its integral territories in the region (comprising modern-day Dagestan, [[Place:Georgia (country)|Georgia]], [[Place:Armenia|Armenia]], and [[Place:Azerbaijan|Republic of Azerbaijan]]), which got confirmed per the treaties of Gulistan and Turkmenchay.<ref name="Timothy C. Dowling pp. 728-730" /><ref>Farrokh, Kaveh. Iran at War: 1500–1988. {{ISBN|1-78096-221-5}}</ref> 
[[File:MohammadKhanQajari.jpg|left|thumb|Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar, the founder of Qajar Empire|upright]]
The area to the north of Aras River, among which the contemporary Republic of Azerbaijan, eastern Georgia, Dagestan, and Armenia are located, were Iranian territory until they were occupied by Russia in the 19th century.<ref name="Timothy C. Dowling pp. 728-730" /><ref name="Swietochowski Borderland">{{cite book |last=Swietochowski|first=Tadeusz |year=1995|title=Russia and Azerbaijan: A Borderland in Transition|pages= 69, 133 |publisher=Columbia University Press |isbn=978-0-231-07068-3 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=qj-UAgAAQBAJ}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=L. Batalden|first=Sandra |year=1997|title=The newly independent states of Eurasia: handbook of former Soviet republics|page= 98 |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=WFjPAxhBEaEC|isbn=978-0-89774-940-4}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Ebel, Robert E.|author2=Menon, Rajan |year=2000|title=Energy and conflict in Central Asia and the Caucasus|page=181 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=-sCpf26vBZ0C |isbn=978-0-7425-0063-1}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Andreeva|first=Elena |year=2010 |title=Russia and Iran in the great game: travelogues and orientalism|page= 6 |edition= reprint |publisher=Taylor & Francis | url= https://books.google.com/books?id=FfRYRwAACAAJ |isbn=978-0-415-78153-4}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Çiçek, Kemal|author2=Kuran, Ercüment |year=2000|title=The Great Ottoman-Turkish Civilisation |publisher=University of Michigan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c5VpAAAAMAAJ |isbn=978-975-6782-18-7}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Ernest Meyer, Karl |author2=Blair Brysac |author3= Shareen |year=2006|title=Tournament of Shadows: The Great Game and the Race for Empire in Central Asia|page= 66 |publisher=Basic Books |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FPBn2KZWNuMC |isbn=978-0-465-04576-1}}</ref> The weakening of Persia made it into a victim of the colonial struggle between Russia and Britain known as the Great Game.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Gozalova |first=Nigar |date=2023 |title=Qajar Iran at the centre of British–Russian confrontation in the 1820s |url=https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/457/article/874972 |journal=The Maghreb Review |volume=48 |issue=1 |pages=89–99 |doi=10.1353/tmr.2023.0003 |s2cid=255523192 |issn=2754-6772}}</ref> Especially after the treaty of Turkmenchay, Russia was the dominant force in Iran,<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Deutschmann |first=Moritz |date=2013 |title="All Rulers are Brothers": Russian Relations with the Iranian Monarchy in the Nineteenth Century |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/24482848 |journal=Iranian Studies |volume=46 |issue=3 |pages=401–413 |doi=10.1080/00210862.2012.759334 |issn=0021-0862 |jstor=24482848 |s2cid=143785614 |access-date=19 May 2022 |archive-date=19 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519022824/https://www.jstor.org/stable/24482848 |url-status=live }}</ref> while the Qajars would also play a role in several 'Great Game' battles such as the sieges of Herat in 1837 and 1856.
As Iran shrank, many [[Place:South Caucasus|South Caucasian]] and [[Earth:North Caucasus|North Caucasian]] Muslims moved towards Iran,<ref name="Mansoori">{{cite book|last=Mansoori|first=Firooz|title=Studies in History, Language and Culture of Azerbaijan|year=2008|publisher=Hazar-e Kerman|location=Tehran|isbn=978-600-90271-1-8|page=245|chapter=17|language=fa}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">А. Г. Булатова. Лакцы (XIX — нач. XX вв.). Историко-этнографические очерки. — Махачкала, 2000.</ref> especially until the aftermath of the Circassian genocide,<ref name="ReferenceA" /> and the decades afterwards, while Iran's Armenians were encouraged to settle in the newly incorporated Russian territories,<ref>"Griboedov not only extended protection to those Caucasian captives who sought to go home but actively promoted the return of even those who did not volunteer. Large numbers of Georgian and Armenian captives had lived in Iran since 1804 or as far back as 1795." Fisher, William Bayne; Avery, Peter; Gershevitch, Ilya; Hambly, Gavin; Melville, Charles. ''The Cambridge History of Iran'', Cambridge University Press – 1991. p. 339</ref><ref>{{in lang|ru}} [http://feb-web.ru/feb/griboed/texts/piks3/3_4_v3.htm A. S. Griboyedov. "Записка о переселеніи армянъ изъ Персіи въ наши области"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113142046/http://feb-web.ru/feb/griboed/texts/piks3/3_4_v3.htm |date=13 January 2016 }}, Фундаментальная Электронная Библиотека</ref><ref>Bournoutian. ''Armenian People'', p. 105</ref> causing significant demographic shifts. Around 1.5&nbsp;million people—20 to 25% of the population of Iran—died as a result of the Great Famine of 1870–1872.<ref>{{cite book |last=Yeroushalmi |first=David |title=The Jews of Iran in the Nineteenth Century: Aspects of History, Community |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XYlGS3s3zTQC&pg=PA327 |publisher=Brill |year=2009 |page=327 |isbn=978-90-04-15288-5}}</ref>

==== Constitutional Revolution ====

Between 1872 and 1905, a series of protests took place in response to the sale of [[Finance:Concession (contract)|concessions]] to foreigners by Qajar monarchs Naser-ed-Din and Mozaffar-ed-Din, and led to the Constitutional Revolution in 1905. The first Iranian constitution and the first national parliament of Iran were founded in 1906, through the ongoing revolution. The Constitution included the official recognition of Iran's three religious minorities, namely Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians.<ref name="Colin Brock p 99">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</ref> The struggle related to the constitutional movement was followed by the Triumph of Tehran in 1909, when Mohammad Ali Shah was forced to abdicate. In 1907, the Anglo-Russian Convention divided Qajar Iran into influence zones, formalising many of the concessions. On the pretext of restoring order, the Russians occupied northern Iran and the city of Tabriz and maintained a military presence in the region for years to come. But this did not put an end to the civil uprisings and was soon followed by Mirza Kuchik Khan's Jungle Movement against both the Qajar monarchy and foreign invaders.
[[File:Parliamenttehran1906.jpg|thumb|The first national Iranian Parliament was established in 1906 during the Persian Constitutional Revolution.]]
Despite Iran's neutrality during [[Social:World War I|World War I]], the [[Place:Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]], [[Place:Russian Empire|Russian]], and [[Place:British Empire|British Empire]]s occupied the territory of western Iran and fought the Persian campaign before fully withdrawing their forces in 1921. At least 2 million Persian civilians died either directly in the fighting, the Ottoman perpetrated anti-Christian genocides or the war-induced famine of 1917–1919. A large number of Iranian Assyrian and Iranian Armenian Christians, as well as those Muslims who tried to protect them, were victims of mass murders committed by the invading Ottoman troops.<ref>{{cite book |first=Ryan |last=Gingeras |title=Fall of the Sultanate: The Great War and the End of the Ottoman Empire 1908–1922 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sGyMCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA166 |access-date=18 June 2016 |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press, Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-166358-1 |page=166 |quote=By January, Ottoman regulars and cavalry detachments associated with the old Hamidiye had seized the towns of Urmia, Khoy, and Salmas. Demonstrations of resistance by local Christians, comprising Armenians, Nestorians, Syriacs, and Assyrians, led Ottoman forces to massacre civilians and torch villages throughout the border region of Iran.}}</ref><ref name="Kevorkian2011">{{cite book |first=Raymond |last=Kevorkian |title=The Armenian Genocide: A Complete History |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mZ33AgAAQBAJ&pg=PA710 |access-date=18 June 2016 |year=2011 |publisher=I.B. Tauris |isbn=978-0-85773-020-6 |page=710 |quote='In retaliation, we killed the Armenians of Khoy, and I gave the order to massacre the Armenians of Maku.'{{nbsp}}... Without distorting the facts, one can affirm that the centuries-old Armenian presence in the regions of Urmia, Salmast, Qaradagh, and Maku had been dealt a blow from which it would never recover.}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |editor1-last=Yeghiayan |editor1-first=Vartkes |title=British Foreign Office Dossiers on Turkish War Criminals |date=1991 |publisher=American Armenian International College |quote=...{{nbsp}}Assyrians who were killed in Khoy, some 700 Armenian residents of Khoy were also massacred at the same time, June 1918.}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite book |first=Richard G. |last=Hovannisian |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K3monyE4CVQC |title=The Armenian Genocide: Cultural and Ethical Legacies |pages=270–271 |publisher=Transaction Publishers |date=2011 |isbn=978-1-4128-3592-3}}</ref><ref name="Alexander Laban Hinton p. 117">{{cite book |first1=Alexander Laban |last1=Hinton |first2=Thomas |last2=La Pointe |first3=Douglas |last3=Irvin-Erickson |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZtcyAgAAQBAJ |title=Hidden Genocides: Power, Knowledge, Memory |page=117 |publisher=Rutgers University Press |date=2013 |isbn=978-0-8135-6164-6}}</ref>

Apart from the rule of Agha Mohammad Khan, the Qajar rule is characterised as a century of misrule.<ref name=thePersians /> The inability of Qajar Iran's government to maintain the country's sovereignty during and immediately after World War I led to the British directed 1921 Persian coup d'état and [[Biography:Reza Shah|Reza Shah]]'s establishment of the Pahlavi dynasty. Reza Shah became the new Prime Minister of Iran and was declared the new monarch in 1925.

==== Pahlavis ====

In the midst of [[Social:World War II|World War II]], in July and August 1941 the British demanded that the Iranian government expel all Germans from Iran. Reza Shah refused to expel the Germans and on 25 August 1941, the British and Soviets launched a surprise invasion and Reza Shah's government quickly surrendered.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yPf_f7skJUYC |title=Iran: A Country Study|author=Glenn E. Curtis |author2=Eric Hooglund|isbn=978-0-8444-1187-3|page=30|publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office|year=2008}}</ref> The invasion's strategic purpose was to secure a supply line to the USSR (later named the Persian Corridor), secure the oil fields and Abadan Refinery (of the UK-owned Anglo-Iranian Oil Company), prevent a German advance on Baku's oil fields, and limit German influence in Iran. Following the invasion, on 16 September 1941 Reza Shah abdicated and was replaced by Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.<ref name="Farrokh 03">{{cite book|last= Farrokh|first= Kaveh|title= Iran at War: 1500–1988|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=dUHhTPdJ6yIC|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150320174036/http://books.google.com/books?id=dUHhTPdJ6yIC|url-status= dead|archive-date= 20 March 2015|isbn= 978-1-78096-221-4|date= 2011|publisher= Osprey Publishing Limited}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=07o_BAAAQBAJ | title =An Introduction to the Modern Middle East: History, Religion, Political Economy, Politics | author =David S. Sorenson | isbn =978-0-8133-4922-0 | page =206 | publisher =Westview Press | year =2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite book | url =https://books.google.com/books?id=2h_Jfg1xRYEC | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20171012080734/https://books.google.com/books?id=2h_Jfg1xRYEC | url-status =dead | archive-date =12 October 2017 | title =Iran: Foreign Policy & Government Guide | isbn =978-0-7397-9354-1 | page =53 | publisher =International Business Publications | year =2009 }}</ref>
During the rest of World War II, Iran became a major conduit for British and American aid to the Soviet Union and an avenue through which over 120,000 Polish refugees and Polish Armed Forces fled the Axis advance.<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.history.army.mil/books/wwii/persian/chapter01.htm#b1 |title=United States Army in World War II the Middle East Theater the Persian Corridor and Aid to Russia|author=T.H. Vail Motter |publisher=United States Army Center of Military History|year=1952|access-date=15 November 2016 |archive-date=23 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223171845/http://www.history.army.mil/books/wwii/persian/chapter01.htm#b1|url-status=dead}}</ref> At the 1943 Tehran Conference, the Allied "Big Three"—{{wipe|Joseph Stalin}}, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Winston Churchill—issued the Tehran Declaration to guarantee the post-war independence and boundaries of Iran. However, at the end of the war, Soviet troops remained in Iran and established two puppet states in north-western Iran, namely the People's Government of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Mahabad. This led to the Iran crisis of 1946, one of the first confrontations of the [[History:Cold War|Cold War]], which ended after oil concessions were promised to the USSR and Soviet forces withdrew from Iran proper in May 1946. The two puppet states were soon overthrown, and the oil concessions were later revoked.<ref>Louise Fawcett, "Revisiting the Iranian Crisis of 1946: How Much More Do We Know?" ''Iranian Studies'' 47#3 (2014): 379–399.</ref><ref>Gary R. Hess, "The Iranian Crisis of 1945–46 and the Cold War." ''Political Science Quarterly'' 89#1 (1974): 117–146. [https://web.archive.org/web/20160215211023/http://azargoshnasp.com/recent_history/atoor/theiraniancriris194546.pdf online]</ref>

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

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

After the coup, the Shah became increasingly [[Social:Autocracy|autocratic]] and [[Philosophy:Sultanism|sultanistic]], and Iran entered a decades-long phase of controversially close relations with the United States and other foreign governments.<ref>Nikki R. Keddie, Rudolph P Matthee. [https://books.google.com/books?id=CdzFJIE7f5oC ''Iran and the Surrounding World: Interactions in Culture and Cultural Politics''] University of Washington Press, 2002 p. 366</ref> While the Shah increasingly modernised Iran and claimed to retain it as a fully [[Philosophy:Secular state|secular state]],<ref name="Anthony H. Cordesman p 22">{{cite book |author=Cordesman, Anthony H. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3j6sZyByv8EC |title=Iran's Military Forces in Transition: Conventional Threats and Weapons of Mass Destruction |date=1999 |isbn=978-0-275-96529-7 |page=22 | publisher=Bloomsbury Academic |author-link=Anthony Cordesman}}</ref> arbitrary arrests and torture by his secret police, the SAVAK, were used for crushing political opposition.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Baraheni |first1=Reza |title=Terror in Iran |journal=The New York Review of Books |date=28 October 1976 |url=https://www.nybooks.com/articles/1976/10/28/terror-in-iran/}}</ref>

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

Due to the [[Finance:1973 oil crisis|1973 spike in oil prices]], the economy of Iran was flooded with foreign currency, which caused [[Finance:Inflation|inflation]]. By 1974, the economy of Iran was experiencing a double-digit inflation rate, and despite the many large projects to modernise the country, corruption was rampant and caused large amounts of waste. By 1975 and 1976, an [[Finance:Recession|economic recession]] led to an increased unemployment rate, especially among millions of youths who had migrated to the cities of Iran looking for construction jobs during the boom years of the early 1970s. By the late 1970s, many of these people opposed the Shah's regime and began organizing and joining the protests against it.<ref name="Hurd2009">{{cite book|author=Elizabeth Shakman Hurd|title=The Politics of Secularism in International Relations|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=096dp4dthm0C&pg=PA75|year=2009|publisher=Princeton University Press|isbn=978-1-4008-2801-2|page=75|access-date=17 August 2016}}</ref>

=== Iranian Revolution ===
[[File:Imam Khomeini Potrait.jpg|thumb|Ruhollah Khomeini, the first supreme leader of Iran|upright]]
The 1979 Iranian Revolution, later known as the ''Islamic Revolution'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iranchamber.com/history/islamic_revolution/islamic_revolution.php |title=Islamic Revolution of 1979 |publisher=Iranchamber.com |access-date=18 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629064154/http://www.iranchamber.com/history/islamic_revolution/islamic_revolution.php |archive-date=29 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761588431/Islamic_Revolution_of_Iran.html |title=Islamic Revolution of Iran |encyclopedia=Encarta |access-date=19 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091028082940/http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761588431/Islamic_Revolution_of_Iran.html |archive-date=28 October 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>Fereydoun Hoveyda, ''The Shah and the Ayatollah: Iranian Mythology and Islamic Revolution'' {{ISBN|0-275-97858-3}}, Praeger Publishers</ref><ref name="britannica1">{{cite encyclopedia |year=2012 |title=Iran |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Iran |access-date=8 August 2012}}</ref><ref name="Anthony H. Cordesman p 22" /><ref>{{Cite book |author=Graham, Robert |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=inIfxTWgfegC |title=Iran: The Illusion of Power |publisher=St. Martin's Press |year=1980 |isbn=978-0-312-43588-2 |location=London |pages=19, 96}}</ref> began in January 1978 with the first major demonstrations against the Mohammad-Reza Pahlavi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fsmitha.com/h2/ch29ir.html |title=The Iranian Revolution |publisher=Fsmitha.com|date=22 March 1963|access-date=18 June 2011}}</ref> After a year of strikes and demonstrations paralyzing the country and its economy, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi fled to the United States, and Ruhollah Khomeini returned from exile to Tehran in February 1979, forming a new government.<ref name="BBC this day">{{cite news|title=BBC On this Day Feb 1 1979|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/february/1/newsid_2521000/2521003.stm|access-date=25 November 2014|publisher=BBC}}</ref> After holding a referendum, Iran officially became an Islamic republic in April 1979.<ref name="JohnsonUradnik2011">{{cite book|author1=Lori A. Johnson|author2=Kathleen Uradnik|author3=Sara Beth Hower|title=Battleground: Government and Politics &#91;2 volumes&#93;: Government and Politics|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=T9sdEOfoCWIC&pg=PA319|date=2011|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-0-313-34314-8|page=319}}</ref> A second referendum in December 1979 approved a theocratic constitution.<ref>{{cite book|author=Jahangir Amuzegar|title=The Dynamics of the Iranian Revolution: The Pahlavis' Triumph and Tragedy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3KL5FvOejKkC&pg=PA4|year=1991|publisher=SUNY Press|isbn=978-0-7914-9483-7|pages=4, 9–12}}</ref>

Immediate nationwide uprisings against the new government began with the 1979 Kurdish rebellion and the Khuzestan uprisings, along with uprisings in Sistan and Baluchestan and other areas. Over the next several years, these uprisings were [[Religion:Consolidation of the Iranian Revolution|subdued violently]] by the new government. The new government began [[Religion:Consolidation of the Iranian Revolution#Suppression of opposition|purging itself of the non-Islamist political opposition]], as well as Islamists who were not considered radical enough. Although both nationalists and Marxists had initially joined with Islamists to overthrow the Shah, tens of thousands were executed by the new regime.<ref name="Benard">{{cite book|author=Cheryl Benard|title="The Government of God": Iran's Islamic Republic|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sKLCQgAACAAJ|year=1984|publisher=Columbia University Press|isbn=978-0-231-05376-1|page=18}}</ref> Following Khomeini's order to purge the new government of any remaining officials still loyal to the exiled Shah, many former ministers and officials in the Shah's government, including former prime minister Amir-Abbas Hoveyda, were executed.

On 4 November 1979, after the United States refused the extradition of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, a group of Muslim students seized the United States Embassy and took the embassy with 52 personnel and citizens hostage.<ref name="carterpbs">{{cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/carter/sfeature/sf_hostage.html|title=American Experience, Jimmy Carter, "444 Days: America Reacts"|publisher=Pbs.org|access-date=18 June 2011|archive-date=19 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110119224031/https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/carter/sfeature/sf_hostage.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Attempts by the [[Biography:Jimmy Carter|Jimmy Carter]] administration to negotiate for the release of the hostages, and a failed rescue attempt, helped with the falling popularity of Carter among US citizens and brought Ronald Reagan to power. On Jimmy Carter's final day in office, the last hostages were set free due to the Algiers Accords.

The [[Religion:Cultural Revolution in Iran|Cultural Revolution]] began in 1980, with threats to close universities which did not conform to Islamization demands from the new government. All universities in the country were closed down in 1980, and reopened in 1983.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Iran Human Rights Documentation Center |date=2020-03-04 |title=The 1980 Cultural Revolution and Restrictions on Academic Freedom in Iran |url=https://iranpresswatch.org/post/20819/1980-cultural-revolution-restrictions-academic-freedom-iran/ |access-date=2023-10-13 |website=Iran Press Watch |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Sobhe |first=Khosrow |date=1982 |title=Education in Revolution: Is Iran Duplicating the Chinese Cultural Revolution? |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/3098794 |journal=Comparative Education |volume=18 |issue=3 |pages=271–280 |doi=10.1080/0305006820180304 |jstor=3098794 |issn=0305-0068}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Razavi |first=Reza |date=2009 |title=The Cultural Revolution in Iran, with Close Regard to the Universities, and Its Impact on the Student Movement |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/40262639 |journal=Middle Eastern Studies |volume=45 |issue=1 |pages=1–17 |doi=10.1080/00263200802547586 |jstor=40262639 |s2cid=144079439 |issn=0026-3206}}</ref>

On 22 September 1980, the Iraqi army invaded the western Iranian province of Khuzestan, initiating the Iran–Iraq War. Although the forces of Saddam Hussein made several early advances, by mid-1982, the Iranian forces successfully managed to drive the Iraqi army back into Iraq. In July 1982, Iran decided to invade Iraq and conducted offensives to conquer Iraqi territory and capture cities, such as [[Place:Basra|Basra]]. The war continued until 1988, when the Iraqi army defeated the Iranian forces inside Iraq and pushed the remaining Iranian troops back across the border. Subsequently, Khomeini accepted a truce mediated by the United Nations. The total Iranian casualties in the war were estimated to be 123,220–160,000 [[Social:Killed in action|KIA]], 60,711 MIA, and 11,000–16,000 [[Social:Civilian casualties|civilians killed]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Hiro|first=Dilip|title=The Longest War: The Iran-Iraq Military Conflict|publisher=Routledge|location=New York|year=1991|page=[https://archive.org/details/longestwariranir00hiro/page/205 205]|isbn=978-0-415-90406-3|oclc=22347651|url=https://archive.org/details/longestwariranir00hiro/page/205}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Abrahamian|first=Ervand|author-link=Ervand Abrahamian|title=A History of Modern Iran|url=https://archive.org/details/historymodernira00abra|url-access=limited|publisher={{wipe|Cambridge University Press}}|location=Cambridge, UK; New York|year=2008|pages=[https://archive.org/details/historymodernira00abra/page/n202 171]–175, 212|isbn=978-0-521-52891-7|oclc=171111098}}</ref>
[[File:Chemical_weapon1.jpg|left|thumb|An Iranian soldier wearing a [[Engineering:Gas mask|gas mask]] on the front line during the Iran–Iraq War]]
Following the Iran–Iraq War, in 1989, Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani concentrated on a pragmatic pro-business policy of rebuilding and strengthening the economy without making any dramatic break with the ideology of the revolution. In 1997, Rafsanjani was succeeded by moderate reformist Mohammad Khatami, whose government attempted, unsuccessfully, to make the country freer and more democratic.<ref name="autogenerated3">{{cite news|author=Dan De Luce in Tehran |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/may/04/iran |title=Khatami blames clerics for failure |work=The Guardian |date=4 May 2004|access-date=25 August 2010 |location=London}}</ref>

The 2005 presidential election brought conservative populist candidate, [[Biography:Mahmoud Ahmadinejad|Mahmoud Ahmadinejad]], to power.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4740441.stm|title=Iran hardliner becomes president|access-date=6 December 2006|date=3 August 2005|publisher=BBC}}</ref> By the time of the 2009 Iranian presidential election, the Interior Ministry announced incumbent President Ahmadinejad had won 62.63% of the vote.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://moi.ir/Portal/Home/ShowPage.aspx?Object=News&CategoryID=832a711b-95fe-4505-8aa3-38f5e17309c9&LayoutID=dd8faff4-f71b-4c65-9aef-a1b6d0160be3&ID=5e30ab89-e376-434b-813f-8c22255158e1 |script-title=fa:نتایج نهایی دهمین دورهٔ انتخابات ریاست جمهوری |publisher=Ministry of Interior of Iran |language=fa |date=13 June 2009 |access-date=27 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090618051204/http://www.moi.ir/portal/Home/ShowPage.aspx?Object=News&CategoryID=832a711b-95fe-4505-8aa3-38f5e17309c9&LayoutID=dd8faff4-f71b-4c65-9aef-a1b6d0160be3&ID=5e30ab89-e376-434b-813f-8c22255158e1 |archive-date=18 June 2009}}</ref><ref name="The_Guardian_November_29_2015c">{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/jun/13/iran-election-ahmadinejad-wins-president |title=Ahmadinejad wins surprise Iran landslide victory |newspaper=The Guardian |author=Ian Black |date=13 June 2009 |access-date= 29 November 2015}}</ref> The election results were widely disputed,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8134904.stm|title=Iran clerics defy election ruling|work=BBC News|date=5 July 2009|access-date=18 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/iran/2009/07/090704_op_brief_majma_qom.shtml|title=Is this government legitimate?|work=BBC|date=7 September 2009|access-date=18 June 2011}}</ref> and resulted in widespread protests<ref>{{cite web|last=Landry|first=Carole |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jSWPwBGmOByDmvG6OPfqesxJ2O7Q|title=G8 calls on Iran to halt election violence|date=25 June 2009|access-date=18 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/jun/17/iran-protests-day-five|location=London|work=The Guardian |first1=Robert|last1= Tait|first2=Ian|last2=Black|first3=Mark|last3=Tran|title=Iran protests: Fifth day of unrest as regime cracks down on critics|date=17 June 2009}}</ref> and the creation of the Iranian Green Movement.

Hassan Rouhani was elected as the president on 15 June 2013.<ref name="BBCannouncedwinner">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22916174|title=Hassan Rouhani wins Iran presidential election|date=15 June 2013|access-date=15 June 2013|work=BBC News}}</ref><ref name="WSJannouncedwinner">{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887323734304578544912995560792|title=Moderate Candidate Wins Iran's Presidential Vote|date=15 June 2013|access-date=16 June 2013|newspaper={{wipe|The Wall Street Journal}}|first=Farnaz|last=Fassihi}}</ref> The electoral victory of Rouhani relatively improved the relations of Iran with other countries.<ref>{{cite book |title=Strategic Asia 2013–14: Asia in the Second Nuclear Age |page=229 |author1=Denmark, Abraham M. |author2=Tanner, Travis |date=2013}}</ref> The 2017–18 Iranian protests swept across the country in response to the economic and political situation.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/04/world/middleeast/iran-protests.html|title=Protests Pop Up Across Iran, Fueled by Daily Dissatisfaction|first=Thomas|last=Erdbrink|newspaper=The New York Times |date=4 August 2018|access-date=5 August 2022}}</ref> The scale of protests throughout the country and the number of people participating were significant,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.criticalthreats.org/analysis/more-chants-more-protests-the-dey-iranian-anti-regime-protests|title=More Chants, More Protests: The Dey Iranian Anti-Regime Protests|website=Critical Threats|access-date=5 August 2022}}</ref> and it was formally confirmed that thousands of protesters were arrested.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-46984649|title=Iran arrested 7,000 in crackdown on dissent during 2018 – Amnesty|work=BBC News |date=24 January 2019|access-date=5 August 2022}}</ref> The 2019–20 Iranian protests started on 15 November in [[Place:Ahvaz|Ahvaz]], spreading across the country within hours, after the government announced increases in the fuel price of up to 300%.<ref>{{cite news |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 |work=Al-Jazeera |date=17 November 2019}}</ref> A week-long total Internet shutdown throughout the country marked one of the most severe Internet blackouts in any country, and in the bloodiest governmental crackdown of the protestors in the history of Islamic Republic;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://iran-shutdown.amnesty.org/|title=A web of impunity: The killings Iran's internet shutdown hid — Amnesty International|first=Iran Internet|last=Shutdown|access-date=15 January 2021|archive-date=10 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110235750/https://iran-shutdown.amnesty.org/|url-status=dead}}</ref> tens of thousands were arrested and hundreds were killed within a few days according to multiple international observers, including Amnesty International.<ref>{{cite news |title=Special Report: Iran's leader ordered crackdown on unrest – 'Do whatever it takes to end it' |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-protests-specialreport/special-report-irans-leader-ordered-crackdown-on-unrest-do-whatever-it-takes-to-end-it-idUSKBN1YR0QR |work=Reuters |access-date=23 December 2019 |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 |url-status=live}}</ref>
On 3 January 2020, the revolutionary guard's general, Qasem Soleimani, was assassinated by the United States in Iraq, which considerably heightened the existing tensions between the two countries.<ref name=Roelants>Carolien Roelants, Iran expert of ''NRC Handelsblad'', in a debate on ''Buitenhof'' on Dutch television, 5 January 2020.</ref> His assassination lead to Operation Martyr Soleimani, the largest ballistic missile attack ever on Americans.<ref>{{Citation |title=Never-before-seen video of the attack on Al Asad Airbase |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGP7hZQuTL0 |access-date=2024-01-08 |language=en}}</ref> The BBC reported that millions of mourners gathered in Soleimani's funeral ceremony on 6 January.<ref>{{Citation |title=Millions turn out in Iran for General Soleimani's funeral - BBC News |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ndfa37Y4-0 |access-date=2024-01-08 |language=en}}</ref> Three days after, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched a retaliatory attack on US forces in Iraq and shot down Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, killing all members on board the plane and leading to nation-wide protests. An international investigation led to the government admitting to the shootdown, calling it a "human error".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-crash/ukrainian-airplane-with-180-aboard-crashes-in-iran-fars-idUSKBN1Z70EL |title=Ukrainian airplane with 180 aboard crashes in Iran: Fars |date=8 January 2020 |work=Reuters |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}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51077788 |work=BBC |title=Demands for justice after Iran's plane admission |date=11 January 2020 |access-date=11 January 2020}}</ref>

Protests against the government began on 16 September 2022 after a woman named Mahsa Amini died in police custody after being arrested by the country's [[Religion:Guidance Patrol|Guidance Patrol]],<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 September 2022 |title=Protests flare across Iran in violent unrest over woman's death |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/tehran-governor-accuses-protesters-attacks-least-22-arrested-2022-09-20/ |url-status=live |access-date=23 September 2022 |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}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Strzyżyńska |first1=Weronika |date=16 September 2022 |title=Iranian woman dies 'after being beaten by morality police' over hijab law |language=en |work=The Guardian |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 |access-date=22 September 2022 |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}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Leonhardt |first1=David |date=26 September 2022 |title=Iran's Ferocious Dissent |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/26/briefing/iran-protests-mahsa-amini.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927061245/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/26/briefing/iran-protests-mahsa-amini.html |archive-date=27 September 2022 |access-date=27 September 2022 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> known commonly as the "morality police".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Who are Iran's 'morality police'? – DW – 12/04/2022 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/who-are-irans-morality-police/a-63200711 |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=dw.com |language=en}}</ref>

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

== Geography ==
[[File:981012-Damavand-South-IMG 9861-2.jpg|thumb|Mount Damavand, the highest volcano in Asia. It as has a special place in Persian mythology.]]
Iran has an area of {{convert|1648195|km2|mi2|abbr=on}}.<ref name="CIA">{{cite web |title=Iran |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/iran/ |access-date=24 May 2018 |work=The World Factbook |publisher=Central Intelligence Agency (United States)}}</ref> It is the fourth-largest country entirely in Asia and the second-largest country in West Asia behind Saudi Arabia.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Iran's Strategy in the Strait of Hormuz |url=https://thediplomat.com/2012/07/irans-strategy-in-the-strait-of-hormuz/ |url-status=dead |magazine=The Diplomat |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208071232/https://thediplomat.com/2012/07/irans-strategy-in-the-strait-of-hormuz/ |archive-date=8 December 2015 |access-date=29 November 2015}}</ref> It lies between latitudes 24° and 40° N, and longitudes 44° and 64° E. It is bordered to the northwest by [[Place:Armenia|Armenia]] ({{convert|35|km|mi|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}), the Azeri exclave of Nakhchivan ({{convert|179|km|mi|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/azerbaijan/|title=CIA – The World Factbook |publisher=Cia.gov |access-date=7 April 2012}}</ref> and the [[Place:Azerbaijan|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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> On average, an earthquake of magnitude seven on the Richter scale occurs once every ten years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ilna.news/fa/tiny/news-11875 |title=هر ده سال، یک زلزله ۷ ریشتری در کشور رخ می‌دهد &#124; خبرگزاری ایلنا |date=13 October 2012 |publisher=Ilna.news |access-date=2022-08-05}}</ref> Most earthquakes are shallow-focus and can be very devastating, such as the 2003 Bam earthquake.
[[File:هفت آبشار جنگلهای هیرکانی روستای تیرکن شهرستان بابل 2019.jpg|thumb| Hyrcanian forests, a zone of lush lowland and montane forest in the very north of Iran]]

Iran consists of the [[Place:Iranian Plateau|Iranian Plateau]], with the exception of the coasts of the Caspian Sea and Khuzestan. It is one of the world's most mountainous countries, its landscape dominated by rugged [[Earth:Mountain range|mountain range]]s that separate various [[Earth:Drainage basin|basins]] or [[Earth:Plateau|plateau]]s from one another. The populous western part is the most mountainous, with ranges such as the [[Place:Caucasus Mountains|Caucasus]], [[Place:Zagros Mountains|Zagros]], and Alborz, the last containing [[Earth:Mount Damavand|Mount Damavand]], Iran's highest point at {{convert|5610|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}, which is also the highest mountain in Asia west of the Hindu Kush.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Apply Mubabol |url=http://en.mubabol.ac.ir/post/7 |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=en.mubabol.ac.ir}}</ref>

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

=== Islands ===

Iranian islands are mainly located in the Persian Gulf. Iran has 102 islands in Urmia Lake, 427 islands in Aras River, several islands in Anzali Lagoon, Ashurade Island in the Caspian Sea, Sheytan Island in the Oman Sea and several other inland islands. More than 40 Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf are located in the political sphere of the three provinces of Bushehr, Khuzestan and Hormozgan, more than half of which are uninhabited. Iran also has an uninhabited island at the far end of the Gulf of Oman, near the {{wipe|Pakistan}}. A small number of Iranian islands can be visited by tourists, as most of them are in the possession of the military or wildlife protection, and entry to them is generally prohibited or requires a permit.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran Islands Tours, Top 10 Islands You Must See in Iran – Iran Travel Information |url=https://persiaplanet.com/top-iran-islands-tour/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Motamedi |first=Maziar |title=Iran's IRGC runs military drills on disputed islands claimed by UAE |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/2/irans-irgc-runs-military-drills-on-disputed-islands-claimed-by-uae |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-02 |title=Iran's Revolutionary Guard Runs Drill on Disputed Islands in Persian Gulf |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/iran-s-revolutionary-guard-runs-drill-on-disputed-islands-in-persian-gulf/7209101.html |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref>

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

Kish island, as a [[Finance:Free-trade zone|free trade zone]], is touted as a consumer's paradise, with numerous malls, shopping centers, tourist attractions, and luxury hotels. Qeshm is the largest island in Iran, and a UNESCO Global Geopark since 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-05-06 |title=Qeshm Island Geopark Becomes Global After Receiving UNESCO Green Card - Iran Front Page |url=https://ifpnews.com/qeshm-geopark-becomes-global-receiving-unesco-green-card/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=ifpnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Qeshm island Geopark - Home |url=https://www.qeshmgeopark.ir/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=www.qeshmgeopark.ir}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Visit of Qeshm UNESCO Global Geopark |date=2021-08-12 |url=https://www.unesco.org/archives/multimedia/document-5401 |access-date=2024-01-22 |language=en}}</ref> Its salt cave, "Namakdan", is the largest salt cave in the world<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-13 |title=Namakdan Salt Cave: Qeshm's World-Famous Wonder {{!}}TAP Persia |url=https://www.tappersia.com/namakdan-salt-cave-qeshm/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=www.sirang.com |first=Sirang Rasaneh |title=Namakdan Salt Cave 2024 {{!}} Qeshm Island, Hormozgan {{!}} Sights - ITTO |url=https://itto.org/iran/attraction/namakdan-salt-cave-qeshm-island/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=itto.org {{!}} Iran Tourism & Touring}}</ref> and one of the world's longest caves.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Namakdan Salt Cave {{!}} One of the Longest {{!}} Qeshm Attraction {{!}} Apochi.com |url=https://apochi.com/attractions/qeshm/namakdan-salt-cave/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=Apochi |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Namakdan Salt Cave |url=https://iugs-geoheritage.org/geoheritage_sites/namakdan-salt-dome/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=IUGS |language=en}}</ref>

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

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

Iran is the largest of the few countries in the world which have not ratified the Paris Agreement.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XXVII-7-d&chapter=27&clang=_en
 |website= United Nations Treaty Collection
 |title= Status of Treaties, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
 |access-date=20 November 2019
}}</ref>

=== Wildlife ===
[[File:Persian Leopard sitting.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|Persian leopard, listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List]]
The wildlife of Iran includes bears, the [[Biology:Eurasian lynx|Eurasian lynx]], [[Biology:Fox|fox]]es, [[Biology:Gazelle|gazelle]]s, gray wolves, [[Biology:Golden jackal|jackals]], [[Biology:Leopard|panthers]], and wild pigs.<ref name="Fast2005">{{cite book|author=April Fast|title=Iran: The Land|url=https://archive.org/details/iranland0000fast|url-access=registration|year=2005|publisher=Crabtree Publishing Company|isbn=978-0-7787-9315-1|page=[https://archive.org/details/iranland0000fast/page/31 31]}}</ref><ref name="Firouz2005">{{cite book|author=Eskandar Firouz|title=The Complete Fauna of Iran|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t2EZCScFXloC&pg=PP1|year=2005|publisher=I.B. Tauris|isbn=978-1-85043-946-2}}</ref> [[Biology:Eagle|Eagle]]s, [[Biology:Falcon|falcon]]s, [[Biology:Partridge|partridge]]s, [[Biology:Pheasant|pheasant]]s, and [[Biology:Stork|stork]]s are also native to Iran.

One of the most famous species of animal is the [[Biology:Critically endangered|critically endangered]] [[Biology:Asiatic cheetah|Asiatic cheetah]], also known as the ''Iranian cheetah'', whose numbers were greatly reduced after the 1979 Revolution.<ref name="Borrini-FeyerabendFarvar2013">{{cite book|author1=Grazia Borrini-Feyerabend|author2=M. Taghi Farvar|author3=Yves Renard|author4=Michel P Pimbert |author5=Ashish Kothari|title=Sharing Power: A Global Guide to Collaborative Management of Natural Resources|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MfS3AAAAQBAJ&pg=PA120|year=2013|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-136-55742-2|page=120}}</ref> The [[Biology:Persian leopard|Persian leopard]], which is the world's largest [[Biology:Leopard|leopard]] subspecies and lives primarily in northern Iran, is also endangered.<ref name=iucn>{{cite iucn |author=Ghoddousi, A. |author2= Khorozyan, I. |name-list-style=amp |year=2023 |title= ''Panthera pardus'' ssp. ''tulliana'' |page= e.T15961A50660903 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2023-1.RLTS.T15961A50660903.en |access-date=8 January 2024}}</ref> Iran lost all its [[Biology:Asiatic lion|Asiatic lion]]s and the now extinct [[Biology:Caspian tiger|Caspian tiger]]s by the earlier part of the 20th century.<ref>{{cite book | author=Guggisberg, C.A.W. |year=1961 |title= Simba: The Life of the Lion | publisher=Howard Timmins, Cape Town}}</ref>

At least 74 species of Iranian wildlife are on the red list of the [[Organization:International Union for Conservation of Nature|International Union for Conservation of Nature]]. The Iranian Parliament has been showing disregard for wildlife by passing laws and regulations such as the act that lets the Ministry of Industries and Mines exploit mines without the involvement of the Department of Environment, and by approving large national development projects without demanding comprehensive study of their impact on wildlife habitats.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.payvand.com/news/14/feb/1191.html |title=74 Iranian wildlife species red-listed by Environment Department |work=payvand.com |access-date=26 August 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150520013716/http://www.payvand.com/news/14/feb/1191.html |archive-date=20 May 2015}}</ref>

{{anchor|Provinces and cities|Regions, provinces and cities|Subdivisions|Administrative divisions}}

=== Administrative divisions ===

[[File:Map of Iran with province names and neighboring land.svg|thumb|The 31 provinces of Iran]]
Iran is divided into five regions with 31 provinces ({{lang|fa-Latn|ostān}}, {{lang|fa|استان}}),<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 June 2014 |script-title=fa:همشهری آنلاین-استان‌های کشور به ۵ منطقه تقسیم شدند |trans-title=Provinces were divided into five regions |language=fa |newspaper=Hamshahri Online |url=http://www.hamshahrionline.ir/details/263382/Iran/-provinces |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140623191332/http://www.hamshahrionline.ir/details/263382/Iran/-provinces |archive-date=23 June 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> each governed by an appointed governor ({{lang|fa-Latn|ostāndār}}, {{lang|fa|استاندار}}). The provinces are divided into counties ({{lang|fa-Latn|šahrestān}}, {{lang|fa|شهرستان}}), and subdivided into districts ({{lang|fa-Latn|baxš}}, {{lang|fa|بخش}}) and sub-districts ({{lang|fa-Latn|dehestān}}, {{lang|fa|دهستان}}).

The country has one of the highest urban growth rates in the world. From 1950 to 2002, the urban proportion of the population increased from 27% to 60%.<ref name="payvand2">{{cite web |url=http://www.payvand.com/news/03/nov/1135.html |title=Iran: Focus on reverse migration |work=Payvand |access-date=17 April 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060326185508/http://www.payvand.com/news/03/nov/1135.html |archive-date=26 March 2006}}</ref> Iran's population is concentrated in its western half, especially in the north, north-west and west of the country.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Population distribution – The World Factbook |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/archives/2021/field/population-distribution/ |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=cia.gov}}</ref>

Tehran, with a population of around 8.8&nbsp;million (2016 census), is Iran's capital and largest city. It is an economical and cultural center and is the hub of the country's communication and transport network.
It is also home to the world's largest shopping mall, Iran Mall.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Team |first=LiT |date=2022-02-24 |title=Iran Mall, the Biggest Shopping Center in the World! |url=https://livingintehran.com/2022/02/24/iran-mall-tehran/ |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Living in Tehran (LiT) |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran Mall: learn more about the biggest shopping mall in the world |url=https://www.fracttal.com/en/blog/iran-mall |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=www.fracttal.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Admin |first=T. W. T. |date=2023-02-06 |title=Top 10 Largest Shopping Malls in the World 2023 |url=https://theworldten.com/largest-shopping-malls-in-the-world/ |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=The World Ten |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-11 |title=List of Top 10 Biggest Shopping Malls In Asia 2024 |url=https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/list-of-biggest-shopping-malls-in-asia-1704961628-1 |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Jagranjosh.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Das |first=Bipro |date=2023-12-29 |title=19 Biggest Malls In The World {{!}} 2024 Edition |url=https://www.rankred.com/biggest-malls-in-the-world-2/ |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=RankRed |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-19 |title=ایران مال بزرگترین مرکز خرید جهان در نزدیکی دریاچه چیتگر - چیتگر سازان |url=https://chitgarsazan.ir/%d8%a7%db%8c%d8%b1%d8%a7%d9%86-%d9%85%d8%a7%d9%84/ |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=chitgarsazan.ir |language=fa-IR}}</ref>

The country's second most populous city, [[Place:Mashhad|Mashhad]], has a population of around 3.3&nbsp;million (2016 census), and is capital of the province of Razavi Khorasan. Being the site of the Imam Reza shrine, it is a holy city in [[Religion:Shia Islam|Shia Islam]]. About 15 to 20 million pilgrims visit the shrine every year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1383/2211/html/panorama.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050309013442/http://www.iran-daily.com/1383/2211/html/panorama.htm|archive-date=9 March 2005|title=Religious Tourism Potentials Rich |work=Iran Daily}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sacredsites.com/middle_east/iran/mashad.htm |title=Mashhad, Iran |publisher=Sacredsites.com |access-date=18 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127181619/http://sacredsites.com/middle_east/iran/mashad.htm |archive-date=27 November 2010}}</ref>
[[Place:Isfahan|Isfahan]] has a population of around 2.2&nbsp;million (2016 census) 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. It is home to a wide variety of historical sites, including the famous Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Siosepol, and the churches at the Armenian district of New Julfa. It is also home to one of the world's largest shopping malls, Isfahan City Center.<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.ETRealty.com |title=Ten Biggest Malls on Earth - Isfahan City Center, Iran {{!}} ET RealEstate |url=http://realty.economictimes.indiatimes.com/slide-shows/ten-biggest-malls-on-earth/51411848 |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=ETRealty.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=5 Biggest Malls in the World |url=https://www.insidermonkey.com/blog/5-biggest-malls-in-the-world-1090650/ |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Insider Monkey |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Brian |date=2022-10-21 |title=10 Largest Malls in the World {{!}} Mappr |url=https://www.mappr.co/largest-malls-in-the-world/ |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=www.mappr.co |language=en-US}}</ref>


== Government and politics ==

[[File:Iran gov power structure.svg|thumb|Iran's syncretic political system combines elements of an Islamic theocracy with vetted democracy.]]

The political system of the Islamic Republic is based on the 1979 Constitution.<ref name="servcons">{{cite web |url=http://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/ir00000_.html |title=Constitution of Iran |publisher=University of Bern |location=Switzerland}}</ref> Juan José Linz wrote in 2000 that "it is difficult to fit the Iranian regime into the existing typology, as it combines the ideological bent of [[Philosophy:Totalitarianism|totalitarianism]] with the limited pluralism of [[Social:Authoritarianism|authoritarianism]] and holds regular elections in which candidates advocating differing policies and incumbents are often defeated".<ref>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.</ref> Iran ranked 154th in the 2022 ''[[The Economist Democracy Index]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023 |title=Democracy Index 2022: Frontline democracy and the battle for Ukraine |url=https://pages.eiu.com/rs/753-RIQ-438/images/DI-final-version-report.pdf |website=[[Company:Economist Intelligence Unit|Economist Intelligence Unit]] |page= |language=en-GB}}</ref>

=== Supreme Leader ===
[[File:Ali Khamenei met with Xi Jinping in Tehran 2016 (1).jpg|thumbnail|Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, meeting with his counterpart, China's Xi Jinping]]

The Supreme Leader ("Rahbar"), or [[Social:Supreme Leader of Iran|Leader of the Revolution]]<ref name="politicalsystem">{{cite web |script-title=fa:قانون اساسی جمهوری اسلامی ایران |url=http://fa.wikisource.org/wiki/قانون_اساسی_جمهوری_اسلامی_ایران |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080410011625/http://fa.wikisource.org/wiki/%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%88%D9%86_%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%B3%DB%8C_%D8%AC%D9%85%D9%87%D9%88%D8%B1%DB%8C_%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85%DB%8C_%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86 |archive-date=10 April 2008 |access-date=23 January 2008 |language=fa}}</ref> is the head of state of Iran and is responsible for delineation and supervision of policy.<ref name="leader">{{cite web|url=http://www.leader.ir/langs/en/index.php?p=leader_law |title=Leadership in the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran |publisher=Leader.ir |access-date=21 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130612094341/http://www.leader.ir/langs/en/index.php?p=leader_law |archive-date=12 June 2013}}</ref> The Iranian president has limited power compared to the Rahbar Khamenei.<ref name="reuters.com">{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-rallies-rouhani/in-jab-at-hardliners-rouhani-says-iran-protests-were-not-only-economic-idUSKBN1EX0S9|title=In jab at rivals, Rouhani says Iran protests about more than economy|date=8 January 2018|newspaper=Reuters}}</ref> The current longtime Rahbar is Ali Khamenei.<ref name="english.aawsat.com">{{cite web|url=https://english.aawsat.com/amir-taheri/features/khamenei-orders-new-supervisory-body-curtail-government|title=Khamenei Orders New Supervisory Body to Curtail Government – ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive|first=Asharq|last=Al-awsat|date=25 September 2017|access-date=23 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010083335/https://english.aawsat.com/amir-taheri/features/khamenei-orders-new-supervisory-body-curtail-government|archive-date=10 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="al-monitor.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/11/iran-green-climate-change-khamenei.html|title=Khamenei says Iran must go green – Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East|work=Al-Monitor|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222135539/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/11/iran-green-climate-change-khamenei.html|archive-date=22 December 2015}}</ref><ref name="irpop" /> Key ministers are selected with the Rahbar Ali Khamenei's agreement and he has the ultimate say on Iran's foreign policy.<ref name="reuters.com" /> The Rahbar is directly involved in ministerial appointments for Defense, Intelligence and Foreign Affairs, as well as other top ministries after submission of candidates from the president.<ref name="MagriPerteghella2017">{{cite book|author1=Paolo Magri|author2=Annalisa Perteghella|title=Post-Vote Iran: Giving engagement a chance|url=https://boioks.google.com/books?id=Reg4DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA58|year=2017|publisher=Ledizioni|isbn=978-88-6705-653-8|pages=58–61}}{{dead link|date=January 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Iran's regional policy is directly controlled by the office of the Rahbar with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' task limited to protocol and ceremonial occasions. All of Iran's ambassadors to Arab countries, for example, are chosen by the Quds Corps, which directly reports to the Rahbar.<ref name="english.aawsat.com" /> The Rahbar can also order laws to be amended.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/12/iran-retirement-law-reemployment-retirees-khamenei-order.html |title=Khamenei orders controversial retirement law amended |work=Al-Monitor |date=5 December 2018 |access-date=12 December 2018}}</ref> Setad is estimated at $95&nbsp;billion in 2013 by Reuters, accounts of which are secret even to the Iranian parliament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/investigates/iran/|title=Reuters Investigates – Assets of the Ayatollah|website=Reuters|date=11 November 2013 |access-date=8 January 2018}}</ref><ref name=SetadWins>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-setad-sanctions-exclusive/exclusive-khameneis-business-empire-gains-from-iran-sanctions-relief-idUSBREA0L1CO20140122|title=Exclusive: Khamenei's business empire gains from Iran sanctions relief|work=Reuters|author=Steve Stecklow, Babak Dehghanpisheh|date=22 January 2014|access-date=14 January 2018}}</ref>

The Rahbar is the [[Social:Commander-in-chief|commander-in-chief]] of the armed forces, controls the military intelligence and security operations, and has sole power to declare war or peace.<ref name="leader" /> The heads of the judiciary, the state radio and television networks, the commanders of the police and military forces, and six of the twelve members of the Guardian Council are directly appointed by the Rahbar.<ref name="leader" />

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.<ref name="loc">{{cite web |url=http://countrystudies.us/iran/81.htm |title=Iran – The Constitution |first=Library of Congress |last=Federal Research Division |access-date=14 April 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060923063550/http://countrystudies.us/iran/81.htm |archive-date=23 September 2006}}</ref> To date, the Assembly of Experts has not challenged any of the Rahbar's decisions nor attempted to dismiss him.<ref name="Judiciary" /> The previous head of the judicial system, Sadeq Larijani, appointed by the Rahbar, said that it is illegal for the Assembly of Experts to supervise the Rahbar.<ref name="Al-awsat">{{cite web|url=http://english.aawsat.com/2015/12/article55345842/55345842 |title=Controversy in Iran Surrounding the Supervision of the Supreme Leader's Performance – ASHARQ AL-AWSAT |first=Asharq |last=Al-awsat |date=15 December 2015 |access-date=1 July 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625141325/http://english.aawsat.com/2015/12/article55345842/55345842 |archive-date=25 June 2016}}</ref> Many believe the Assembly of Experts has become a ceremonial body without any real power.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2016/02/iran-parliamentary-elections-assembly-of-experts/470580/ |title=Myths and Realities of Iran's Parliamentary Elections |magazine=The Atlantic |date=23 February 2016 |access-date=26 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/anomalies-and-results-from-irans-assembly-of-experts-election |title=Anomalies in Iran's Assembly of Experts Election – The Washington Institute for Near East Policy |website=Washingtoninstitute.org |date=22 March 2016 |access-date=26 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Majid Rafizadeh|title=Why Khamenei wants the next Supreme Leader to be 'revolutionary' |website=AlArabiya News |date=24 June 2016 |url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/views/news/middle-east/2016/06/24/Why-Khamenei-wants-the-next-Supreme-Leader-to-be-revolutionary-.html |access-date=2022-10-04}}</ref> There have been instances when the current Rahbar publicly criticised members of the Assembly of Experts, resulting in their arrest and dismissal.

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

=== President ===
[[File:Vladimir Putin and Ebrahim Raisi (2022-06-29) 01.jpg|thumb|Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin]]
After the Rahbar, the Constitution defines the president of Iran as the highest state authority.<ref name="leader" /><ref name="photius">{{cite web|url=http://www.photius.com/countries/iran/government/iran_government_the_presidency.html |title=Iran The Presidency |publisher=Photius.com |access-date=18 June 2011}}</ref> The President is elected by [[Philosophy:Universal suffrage|universal suffrage]] for a term of four years, but is required to gain the Leader's official approval before being sworn in before the Parliament (Majlis). The Leader also has the power to dismiss the elected president.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gladstone |first1=Rick |title=Is Iran's Supreme Leader Truly Supreme? Yes, but President Is No Mere Figurehead |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/05/world/middleeast/iran-president-ebrahim-raisi.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/05/world/middleeast/iran-president-ebrahim-raisi.html |archive-date=28 December 2021 |url-access=limited |access-date=27 September 2021 |work=The New York Times |date=5 August 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The President can only be re-elected for one term.<ref name="photius" />

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 in all matters.<ref name="leader" /> Chapter IX of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran sets forth the qualifications for presidential candidates. The procedures for presidential election and all other elections in Iran are outlined by the Rahbar.<ref name="tehtrans">{{Cite news|url=http://www.tehrantimes.com/news/407304/Leader-outlines-elections-guidelines-calls-for-transparency|title=Leader outlines elections guidelines, calls for transparency|date=15 October 2016|work=Tehran Times|access-date=21 May 2017|language=en-US}}</ref> The President functions as the executive of affairs such as signing treaties and other international agreements, and administering national planning, budget, and state employment affairs, all as approved by the Rahbar.<ref name="Middle East Eye">{{cite web |title=Iran's Khamenei hits out at Rafsanjani in rare public rebuke |url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/khamenei-lashes-out-rafsanjani-and-rouhani-rare-iran-public-spat-1261460510 |work=Middle East Eye}}</ref><ref name="en.iranwire.com">{{cite web |title=Asking for a Miracle: Khamenei's Economic Plan |url=https://iranwire.com/en/features/273 |website=IranWire &#124; خانه}}</ref><ref name="irpop">{{Cite news|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/05/khamenei-plans-increase-iran-population.html|title=Khamenei outlines 14-point plan to increase population|date=22 May 2014|work=Al-Monitor|access-date=21 May 2017|language=en-us|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801000839/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/05/khamenei-plans-increase-iran-population.html|archive-date=1 August 2017}}</ref>

The President appoints the ministers, subject to the approval of the Parliament, as well as the approval of the Rahbar, who can dismiss or reinstate any of the ministers at any time, regardless of the decisions made by the President or the Parliament.<ref name="stalbertgazette.com">{{Cite news|url=http://www.stalbertgazette.com/article/GB/20110420/CP01/304209937/-1/sag0806/iranian-lawmakers-warn-ahmadinejad-to-back-intelligence-chief-as|title=Iranian lawmakers warn Ahmadinejad to accept intelligence chief as political feud deepens|work=CP|access-date=21 May 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808034040/http://www.stalbertgazette.com/article/GB/20110420/CP01/304209937/-1/sag0806/iranian-lawmakers-warn-ahmadinejad-to-back-intelligence-chief-as|archive-date=8 August 2017}}</ref><ref name="news.bbc.co.uk">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8168202.stm|title=BBC NEWS – Middle East – Iranian vice-president 'sacked'|date=25 July 2009|publisher=BBC}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Amir Saeed Vakil, Pouryya Askary|title=constitution in now law like order|date=2004|page=362}}</ref> The President supervises the Council of Ministers, coordinates government decisions, and selects government policies to be placed before the legislature.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://countrystudies.us/iran/84.htm |title=Iran – The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers |publisher=Countrystudies.us |access-date=18 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520124905/http://countrystudies.us/iran/84.htm |archive-date=20 May 2011}}</ref> The current Rahbar, Ali Khamenei, has fired as well as reinstated Council of Ministers members.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.stalbertgazette.com/article/GB/20110420/CP01/304209937/-1/sag0806/iranian-lawmakers-warn-ahmadinejad-to-back-intelligence-chief-as&template=cpArt |title=Iranian lawmakers warn Ahmadinejad to accept intelligence chief as political feud deepens |author=Ali Akbar Dareini |agency=Associated Press |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217073724/http://www.stalbertgazette.com/article/GB/20110420/CP01/304209937/-1/sag0806/iranian-lawmakers-warn-ahmadinejad-to-back-intelligence-chief-as%26template%3DcpArt |archive-date=17 December 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8168202.stm|title=BBC NEWS – Middle East – Iranian vice-president 'sacked'|publisher=BBC}}</ref> Eight Vice Presidents serve under the President, as well as a cabinet of twenty-two ministers, who must all be approved by the legislature.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iranchamber.com/government/articles/structure_of_power.php |title=The Structure of Power in Iran |publisher=Iranchamber.com |date=24 June 2005 |access-date=18 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605074610/http://www.iranchamber.com/government/articles/structure_of_power.php |archive-date=5 June 2011}}</ref>

=== Legislature ===
[[File:Iranian Parliament 2.jpg|thumb|The Islamic Consultative Assembly, also known as the Iranian Parliament]]
The legislature of Iran, known as the Islamic Consultative Assembly, is a unicameral body comprising 290 members elected for four-year terms.<ref name="Majlis">{{cite web|url=http://www.electionguide.org/country.php?ID=103 |title=IFES Election Guide |publisher=Electionguide.org |access-date=18 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616042705/http://www.electionguide.org/country.php?ID=103 |archive-date=16 June 2011}}</ref> It drafts legislation, ratifies international treaties, and approves the national budget. All parliamentary candidates and all legislation from the assembly must be approved by the Guardian Council.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://countrystudies.us/iran/86.htm |title=Iran – The Council of Guardians |publisher=Countrystudies.us |access-date=18 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520124440/http://countrystudies.us/iran/86.htm |archive-date=20 May 2011}}</ref>

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

=== Law ===
[[File:Anoushiravan.jpg|thumb|upright|Relief of Anushiruwan at the Courthouse of Tehran]]
The Rahbar appoints the head of the country's judiciary, appointing the head of the Supreme Court and the chief public prosecutor.<ref name="Judiciary">{{cite web|url=http://www.iranchamber.com/government/articles/structure_of_power.php |title=Iran Chamber Society: The Structure of Power in Iran |publisher=Iranchamber.com |date=24 June 2005 |access-date=18 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605074610/http://www.iranchamber.com/government/articles/structure_of_power.php |archive-date=5 June 2011}}</ref> There are several types of courts, including public courts that deal with civil and criminal cases, and revolutionary courts which deal with certain categories of offenses, such as crimes against [[Social:National security|national security]]. The decisions of the revolutionary courts are final and cannot be appealed.<ref name="Judiciary" />

The Chief Justice of Iran is the head of the Judicial system of the Islamic Republic of Iran and is responsible for its administration and supervision. He is also the highest judge of the Supreme Court of Iran. The Rahbar of Iran appoints and can dismiss the Chief Justice. The Chief Justice nominates some candidates for serving as minister of justice, and then the President select one of them. The Chief Justice can serve for two five-year terms.<ref>{{cite web|author=Axel Tschentscher, LL.M. |url=https://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/ir00000_.html |title=ICL > Iran > Constitution |publisher=Servat.unibe.ch |access-date=10 January 2022}}</ref>

The Special Clerical Court handles crimes allegedly committed by clerics, although it has also taken on cases involving [[Religion:Laity|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.<ref name="Judiciary" /> The Assembly of Experts, which meets for one week annually, comprises 86 "virtuous and learned" clerics elected by adult suffrage for eight-year terms.

=== Foreign relations ===
[[File:Diplomatic relations of Iran.svg|thumb|Nations with which Iran has diplomatic relations]]

Since the time of the 1979 Revolution, Iran's foreign relations have often been portrayed as being based on two strategic principles: eliminating outside influences in its region and pursuing extensive diplomatic contacts with developing and non-aligned countries.<ref>{{cite book|title=Iran Country Study Guide Volume 1 Strategic Information and Developments |isbn=978-1-4387-7462-6 |page=141|publisher=IBP |date=3 March 2012 }}</ref>

Since 2005, Iran's nuclear program has become the subject of contention with the international community, mainly the United States. Many countries have expressed concern that Iran's nuclear program could divert civilian nuclear technology into a weapons program. This has led the United Nations Security Council to impose sanctions against Iran which had further isolated Iran politically and economically from the rest of the global community. In 2009, the U.S. Director of National Intelligence said that Iran, if choosing to, would not be able to develop a nuclear weapon until 2013.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN25158068|title=RPT-EXCLUSIVE-Iran would need 18 months for atom bomb-diplomats|work=Reuters|access-date=1 August 2010 | first=Louis | last=Charbonneau | date=26 October 2009}}</ref>
[[File:Iranian_Foreign_Affaire_Ministry.jpg|thumb|The building of Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which extensively uses pre-Islamic Persian architecture in its facade]]
{{As of|2009}}, the government of Iran maintains diplomatic relations with 99 members of the United Nations,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mfa.gov.ir/cms/cms/Tehran/fa/mission/mission2.html |title=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamic Republic of Iran|year=2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228095004/http://www.mfa.gov.ir/cms/cms/Tehran/fa/mission/mission2.html |archive-date=28 February 2009|access-date=8 November 2011}}</ref> but not with the United States, and not with Israel—a state which Iran's government has derecognised since the 1979 Revolution.<ref name="MousavianShahidsaless2014">{{cite book|author1=Seyed Hossein Mousavian|author2=Shahir Shahidsaless|title=Iran and the United States: An Insider's View on the Failed Past and the Road to Peace|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ppe9AwAAQBAJ&pg=PA33|year=2014|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing|isbn=978-1-62892-870-9|page=33}}</ref> Among Muslim nations, Iran has an adversarial relationship with Saudi Arabia due to different political and Islamic ideologies.<ref>Guffey, Robert A. (2009). ''Saudi-Iranian Relations Since the Fall of Saddam: Rivalry, Cooperation and Implication for US Policy''. RAND Corporation. {{ISBN|978-0-8330-4657-4}}.</ref> Regarding the [[Religion:Israeli–Palestinian conflict|Israeli–Palestinian conflict]], the government of Iran has recognised [[Place:Jerusalem|Jerusalem]] as the capital of the [[Place:State of Palestine|State of Palestine]], after Trump recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/iran-assembly-recognizes-jerusalem-as-palestine-capital/1016460|title=Iran assembly recognizes Jerusalem as Palestine capital|website=Anadolu Agency|access-date=1 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/iran-jerusalem-unchangeable-capital-palestine-180201103316807.html|title=Iran says Jerusalem 'unchangeable' capital of Palestine|website=Al-Jazeera|access-date=12 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsweek.com/iran-recognizes-jerusalem-capital-city-palestinians-response-trump-declaration-760356
|title=Iran Recognizes Jerusalem as Palestinian Capital City in Response to Trump Declaration|website=Newsweek|date=27 December 2017|access-date=12 May 2018}}</ref>

Since the 2000s, Iran's controversial nuclear program has raised concerns, which is part of the basis of the international sanctions against the country. On 14 July 2015, Iran and the P5+1 agreed to the Joint Comprehensive Plan on Action (JCPOA), aiming to end economic sanctions in exchange for Iran's restriction in producing [[Physics:Enriched uranium|enriched uranium]] after demonstrating a peaceful nuclear research project that would meet the [[Organization:International Atomic Energy Agency|International Atomic Energy Agency]] standards.<ref>{{cite web |author=Kutsch, Tom |date=14 July 2015 |title=Iran, world powers strike historic nuclear deal |publisher=Aljazeera America |access-date=15 July 2015 |url=http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/7/14/iran-world-powers-strike-historic-nuclear-deal.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715175516/http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/7/14/iran-world-powers-strike-historic-nuclear-deal.html |archive-date=15 July 2015}}</ref>

Iran is a member of dozens of international organizations, including the [[Organization:Group of 15|G-15]], G-24, [[Organization:Group of 77|G-77]], [[Organization:International Atomic Energy Agency|IAEA]], [[Organization:International Bank for Reconstruction and Development|IBRD]], [[Organization:International Development Association|IDA]], IDB, [[Organization:International Finance Corporation|IFC]], ILO, [[Organization:International Monetary Fund|IMF]], IMO, Interpol, [[Organization:Organisation of Islamic Cooperation|OIC]], [[Organization:OPEC|OPEC]],<ref name=rubin80>{{cite book|last=Rubin |first=Barry |title=Paved with Good Intentions |year=1980 |publisher=Penguin Books |location=New York |page=83 |url=http://www.gloria-center.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Paved-with-Good-Intentions-final.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021121704/http://www.gloria-center.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Paved-with-Good-Intentions-final.pdf |archive-date=21 October 2013}}</ref> [[Organization:World Health Organization|WHO]], and the {{wipe|United Nations}}, and currently has observer status at the [[Organization:World Trade Organization|World Trade Organization]].

=== Military ===
[[File:Sejjil missile launch - November 2008 (21).jpg|thumb|The Sejjil. Iran is the 5th country in the world with hypersonic missile technology]]
Iran is fast approaching to become a [[Physics:Nuclear power|nuclear-power]] state, and has [[Chemistry:Uranium|uranium]] enriched to up to 60% fissile content as of November 2023, close to weapon grade.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Francois |date=2023-11-15 |title=Iran's nuclear enrichment advances as it stonewalls UN, IAEA reports show. |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/irans-nuclear-enrichment-advances-it-stonewalls-un-iaea-reports-show-2023-11-15/ |website=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-15 |title=Iran advances nuclear enrichment while still barring inspectors; IAEA |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/15/iran-advances-nuclear-enrichment-while-still-barring-inspectors-iaea |website=Aljazeera}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-26 |title=Iran Resumes Pace of 60% Uranium Enrichment, IAEA Says |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/iran-resumes-pace-of-60-uranium-enrichment-iaea-says-/7413491.html |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref> Iran has been seeking nuclear weapons for decades, a program which the US and other Western nations have vowed to stop, imposing economic sanctions in an attempt to do so.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-01-28 |title=An atomic threat made in America |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/chi-061209atoms-day1-story-htmlstory.html |access-date=2023-12-28 |website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Canada |first=Global Affairs |date=2015-10-19 |title=Canadian Sanctions Related to Iran |url=https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/international_relations-relations_internationales/sanctions/iran.aspx?lang=eng |access-date=2023-12-28 |website=GAC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Womuhai |first=Julian Godfray, Norman |date=2023-09-27 |title=The UK, France and Germany announce continuation of Iranian nuclear-related sanctions |url=https://sanctionsnews.bakermckenzie.com/the-uk-france-and-germany-announce-continuation-of-iranian-nuclear-related-sanctions/ |access-date=2023-12-28 |website=Global Sanctions and Export Controls Blog |language=en-US}}</ref> In January 2024, the chief of the [[Organization:International Atomic Energy Agency|IAEA]] said that Iran has sufficient quantities of highly enriched uranium to build several nuclear warheads,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-18 |title=Iran Frustrates Nuclear Monitors as Its Uraniam Stockpile Grows |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-01-18/iran-frustrates-nuclear-monitors-as-its-uranium-stockpile-grows |website=Bloomberg}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-18 |title=Iran Can Produce Uranium For A Nuke In 'Just A Week,' Says Expert |url=https://www.iranintl.com/en/202401173230 |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=Iran International |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-18 |title=IAEA Says Iran 'Very Close' To Weapons Grade Uranium |url=https://www.iranintl.com/en/202401172896 |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=Iran International |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Reynolds |first=Rory |date=2024-01-16 |title=Davos 2024: Nuclear watchdog chief says Iran is 'galloping ahead' with uranium enrichment |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/mena/iran/2024/01/16/iran-nuclear-deal-enrichment/ |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=The National |language=en}}</ref> with some analysts already regard the country as a de facto nuclear power.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Iran puts its nuclear programme beyond the reach of American bombs |url=https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2023/05/30/iran-puts-its-nuclear-programme-beyond-the-reach-of-american-bombs |access-date=2024-01-18 |newspaper=The Economist |issn=0013-0613}}</ref> The country's [[Physics:Ballistic missile|ballistic missile]], [[Organization:Iranian Space Agency|space]], and nuclear programs are internationally hot political topics.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-21 |title=Hot topic: Iran's nuclear program |url=https://aviationweek.com/irans-nuclear-program-hot-topic |website=Aviation Week}}</ref> Iran is one of the five countries in the world that has cyber-army capabilities, making the country a major player in terms of [[Cyberwarfare|cyber-warfare operations]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-21 |title=How Iran's political battle is fought in cyberspace |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8505645.stm |website=BBC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-21 |title=رادیو زمانه هک شد |url=https://www.bbc.com/persian/iran/2010/01/100130_u02-radiozamaneh-hackers |website=BBC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-21 |title=What rules apply in cyber-wars |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8114444.stm |website=BBC}}</ref>

Iran possesses the world's 17th strongest military.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spirlet |first=Sinéad Baker, Thibault |title=The world's most powerful militaries in 2023, ranked |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/ranked-world-most-powerful-militaries-2023-firepower-us-china-russia-2023-5 |access-date=2023-12-24 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2023 Iran Military Strength |url=https://www.globalfirepower.com/country-military-strength-detail.php?country_id=iran |access-date=2023-12-24 |website=globalfirepower.com |language=en-US}}</ref> The Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces, or Artesh in Persian language, ranks 13th globally in terms of military strength.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |last=Spirlet |first=Sinéad Baker, Thibault |title=The world's most powerful militaries in 2023, ranked |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/ranked-world-most-powerful-militaries-2023-firepower-us-china-russia-2023-5 |access-date=2023-12-28 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref> It is the 9th largest ground force in the world, the 9th largest armoured force globally and possesses the biggest Army Aviation fleet in the [[Place:Middle East|Middle East]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=General Ghorbani: Iran helicopter fleet, strongest in Middle East |url=http://iranpress.com/aliaspage/7560 |access-date=2023-12-24 |website=iranpress.com |language=en}}</ref> It is also the largest Armed forces in [[Place:West Asia|West Asia]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-13 |title=سازمان صنایع دریایی - پایگاه اطلاعات دریایی ایران |url=http://www.imarine.ir/marine-industries-organization/ |access-date=2023-12-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813214257/http://www.imarine.ir/marine-industries-organization/ |archive-date=13 August 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran - Army Navy Air Force {{!}} budget, equipment, personnel |url=https://armedforces.eu/Iran |access-date=2023-12-24 |website=ArmedForces |language=en}}</ref> Iran ranks 7th globally in terms of active military personnel.<ref name="auto1"/>

The Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces has several components: the regular forces of the Army, which includes the Ground Forces, the Air Defense Force, the {{wipe|Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force}}, and the Navy, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), totaling about 610,000 active troops. Iran also has around 350,000 Reserve Force, totaling around 960,000 trained troops.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hussain |first=Murtaza |title=Why war with Iran would spell disaster |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2012/9/12/why-war-with-iran-would-spell-disaster |access-date=2023-12-24 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> These numbers do not include Law Enforcement Command or Basij. While the regular army protects the country's sovereignty in a traditional capacity, the IRGC's mandate is to ensure the integrity of the Islamic Republic.<ref>[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.</ref>

All young men who reach the age of 18 must spend about two years of compulsory military service in the Iranian army, or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Country policy and information note: military service, Iran, November 2022 (accessible) |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/iran-country-policy-and-information-notes/country-policy-and-information-note-military-service-iran-november-2022-accessible |access-date=2023-12-24 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}</ref> As of October 2023, Iran has reduced the compulsory military service for all conscripts by 3 months.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-22 |title=Iran cuts military service for all conscripts by 3 months. |url=https://en.irna.ir/news/85267269/Iran-cuts-military-service-for-all-conscripts-by-3-months |website=Irna}}</ref>

Iran has a paramilitary, volunteer militia force within the IRGC, called the ''Basij'', which includes about 90,000 full-time, active-duty uniformed members.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-10-06 |title=The Basij Resistance Force {{!}} The Iran Primer |url=https://iranprimer.usip.org/resource/basij-resistance-force |access-date=2023-12-24 |website=iranprimer.usip.org |language=en}}</ref> Up to 25 million men and women are members of the Basij,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-24 |title=تعداد اعضای بسیج بیش از 25 میلیون نفر |url=https://www.iribnews.ir/fa/news/1388556/%D8%AA%D8%B9%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%B6%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%A8%D8%B3%DB%8C%D8%AC-%D8%A8%DB%8C%D8%B4-%D8%A7%D8%B2-25-%D9%85%DB%8C%D9%84%DB%8C%D9%88%D9%86-%D9%86%D9%81%D8%B1 |website=IRIB News}}</ref> with over 600,000 available for immediate call-up, 300,000 reservists, and some 1 million that could be mobilized when necessary.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-24 |title=Iran's Foreign and Defense Policies |url=https://sgp.fas.org/crs/mideast/R44017.pdf |website=Congressional Research Service}}</ref> In 2021, Iran's military spending increased for the first time in four years, to $24.6 billion, 2.30% of country's GDP.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-10 |title=Iran Military Spending=Defense Budget 1960-2023 |url=https://www.macrotrends.net/countries/IRN/iran/military-spending-defense-budget |access-date=2023-12-10 |website=Macrotrends}}</ref> Funding for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps accounted for %34 of Iran's total military spending in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-25 |title=World military expenditure passes $2 trillion for first time |url=https://www.sipri.org/media/press-release/2022/world-military-expenditure-passes-2-trillion-first-time |access-date=2023-12-10 |website=Sipri}}</ref> Iran is among the world's top 15 countries in terms of military budget.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-26 |title=Iran Boosts Military Budget To Stand Among Top 15 |url=https://www.iranintl.com/en/202204261827 |access-date=2023-12-10 |website=Iran International}}</ref>
[[File:Shahed-136-350-250draw.svg|left|thumb|[[Engineering:HESA Shahed 136|HESA Shahed 136]]. Iran is considered as a global leader and superpower in terms of drone warfare.]]
Iran has significant influence and foothold in countries such as Iraq, [[Place:Syria|Syria]], Yemen and [[Place:Lebanon|Lebanon]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nawras |first=Jaff |date=2023-08-11 |title=Tracking Iranian Soft Power Influence in the KRI |url=https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/tracking-iranian-soft-power-influence-kri |website=Washington Institute}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Feierstein |first=Gerald |date=2018-12-06 |title=Iran's Role In Yemen and Prospect for Peace |url=https://www.mei.edu/publications/irans-role-yemen-and-prospects-peace |website=Middle East Institute}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Saban |first=Navvar |date=2020-11-05 |title=Iranian influence and presence in Syria |url=https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/menasource/factbox-iranian-influence-and-presence-in-syria/ |access-date=2023-12-16 |website=Atlantic Council}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Shabb |first=Basem |date=2022-12-13 |title=Lebanon Under Iranian Influence: Little Peace And No Prosperity |url=https://www.hoover.org/research/lebanon-under-iranian-influence-little-peace-and-no-prosperity |website=Hoover Institute}}</ref> The government of Iran supports the military activities of its allies in Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon (Hezbollah) with military and financial aid.<ref>Karam, Joyce & Gutman, Roy, presenters. (5 August 2015) Middle East Institute: "Iran Nuclear Agreement and Middle East Relations". Washington, DC: Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. Retrieved 5 August 2015. [https://www.c-span.org/video/?327496-1/roy-gutman-middle-east-iran-nuclear-deal C-Span website] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305014115/http://www.c-span.org/video/?327496-1%2Froy-gutman-middle-east-iran-nuclear-deal |date=5 March 2016 }}</ref> Iran and Syria are close strategic allies, and Iran has provided significant support for the Syrian Government in the Syrian civil war.<ref name="syria">{{cite news |title=Iran's 80,000 militia men in Syria prime powder keg |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/iran-s-80-000-militia-men-in-syria-prime-powder-keg-86sgbpxzw |work=The Times |date=5 May 2018}}</ref> According to some estimates, Iran controlled over 80,000 pro-Assad [[Religion:Shia Islam|Shi'ite]] fighters in Syria.<ref name="syria" /><ref>{{cite news |title=How Iran enlists Afghans to fight for Assad in Syria |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/recruited-by-iran-to-fight-for-syrian-regime-young-afghans-bring-home-cash-and-scars/2018/07/29/ecf9e34c-64e0-11e8-81ca-bb14593acaa6_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=29 July 2018}}</ref>
Since the 1979 Revolution, to overcome foreign embargoes, the government of Iran has developed its own military industry, produced its own [[Engineering:Tank|tank]]s, [[Engineering:Armoured personnel carrier|armored personnel carriers]], [[Engineering:Missile|missile]]s, [[Engineering:Submarine|submarine]]s, military vessels, missile destroyer, [[Engineering:Radar|radar]] systems, [[Engineering:Helicopter|helicopter]]s, navies and fighter planes.<ref name="AskariMohseni2010">{{cite book |author1=Hossein Askari |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GxdtLyJZxDUC&pg=PA93 |title=The Militarization of the Persian Gulf: An Economic Analysis |author2=Amin Mohseni |author3=Shahrzad Daneshvar |publisher=Edward Elgar Publishing |year=2010 |isbn=978-1-84980-186-7 |page=93}}</ref> The Iranian Navy has considerable presence in the [[Earth:Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iranian Navy Reiterates Plans for a Base in Antarctica |url=https://maritime-executive.com/article/iranian-navy-reiterates-plans-for-a-base-in-antarctica |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=The Maritime Executive |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cotovio |first=Mostafa Salem,Hamdi Alkhshali,Vasco |date=2021-06-11 |title=Iran says its naval vessels have reached the Atlantic for the first time |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/11/middleeast/iran-navy-atlantic-intl/index.html |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-06-25 |title=Iranian Naval Passage Through Atlantic Prompts US Concern |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/middle-east_voa-news-iran_iranian-naval-passage-through-atlantic-prompts-us-concern/6207470.html |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-06-02 |title=Iranian Navy ships could reach the Atlantic by Thursday |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/06/02/iranian-navy-ships-atlantic-by-thursday-491600 |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=POLITICO |language=en}}</ref> [[Earth:Pacific Ocean|Pacific]] <ref>{{Cite web |title=The Ambitions of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Pacific |url=https://www.ifri.org/en/publications/editoriaux-de-lifri/lettre-centre-asie/ambitions-islamic-republic-iran-pacific |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=www.ifri.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-28 |title=Iran Navy to expand presence to Antarctica |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/211394/Iran-Navy-to-expand-presence-to-Antarctica |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-28 |title=Iran Navy to establish base in South Pole |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/494250/Iran-Navy-to-establish-base-in-South-Pole |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Tehran Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran'd Navy Commander says next trip is set to South Pole |url=http://iranpress.com/aliaspage/271629 |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=iranpress.com |language=en}}</ref> and [[Earth:Indian Ocean|Indian Ocean]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Iddon |first=Paul |title=Iran's Naval Forces Eye Presence In Indian Ocean … Again |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/pauliddon/2020/07/04/irans-naval-forces-eye-presence-in-the-indian-ocean--again/ |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-17 |title=Iran Has an Eye for Antarctica |url=https://dialogo-americas.com/articles/iran-has-an-eye-for-antarctica/ |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Diálogo Américas |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kubny |first=Heiner |title=Iran says it wants to set up base in Antarctica |url=https://polarjournal.ch/en/2024/01/09/iran-says-it-wants-to-set-up-base-in-antarctica/ |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Polarjournal |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-20 |title=Why does Iran want to send a navy flotilla to Antarctica? - analysis |url=https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-743655 |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com |language=en-US}}</ref> and is expanding to [[Earth:Antarctica|Antarctica]], namely [[Earth:South Pole|South Pole]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Navy Commander: Iran to Set Up Permanent Base in Antarctica {{!}} Farsnews Agency |url=https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/14020707000166/Navy-Cmmander-Iran-Se-Up-Permanen-Base-in-Anarcica |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=www.farsnews.ir}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-28 |title=Iran to set up permanent base in Antarctica: Navy commander |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/206537/Iran-to-set-up-permanent-base-in-Antarctica-Navy-commander |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=مددی |first=جواد |date=2023-10-22 |title=Strategic Importance of Establishing Iran's Permanent Scientific Base at the South Pole |url=https://www.scfr.ir/en/defense-security/214358/strategic-importance-of-establishing-irans-permanent-scientific-base-at-the-south-pole/ |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Strategic Council on Foreign Relations |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iranian Navy Aims to Raise National Flag in South Pole: Commander - Defense news |url=https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2023/09/28/2963252/iranian-navy-aims-to-raise-national-flag-in-south-pole-commander |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Tasnim News Agency |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-29 |title=Iran plans to set up station for military and research operations in Antarctica |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/489541/Iran-plans-to-set-up-station-for-military-and-research-operations |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Tehran Times |language=en}}</ref> It also has had several joint exercises with {{wipe|Russia}} and {{wipe|China}}, which aims to do annually.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-06-02 |title=Iranian Navy ships could reach the Atlantic by Thursday |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/06/02/iranian-navy-ships-atlantic-by-thursday-491600 |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=POLITICO |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-06-25 |title=Iranian Naval Passage Through Atlantic Prompts US Concern |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/middle-east_voa-news-iran_iranian-naval-passage-through-atlantic-prompts-us-concern/6207470.html |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-02-19 |title=Iran, Russia and China launch joint naval exercises in Indian Ocean |url=https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2021/02/19/iran-f19.html |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=World Socialist Web Site |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-15 |title=China, Russia, Iran hold joint naval drills in Gulf of Oman |url=https://apnews.com/article/china-russia-iran-naval-drills-oman-gulf-9f515b3246e4cbe0d98a35e8399dc177 |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-12-30 |title=Iran seeking joint naval drills in Caspian Sea with regional states: Khanzadi |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/153859/Iran-seeking-joint-naval-drills-in-Caspian-Sea-with-regional |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en}}</ref>

In recent years, official announcements have highlighted the development of weapons such as the Hoot, [[Engineering:Kowsar|Kowsar]], [[Engineering:Zelzal|Zelzal]], [[Engineering:Fateh-110|Fateh-110]], [[Engineering:Shahab-3|Shahab-3]], [[Engineering:Sejjil|Sejjil]], Fattah, [[Engineering:Khorramshahr (missile)|Khorramahahr]], Kheibar Shekan, [[Engineering:Emad (missile)|Emad]], [[Engineering:Ghadr-110|Ghadr-110]], Hormuz-1, [[Engineering:Dezful (missile)|Dezful]], [[Engineering:Qiam 1|Qiam 1]], [[Engineering:Ashoura (missile)|Ashoura]], [[Engineering:Fajr-3 (missile)|Fajr-3]], Haj Qasem, [[Engineering:Persian Gulf (missile)|Persian Gulf]], [[Engineering:Raad-500 (missile)|Raad-500]], [[Engineering:Zolfaghar (missile)|Zolfaghar]], [[Engineering:Hoveyzeh (cruise missile)|Hoveyzeh]], Soumar, Fakour-90, Paveh, Rezvan, [[Engineering:Samen (missile)|Samen]], [[Engineering:Tondar-69|Tondar-69]] and a variety of [[Engineering:Unmanned aerial vehicle|unmanned aerial vehicle]]s (UAVs).<ref>{{Cite news|title=Iran tests new long-range missile|work=BBC|date=12 November 2008|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7725951.stm|access-date=12 November 2008}}</ref> Iran has the largest and most diverse [[Physics:Ballistic missile|ballistic missile]] arsenal in the Middle East.<ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-31984423 "Are the Iran nuclear talks heading for a deal?"]. BBC News Online. Retrieved: 4 August 2016.</ref> Iran is considered as a global leader and superpower in terms of drone warfare.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-17 |title=Iran is emerging as a drone superpower |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221117-iran-is-emerging-as-a-drone-superpower/ |access-date=2023-12-08 |website=Middle East Monitor}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-08 |title=Iran becoming global drone producer on back of Ukraine war, says US |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/14/us-says-iran-becoming-a-drone-leader-as-russia-uses-its-craft-in-ukraine |access-date=2023-12-08 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> Iran is the 5th country in the world with hypersonic missile technology, alongside {{wipe|Russia}}, {{wipe|China}}, {{wipe|United States}} and North Korea.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Motamedi |first=Maziar |date=2023-06-06 |title=Fattah: Iran unveils its first hypersonic missile |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/6/6/fattah-iran-unveils-its-first-hypersonic-missile |website=Aljazeera}}</ref><div>Following the Russian purchase of Iranian drones during the invasion in Ukraine,<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-08-17 |title=Inside the Russian effort to build 6,000 attack drones with Iran's help |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2023/08/17/russia-iran-drone-shahed-alabuga/ |access-date=2024-01-11 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-01 |title=Timeline: Iran-Russia Collaboration on Drones {{!}} The Iran Primer |url=https://iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2023/mar/01/timeline-iran-russia-collaboration-drones |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=iranprimer.usip.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Nissenbaum |first1=Dion |last2=Strobel |first2=Warren P. |date=2023-02-05 |title=WSJ News Exclusive {{!}} Moscow, Tehran Advance Plans for Iranian-Designed Drone Facility in Russia |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/moscow-tehran-advance-plans-for-iranian-designed-drone-facility-in-russia-11675609087 |access-date=2024-01-11 |work=Wall Street Journal |language=en-US |issn=0099-9660}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-15 |title=Russia aims to obtain more attack drones from Iran after depleting stockpile, White House says |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-iran-military-cooperation-d982dd3faf78fbb17dfc8b9c1cb9dae7 |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> the {{wipe|Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force}} (IRIAF) has finalized arrangements for the acquisition of Russian made [[Engineering:Sukhoi Su-35|Sukhoi Su-35]] fighter jets, [[Engineering:Mil Mi-28|Mil Mi-28]] attack helicopters, air defense and missile systems, on November 28, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-11 |title=Iran finalises deal buy russian fighter jets |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/iran-finalises-deal-buy-russian-fighter-jets-tasnim-2023-11-28/ |website=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-28 |title=Iran Finalizes Deal to Buy Russian Fighter Jets - Tasnim |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/iran-finalizes-deal-to-buy-russian-fighter-jets---tasnim-/7373046.html |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Helou |first=Agnes |date=2023-11-28 |title=Iran claims it has finalized long-awaited deal for Russian fighter jets, helos |url=https://breakingdefense.sites.breakingmedia.com/2023/11/iran-claims-it-has-finalized-long-awaited-deal-for-russian-fighter-jets-helos/ |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dangwal |first=Ashish |date=2023-11-28 |title=Su-35 Flankers: Iran Says 'Deal Done' To Acquire Russian Military Aircraft Inc Su-35 Fighters, Mi-28 Choppers |url=https://www.eurasiantimes.com/su-35-flankers-iran-says-deal-done-to-acquire-russian-military-aircraft/ |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News |language=en-US}}</ref>
</div>

=== Regional influence ===
[[File:Iranian Influence.png|thumb|Map showing parts of Iran's significant influence and foothold, often mentioned as the "Dawn of A New Persian Empire." <ref>{{Cite web |title=Are We Witnessing The Dawn Of A New Persian Empire? |url=https://en.radiofarda.com/amp/iran-influence-in-middle-east-new-empire/28735042.html |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=en.radiofarda.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-11-21 |title=Piece by piece, Iran moves toward a 'new empire' |url=https://thearabweekly.com/piece-piece-iran-moves-towards-new-empire |url-status=live |website=UPI}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dagres |first=Holly |date=2019-01-28 |title=Persia is back, but in a different form |url=https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/iransource/persia-is-back-but-in-a-different-form/ |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=Atlantic Council |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Rise of the Iranian Empire |url=http://www.thetower.org/article/the-rise-of-the-iranian-empire/ |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=The Tower |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=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=2024-01-31 |website=Futureuae |language=en}}</ref>]]
Since the 1979 Revolution, Iran has grew its influence across and beyond the region.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-07 |title=A Revolution and A War: How Iran Transformed Today's Middle East |url=https://www.thecairoreview.com/essays/a-revolution-and-a-war-how-iran-transformed-todays-middle-east/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=The Cairo Review of Global Affairs |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-08-01 |title=The Challenge of Iran {{!}} The Iran Primer |url=https://iranprimer.usip.org/resource/challenge-iran |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=iranprimer.usip.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran, a Geopolitical Player in the Middle East |url=https://www.iemed.org/publication/iran-a-geopolitical-player-in-the-middle-east/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=www.iemed.org |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Team |first=G. P. F. |date=2018-02-16 |title=Iranian Expansion Spreads Beyond the Middle East |url=https://geopoliticalfutures.com/iranian-expansion-spreads-beyond-middle-east/ |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=Geopolitical Futures |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=New report reveals extent of Iran’s growing Middle East influence |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/7/new-report-reveals-extent-of-irans-growing-middle-east-influence |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> It has built military forces with a wide network of state and none-state actors, starting with Hezbollah in [[Place:Lebanon|Lebanon]] in 1982.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What Is Hezbollah? |url=https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/what-hezbollah |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Council on Foreign Relations |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Kane |first=J. Robert |date=2018 |title=A Life Cycle Analysis of Hezbollah: Where the Group Came from and Where It Is Going |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/26566567 |journal=American Intelligence Journal |volume=35 |issue=2 |pages=67–73 |jstor=26566567 |issn=0883-072X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Hezbollah's Record on War & Politics {{!}} Wilson Center |url=https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/hezbollahs-record-war-politics |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=www.wilsoncenter.org |language=en}}</ref> Since its establishment as a primary branch to the Iranian Army, the IRGC has been key to grow the Iranian influence, by providing money, tech, and training to its Quds Force.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-04-08 |title=Profile: Iran's Revolutionary Guards |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-47852262 |access-date=2024-01-30 |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-13 |title=Iran Deal: U.S. Sanctions on the IRGC {{!}} The Iran Primer |url=https://iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2022/apr/13/iran-deal-us-sanctions-irgc |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=iranprimer.usip.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-19 |title=Timeline: Iran and Hezbollah {{!}} The Iran Primer |url=https://iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2023/oct/19/timeline-iran-and-hezbollah |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=iranprimer.usip.org |language=en}}</ref><ref name="auto10">{{Cite web |title=Hezbollah's Regional Activities in Support of Iran's Proxy Networks |url=https://www.mei.edu/publications/hezbollahs-regional-activities-support-irans-proxy-networks |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Middle East Institute |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=DeVore |first=Marc R. |date=2012 |title=Exploring the Iran-Hezbollah Relationship: A Case Study of how State Sponsorship affects Terrorist Group Decision-Making |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/26296878 |journal=Perspectives on Terrorism |volume=6 |issue=4/5 |pages=85–107 |jstor=26296878 |issn=2334-3745}}</ref> The instability in Lebanon (from the 1980s),<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Kliot |first=N. |date=1987 |title=The Collapse of the Lebanese State |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/4283154 |journal=Middle Eastern Studies |volume=23 |issue=1 |pages=54–74 |doi=10.1080/00263208708700688 |jstor=4283154 |issn=0026-3206}}</ref> Iraq (from 2003) <ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-03-19 |title=War, insurgency, IS and instability: Iraq since the 2003 US invasion |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/19/war-insurgency-is-and-instability-iraq-since-the-2003-us-invasion |access-date=2024-01-30 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> and Yemen (from 2014) <ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-17 |title=The Saudi-led War in Yemen: Frequently Asked Questions {{!}} Friends Committee On National Legislation |url=https://www.fcnl.org/issues/middle-east-iran/saudi-led-war-yemen-frequently-asked-questions |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=www.fcnl.org |language=en}}</ref> have allowed Iran to build strong alliances and foothold beyond its borders. Hezbollah maintains a separate military force in Lebanon and provides numerous services to the Lebanese population, including [[Physics:Infrastructure|infrastructure]], [[Medicine:Health care|health care]], schools, and youth programs,<ref name="auto10" /> while also simultaneously being part of the government's political system, with representatives in the parliament and having tremendous influence over the direction and stability of Lebanon.<ref>{{Cite web |title=On Hezbollah, Lebanon, and the risk of escalation |url=https://www.brookings.edu/articles/on-hezbollah-lebanon-and-the-risk-of-escalation/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Brookings |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-16 |title=What is Hezbollah? What to know about its origins, structure and history |url=https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/what-hezbollah |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=PBS NewsHour |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Daher |first=Joseph |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt1gk07vx |title=Hezbollah: The Political Economy of Lebanon's Party of God |date=2016 |publisher=Pluto Press |doi=10.2307/j.ctt1gk07vx |jstor=j.ctt1gk07vx |isbn=978-0-7453-3693-0}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Hezbollah's Influence in Lebanon |url=https://www.counterextremism.com/hezbollah-in-lebanon |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Counter Extremism Project |language=en}}</ref> Hezbollah has often been regarded as a state within a state,<ref>{{Citation |last=Kindt |first=Michael T. |title=Hezbollah: A State within a State |date=2009 |work=The World’s Most Threatening Terrorist Networks and Criminal Gangs |pages=123–144 |editor-last=Kindt |editor-first=Michael T. |url=https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230623293_6 |access-date=2024-01-30 |place=New York |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan US |language=en |doi=10.1057/9780230623293_6 |isbn=978-0-230-62329-3 |editor2-last=Post |editor2-first=Jerrold M. |editor3-last=Schneider |editor3-first=Barry R.}}</ref> its political position and services such as education, shows its integration into the Lebanese political system and society. Its participation in the Syrian Civil War have also strengthened its military capabilities.<ref name="auto3">{{Cite journal |jstor=resrep20960.6 |title=Hezbollahʼs Intervention in the Syrian Conflict |last1=Ali |first1=Mohanad Hage |journal=Power Points Defining the Syria-Hezbollah Relationship |date=30 January 2024 |pages=8–13 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Consequences of Hezbollah's military intervention in Syria on the Lebanese Shia population and Relations with Israel :: Observatoire of Arab-Muslim World and Sahel :: Foundation for Strategic Research :: FRS |url=https://www.frstrategie.org/en/programs/observatoire-du-monde-arabo-musulman-et-du-sahel/consequences-hezbollahs-military-intervention-syria-lebanese-shia-population-and-relations-israel-2017 |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=www.frstrategie.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-03-19 |title=How the Syrian war transformed Hezbollah |url=https://today.lorientlejour.com/article/1255945/how-the-syrian-war-transformed-hezbollah.html |website=L'Orient-Le Jour}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hibrawi |first=Reema |date=2018-11-29 |title=Hezbollah's evolving role in Syria and Lebanon |url=https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/menasource/hezbollah-s-evolving-role-in-syria-and-lebanon/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Atlantic Council |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-04-03 |title=Syria's Civil War Produces a Clear Winner: Hezbollah |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/syrias-civil-war-produces-a-clear-winner-hezbollah-1491173790 |website=The Wall Street Journal}}</ref> Iranian influence in Lebanon dates back to the 16th century in the [[Place:Safavid Iran|Safavid Empire]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-10-11 |title=Iran and Lebanon {{!}} The Iran Primer |url=https://iranprimer.usip.org/resource/iran-and-lebanon |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=iranprimer.usip.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-11-21 |title=Iran's Role in Lebanon's Equation: Signs and Implications {{!}} International Institute for Iranian Studies |url=https://rasanah-iiis.org/english/monitoring-and-translation/reports/irans-role-in-lebanons-equation-signs-and-implications/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |language=ar}}</ref> and has grown considerably during the 20th century, first minimally during the Pahlavi period,<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Samii |first=Abbas William |date=1997 |title=The Shah's Lebanon Policy: The Role of SAVAK |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/4283847 |journal=Middle Eastern Studies |volume=33 |issue=1 |pages=66–91 |doi=10.1080/00263209708701142 |jstor=4283847 |issn=0026-3206}}</ref> and significantly after the Iranian Revolution.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Growth of Hezbollah: The Nexus of Iran's Influence |url=https://www.ispionline.it/en/publication/the-growth-of-hezbollah-the-nexus-of-irans-influence-121909 |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=ISPI |language=en-US}}</ref> Iran has a prominent influence in the social services, education, economy and the politics of Lebanon,<ref name="auto3" /><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Akbar |first=Ali |date=2023-08-08 |title=Iran's soft power in the Middle East via the promotion of the Persian language |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13569775.2023.2169305 |journal=Contemporary Politics |language=en |volume=29 |issue=4 |pages=424–445 |doi=10.1080/13569775.2023.2169305 |issn=1356-9775}}</ref> with analysts have argued that Lebanon provides Iran access to the [[Place:Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean Sea]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tehran's Corridor to the Mediterranean Sea – EUROPolitika |url=https://www.europolitika.com/tehrans-corridor-to-the-mediterranean-sea/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |language=tr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-23 |title=Iran Threatens Mediterranean Closure Over Gaza Without Saying How |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/iran-threatens-mediterranean-closure-over-gaza-without-saying-how/7409793.html |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref> Hezbollah's strategic successes against [[Place:Israel|Israel]], such as its symbolic victory during the 2006 Israel–Hezbollah War, elevated Iran's influence in [[Place:Levant|Levant]] and strengthened its appeal across the [[Place:Arab world|Arab World]].<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web |title=Institute for the Study of War |url=http://dev-isw.bivings.com/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran Thrives In The Levant On Weakened States Threatened By Sunni Radicalism |url=https://www.hoover.org/research/iranian-corridor-middle-east-geopolitics-sectarianism-and-economic-integration |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Hoover Institution |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite report |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/ADA560123 |title=How to Contain Iranian Influence in the Levant |language=en}}</ref>

Since the US invasion of Iraq in 2003 and the arrival of [[Religion:Islamic State|ISIS]] in the mid-2010s, Iran has financed and trained militia groups in Iraq, now standing as a separate force to the Iraqi military.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Feyli |first=Luca Nevola, Miran |date=2023-05-23 |title=The Muqawama and Its Enemies: Shifting Patterns in Iran-Backed Shiite Militia Activity in Iraq |url=https://acleddata.com/2023/05/23/the-muqawama-and-its-enemies-shifting-patterns-in-iran-backed-shiite-militia-activity-in-iraq/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=ACLED |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="auto4">{{Cite web |last=Knights |first=Crispin Smith, Michael |date=2023-03-20 |title=Remaking Iraq: How Iranian-Backed Militias Captured the Country |url=https://www.justsecurity.org/85566/remaking-iraq-how-iranian-backed-militias-captured-the-country/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Just Security |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="auto4"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Growing Influence of Iranian-Backed Militias in Iraq |url=https://www.thecipherbrief.com/column_article/the-growing-influence-of-iranian-backed-militias-in-iraq |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=The Cipher Brief |language=en-US}}</ref> Since the Iran-Iraq war in 1980s, Iran has shaped Iraq's politics.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How Much Influence Does Iran Have in Iraq? |url=https://www.cfr.org/in-brief/how-much-influence-does-iran-have-iraq |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Council on Foreign Relations |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran is still the main foreign power in Iraq |url=https://www.ispionline.it/en/publication/iran-is-still-the-main-foreign-power-in-iraq-121476 |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=ISPI |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Motamedi |first=Maziar |title=Where does Iran stand on neighbouring Iraq's political turmoil? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/31/where-does-iran-stand-on-neighbouring-iraqs-political-turmoil |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> Iranian influence in Iraq has been advanced through the support of [[Religion:Shia Islam|Shia]] militias since 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kfir |first=Isaac |date=2018-03-07 |title=Iraq as a 'client state' of Iran |url=https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/iraq-client-state-iran/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=The Strategist |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Takeyh |first=Ray |date=2008 |title=Iran's New Iraq |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/25482470 |journal=Middle East Journal |volume=62 |issue=1 |pages=13–30 |doi=10.3751/62.1.11 |jstor=25482470 |issn=0026-3141}}</ref> With the loss of territory in Iraq, the militia groups were able to significantly expand in the mid-2010s.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-09-22 |title=Pro-Iran Shiite Militias in Iraq Expanding Despite Iraqi Leaders' Efforts to Curtail Them |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/middle-east_voa-news-iran_pro-iran-shiite-militias-iraq-expanding-despite-iraqi-leaders-efforts/6176259.html |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref> Following Iraq's struggle against the ISIS in 2014, companies linked to the IRGC such as Khatam al-Anbiya, started to build roads, power plants, hotels and businesses in [[Place:Basra|Basra]], [[Place:Nasiriyah|Nasiriyah]], [[Place:Najaf|Najaf]], [[Place:Karbala|Karbala]] and [[Place:Baghdad|Baghdad]], creating an economic corridor worth around $9 billion before the [[Medicine:COVID-19|COVID-19]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=افزایش صادرات ایران به عراق تا 9 میلیارد دلار/ در تجارت با منطقه جایگاه مناسبی نداریم |url=https://khabarfarsi.com/u/111389054 |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=KhabarFarsi.com |language=fa}}</ref> This number is expected to grow to $20 billion in the coming years.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-07-23 |title=Iran-Iraq $20b trade target not out of reach: CBI governor |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/438485/Iran-Iraq-20b-trade-target-not-out-of-reach-CBI-governor |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Tehran Times |language=en}}</ref><ref name="auto11">{{Cite web |date=2020-11-16 |title=Iran, Iraq targeting annual trade vol. $20b |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/165930/Iran-Iraq-targeting-annual-trade-vol-20b |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en}}</ref><ref name="auto11"/>

During Yemen's civil war, Iran provided military support to the Houthis,<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Terrill |first=W. Andrew |date=2014-01-01 |title=Iranian Involvement in Yemen |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0030438714000325 |journal=Orbis |volume=58 |issue=3 |pages=429–440 |doi=10.1016/j.orbis.2014.05.008 |issn=0030-4387}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Houthis, Iran, and tensions in the Red Sea |url=https://www.mei.edu/publications/houthis-iran-and-tensions-red-sea |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Middle East Institute |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-23 |title=How Iran Helped Houthis Expand Their Reach |url=https://warontherocks.com/2021/08/how-iran-helped-houthis-expand-their-reach/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=War on the Rocks |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lester |first=Stephanie |date=2019-12-19 |title=Media Guide: Iran and the Yemeni Civil War |url=http://www.us-iran.org/resources/2019/12/19/media-guide-iran-and-the-yemeni-civil-war |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=American Iranian Council |language=en-US}}</ref> a Zaydi Shiite movement that has been fighting Yemen's Sunni government since 2004. Over the years, they have gained significant power and influence amid the ongoing civil war in Yemen.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-29 |title=5 Things to Know About the Houthis, Their Attacks on Israel and the U.S., and Their Treatment of Yemen's Jews {{!}} AJC |url=https://www.ajc.org/news/5-things-to-know-about-the-houthis-their-attacks-on-israel-and-the-us-and-their-treatment-of |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=www.ajc.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ignatius |first=David |date=2024-01-16 |title=Opinion {{!}} The Houthis sink an arrow into the West's Achilles' heel |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/01/16/red-sea-houthis-supply-chain-disruption/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref>

In [[Place:Syria|Syria]], Iran has supported President Bashar al-Assad,<ref name="auto2"/><ref name="auto12">{{Cite web |date=2023-12-30 |title=Why is Iran Involved in Syria: A Look at Multifaceted Reasons |url=https://bestdiplomats.org/why-is-iran-involved-in-syria/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Terrill |first=W. Andrew |date=2015 |title=Iran's Strategy for Saving Asad |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/43698235 |journal=Middle East Journal |volume=69 |issue=2 |pages=222–236 |doi=10.3751/69.2.1 |jstor=43698235 |issn=0026-3141}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-07-30 |title=Iran's Evolving Policy on Syria {{!}} The Iran Primer |url=https://iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2012/jul/30/iran%E2%80%99s-evolving-policy-syria |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=iranprimer.usip.org |language=en}}</ref> with the two countries being long-standing allies and backing Hezbollah in Lebanon.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Samii |first=Abbas William |date=2008 |title=A Stable Structure on Shifting Sands: Assessing the Hizbullah-Iran-Syria Relationship |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/25482471 |journal=Middle East Journal |volume=62 |issue=1 |pages=32–53 |doi=10.3751/62.1.12 |jstor=25482471 |issn=0026-3141}}</ref><ref name="auto2"/> Iran has provided significant military and economic support to Assad's government,<ref name="auto12"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran Update, September 20, 2023 |url=https://www.criticalthreats.org/analysis/iran-update-september-20-2023 |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Critical Threats}}</ref> and as a result, it has a considerable foothold in Syria, with Assad as a dominant position remaining in power.<ref>{{Cite web |title=After 7 years of war, Assad has won in Syria. What's next for Washington? |url=https://www.brookings.edu/articles/after-7-years-of-war-assad-has-won-in-syria-whats-next-for-washington/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Brookings |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Syria's Stalemate Has Only Benefitted Assad and His Backers |url=https://www.usip.org/publications/2023/03/syrias-stalemate-has-only-benefitted-assad-and-his-backers |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=United States Institute of Peace |language=en}}</ref> Iran also has substantial economic, political, cultural, and religious leverage on Afghanistan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran's influence in Afghanistan : implications for the U.S. drawdown |url=https://lccn.loc.gov/2014469216 |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2010-03-03 |title=Iran’s Ambiguous Role in Afghanistan |url=https://ctc.westpoint.edu/irans-ambiguous-role-in-afghanistan/ |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=Combating Terrorism Center at West Point |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran Sets Its Eyes on Afghanistan {{!}} The Washington Institute |url=https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/iran-sets-its-eyes-afghanistan |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=www.washingtoninstitute.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kachmar |first=Oleh |date=2021-09-23 |title=Iran's Strategy in Afghanistan: Pragmatic Engagement with the Taliban |url=https://newlinesinstitute.org/state-resilience-fragility/irans-strategy-in-afghanistan-pragmatic-engagement-with-the-taliban/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=New Lines Institute |language=en}}</ref> Iran have long supported the anti-Israel fronts in [[Place:North Africa|North Africa]] in countries like Algeria and Tunisia, embracing Hamas in part to help undermine the popularity of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) in North Africa.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran and Hamas beyond the borders of the Middle East |url=https://www.mei.edu/publications/iran-and-hamas-beyond-borders-middle-east |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Middle East Institute |language=en}}</ref> Iran's support of Hamas emerged more clearly in later years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Skare |first=Erik |date=2023-12-18 |title=Iran, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad: A marriage of convenience |url=https://ecfr.eu/article/iran-hamas-and-islamic-jihad-a-marriage-of-convenience/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=ECFR |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Hamas-Iran Relationship {{!}} The Washington Institute |url=https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/hamas-iran-relationship |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=www.washingtoninstitute.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Hamas And Israel: Iran's Role {{!}} Wilson Center |url=https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/hamas-and-israel-irans-role |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=www.wilsoncenter.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lillis |first=Jake Tapper, Katie Bo |date=2023-11-14 |title=Found document suggests Iran sought to help Hamas make its own weapons ahead of attack, sources say {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/14/politics/document-iran-hamas-weapons/index.html |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref>

Iran's influence is not only in their civilian bodies, but also in their security and intelligence. This has led the capitals of these countries, [[Place:Beirut|Beirut]], [[Place:Baghdad|Baghdad]], [[Place:Sanaa|Sana'a]] and [[Place:Damascus|Damascus]], to be portrayed in the regional media as “Iran’s four Arab capitals”.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-04 |title=Does Iran control four Arab capitals? |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200404-does-iran-control-four-arab-capitals/ |website=Middle East Monitor}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sana'a: Iran's Fourth Arab Capital? |url=https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/sanaa-irans-fourth-arab-capital |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Default |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-15 |title=Nuclear Dreams: Iran Now Controls Four Arab Capitals, Plus Washington, D.C. {{!}} Hudson |url=https://www.hudson.org/national-security-defense/nuclear-dreams-iran-now-controls-four-arab-capitals-plus-washington-d-c- |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=www.hudson.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran: Sana'a, Yemen Is "the Fourth Arab Capital in Our Hands" |url=https://jcpa.org/article/iran-sanaa-yemen/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran continues to boast of its regional reach |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/iran-continues-boast-its-regional-reach |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Middle East Eye |language=en}}</ref> While Iran may work closely with these state and none-state groups and have significant influence on their soil, they are autonomous, and it does not translate into outright control by Iran.<ref name="auto7">{{Cite web |date=2024-01-23 |title=How much influence does Iran have over its proxies? |url=https://www.defenseone.com/ideas/2024/01/how-much-influence-does-iran-have-over-its-proxies/393540/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Defense One |language=en}}</ref><ref name="auto7"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S.-Iran Proxy Competition in Iraq |url=http://newamerica.org/future-security/reports/us-iran-proxy-competition-iraq/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=New America |language=en}}</ref>

=== Human rights ===

UN Special Rapporteur Javaid Rehman has reported of several ethnic minorities in Iran facing discrimination.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> A group of {{wipe|United Nations}} experts in August 2022 urged Iran to stop "systematic persecution" of religious minorities, adding that members of the [[Social:Baháʼí Faith|Baháʼí Faith]] were arrested, barred from university enrolment, or had their homes demolished.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-22 |title=Rights experts urge Iran to end 'systematic persecution' of religious minorities |url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/08/1125162 |access-date=2023-12-12 |website=UN News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=UN Rights Experts Call On Iran To Stop Persecution Of Baha'is, Other Religious Minorities |language=en |work=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-bahai-faith-persecution-un-rights-religious-minorities/31999696.html |access-date=2023-12-12}}</ref> USCIRF Chair Nury Turkel in January 2023 noted that there was repression of Sunni Muslims, Gonabadi Sufi Muslims, Christians and [[Unsolved:Yarsanism|Yarsanis]] in the country.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 January 2023 |title=USCIRF HEARING SUMMARY: RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AND WOMEN'S RIGHTS IN IRAN |url=https://www.uscirf.gov/sites/default/files/2023%20Women%20in%20Iran%20Hearing%20Summary.pdf |website=United States Commission on International Religious Freedom}}</ref>

Over the past decade, numbers of anti-government protests have broken out throughout Iran (such as the 2019–20 Iranian protests), demanding reforms or the end to the Islamic Republic. However, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and police often suppressed mass protests violently, resulting in thousands of protesters being killed.

==== Censorship ====

Censorship in Iran under the government of the Islamic Republic was ranked among the most extreme worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rsf.org/en/iran|title=Iran|website=Reporters Without Borders|access-date=9 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119053026/https://rsf.org/en/iran|archive-date=19 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=19 April 2016|title=The World Press Freedom Index|url=https://rsf.org/en/world-press-freedom-index|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419141729/https://rsf.org/en/world-press-freedom-index|archive-date=19 April 2019|access-date=17 May 2019|website=Reporters Without Borders}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2019/iran|title=Freedom in the World 2019, Iran|date=30 January 2019|website=Freedom House|access-date=17 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430053909/https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2019/iran|archive-date=30 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Iran also has strict regulations when it comes to [[Religion:Internet censorship in Iran|internet censorship]],<ref name="social.techcrunch.com">{{Cite web|url=http://social.techcrunch.com/2019/11/17/iran-shuts-down-countrys-internet-in-the-wake-of-fuel-protests/|title=Iran shuts down country's internet in the wake of fuel protests|website=TechCrunch|date=17 November 2019 |language=en-US|access-date=2019-11-24|archive-date=25 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125171635/https://techcrunch.com/2019/11/17/iran-shuts-down-countrys-internet-in-the-wake-of-fuel-protests/|url-status=live}}</ref> with the government and the IRGC persistently blocking [[Social:Social media|social media]] and other websites.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/21/irans-internet-blackout-enters-fifth-day-amid-fuel-price-protests.html|title=Iran's internet blackout enters fifth day as government claims victory over protesters|last=Taylor|first=Chloe|date=2019-11-21|website=CNBC|language=en|access-date=2019-11-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191122155819/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/21/irans-internet-blackout-enters-fifth-day-amid-fuel-price-protests.html|archive-date=22 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/irans-internet-has-been-shut-down-for-days-amid-protests/|title=Iran's internet has been shut down for days amid protests|last=Mihalcik|first=Carrie|website=CNET|language=en|access-date=2019-11-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191126051521/https://www.cnet.com/news/irans-internet-has-been-shut-down-for-days-amid-protests/|archive-date=26 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=9 January 2018|title=What You Need to Know about Internet Censorship in Iran|url=https://www.cigionline.org/articles/what-you-need-know-about-internet-censorship-iran|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124164741/https://www.cigionline.org/articles/what-you-need-know-about-internet-censorship-iran|archive-date=24 November 2020|access-date=2020-11-11|website=Centre for International Governance Innovation|language=en|last1=MacLellan |first1=Stephanie }}</ref> In January 2021, Iranian authorities added Signal to the list of blocked social media platforms, which included Facebook, Telegram, Twitter and YouTube. They carried out arbitrary arrests for social media postings deemed "counter-revolutionary" or "un-Islamic".<ref>{{cite web |title=Iran Archives |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/middle-east-and-north-africa/iran/report-iran/ |access-date=25 April 2022 |website=Amnesty International |language=en}}</ref>

== Economy ==

[[File:Provinces of Iran by contribution to national GDP.svg|thumb|Iran's provinces by their contribution to national GDP (2020)]]
[[File:GPD per capita development of Iran.jpg|thumb|right|Historical GDP per capita development]]

Iran's economy is a [[Philosophy:Mixed economy|mixture]] of [[Social:Planned economy|central planning]], [[Social:State ownership|state ownership]] of oil and other large enterprises, village agriculture, and small-scale private trading and service ventures.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.traveldocs.com/ir/economy.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608192955/http://www.traveldocs.com/ir/economy.htm|archive-date=8 June 2011 |title=Iran economy |publisher=Traveldocs.com |access-date=18 June 2011}}</ref> In 2022, Iran's nominal GDP was $352.2&nbsp;billion, while its nominal GDP per capita was $4,110.<ref name=":5">{{cite web |author= |date=April 2023 |title=World Economic Outlook Database, April 2023 |url=https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2023/April |access-date=16 May 2023 |website=[[Organization:International Monetary Fund|International Monetary Fund]] |publisher=}}</ref> Iran is ranked as a lower-middle income economy by the [[Organization:World Bank|World Bank]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://data.worldbank.org/country/iran-islamic-republic |title=Iran, Islamic Rep |publisher=World Bank |access-date=23 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620140232/http://data.worldbank.org/country/iran-islamic-republic |archive-date=20 June 2013}}</ref> In the early 21st century, the service sector contributed the largest percentage of the GDP, followed by industry (mining and manufacturing) and agriculture.<ref>[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.</ref>

The Central Bank of Iran is responsible for developing and maintaining the [[Finance:Iranian rial|Iranian rial]], the country's [[Finance:Currency|currency]]. 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.<ref name=ayatoil>{{cite news|title=Iran's banned trade unions: Aya-toiling|url=https://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21576408-though-watched-and-muzzled-independent-labour-unions-are-stirring-aya-toiling|access-date=23 June 2013|newspaper=The Economist|date=20 April 2013}}</ref> The minimum wage in June 2013 was 487 million rials a month ($134).<ref name=irannum>{{cite news|title=Iran in numbers: How cost of living has soared under sanctions|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22765716|work=BBC News|access-date=23 June 2013}}</ref> Unemployment has remained above 10% since 1997, and the unemployment rate for women is almost double that of the men.<ref name=irannum />

In 2006, about 45% of the government's budget came from oil and natural gas revenues, and 31% came from taxes and fees.<ref name="payvand.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.payvand.com/news/08/jan/1250.html |title=IRNA: Crude price pegged at dlrs 39.6 a barrel under next year's budget |publisher=Payvand.com |date=22 November 2006 |access-date=18 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622092858/http://www.payvand.com/news/08/jan/1250.html |archive-date=22 June 2011}}</ref> {{As of|2007}}, Iran had earned $70&nbsp;billion in [[Finance:Foreign-exchange reserves|foreign-exchange reserves]], mostly (80%) from crude oil exports.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1386/3068/html/economy.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327031549/http://www.iran-daily.com/1386/3068/html/economy.htm|archive-date=27 March 2008 |title=Iran Daily Forex Reserves Put at $70b |access-date=21 June 2013}}</ref> Iranian budget deficits have been a chronic problem, mostly due to [[Finance:Iranian subsidy reform plan|large-scale state subsidies]], that include foodstuffs and especially gasoline, totaling more than $84&nbsp;billion in 2008 for the energy sector alone.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.payvand.com/news/07/jan/1295.html |title=Ahmadinejad's Achilles Heel: The Iranian Economy |publisher=Payvand.com |access-date=18 June 2011 |archive-date=10 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010061417/http://www.payvand.com/news/07/jan/1295.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=8 January 2007|url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1387/3111/html/economy.htm|title=Energy subsidies reach $84b|publisher=Iran-Daily|access-date=27 April 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080506122659/http://www.iran-daily.com/1387/3111/html/economy.htm |archive-date = 6 May 2008}}</ref> In 2010, the [[Finance:Iranian subsidy reform plan|economic reform plan]] was approved by parliament to [[Finance:Iranian subsidy reform plan|cut subsidies]] gradually and replace them with targeted social assistance. The objective is to move towards [[Social:Free market|free market]] prices in a five-year period and increase productivity and [[Social:Social justice|social justice]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://go.worldbank.org/KQD2RP3RX0 |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20110210062245/http://go.worldbank.org/KQD2RP3RX0 |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 February 2011 |title=Iran – Country Brief |publisher=Go.worldbank.org |access-date=30 January 2010 }}</ref>

The administration continues to follow the [[Finance:Iranian subsidy reform plan|market reform plans]] of the previous one, and indicates that it will diversify Iran's oil-reliant economy. Iran has also developed a biotechnology, nanotechnology, and pharmaceutical industry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nanovip.com/nanotechnology-companies/iran|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061114070827/http://www.nanovip.com/nanotechnology-companies/iran|archive-date=14 November 2006 |title=List of Iranian Nanotechnology companies |access-date=21 June 2013}}</ref> However, nationalised industries such as the bonyads have often been managed badly, making them ineffective and uncompetitive. Currently, the government is trying to privatise these industries, and, despite successes, there are still several problems to overcome, such as the lagging corruption in the public sector and lack of competitiveness.

Iran has leading manufacturing industries in the fields of automobile manufacture, transportation, construction materials, home appliances, food and agricultural goods, armaments, pharmaceuticals, information technology, and petrochemicals in the Middle East.<ref name="Economy">{{cite web|url=https://www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk/ukti/appmanager/ukti/countries?_nfls=false&_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=CountryType1&navigationPageId=/iran |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060213220829/https://www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk/ukti/appmanager/ukti/countries?_nfls=false&_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=CountryType1&navigationPageId=%2Firan |archive-date=13 February 2006 |title=UK Trade & Investment |date=13 February 2006 |access-date=21 June 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> According to 2012 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization, Iran has been among the world's top five producers of [[Biology:Apricot|apricot]]s, [[Biology:Cherry|cherries]], sour cherries, [[Biology:Cucumber|cucumber]]s and gherkins, [[Biology:Date palm#Description|dates]], [[Biology:Eggplant|eggplant]]s, [[Biology:Common fig|figs]], [[Biology:Pistachio|pistachio]]s, [[Biology:Quince|quince]]s, [[Biology:Walnut|walnut]]s, and [[Biology:Watermelon|watermelon]]s.<ref>{{cite web|title = FAOSTAT|url = http://faostat3.fao.org/browse/rankings/countries_by_commodity/E|website = faostat3.fao.org|access-date = 5 April 2015|archive-date = 28 July 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160728060615/http://faostat3.fao.org/browse/rankings/countries_by_commodity/E|url-status = dead}}</ref>

Economic sanctions against Iran have damaged the economy.<ref name=everend>{{cite news|title=Iran and sanctions: When will it ever end?|url=http://www.economist.com/node/21560596|newspaper=The Economist|access-date=23 June 2013|date=18 August 2012}}</ref> In 2015, Iran and the P5+1 reached a deal on the nuclear program that removed the main sanctions pertaining to Iran's nuclear program by 2016.<ref>[http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/07/job-creation-highest-priority-post-sanctions-iran.html#ixzz3h73T6PXa Bijan Khajehpour: Preventing Iran's post-sanctions job crisis] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811125700/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/07/job-creation-highest-priority-post-sanctions-iran.html |date=11 August 2016 }}. Al-Monitor, 17 July 2015. Retrieved 27 July 2015.</ref> According to the BBC, renewed U.S. sanctions against Iran "have led to a sharp downturn in Iran's economy, pushing the value of its currency to record lows, quadrupling its annual inflation rate, driving away foreign investors, and triggering protests".<ref>{{cite news |title=Iran oil: US to end sanctions exemptions for major importers |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-48011496 |work=BBC News |date=22 April 2019}}</ref>

=== Tourism ===

[[File:Kish Island, Persian Gulf, Iran.jpg|thumb|Around 12 million tourists visit Kish Island annually. It ranks among the top-10 most beautiful islands in the world.<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.sirang.com |first=Sirang Rasaneh |title=Kish Island, Hormozgan province - ITTO |url=https://itto.org/iran/city/Kish-Island/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=itto.org {{!}} Iran Tourism & Touring}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=بایگانی‌های Kish Island |url=https://www.mayors.asia/city/kish-island/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=Asian Mayors Forum |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Discover Beautiful Kish Island |url=https://www.visitiran.ir/destination/discover-beautiful-kish-island |access-date=2024-01-27 |website=www.visitiran.ir |language=en}}</ref>]]
Although tourism declined significantly during the war with Iraq, it has been subsequently recovered.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Butler|first1=Richard|last2=O'Gorman|first2=Kevin D.|last3=Prentice |first3=Richard|date=1 July 2012|title=Destination Appraisal for European Cultural Tourism to Iran |journal=International Journal of Tourism Research|language=en|volume=14|issue=4|pages=323–338|doi=10.1002/jtr.862|issn=1522-1970}}</ref> About 2.3&nbsp;million foreign tourists visited Iran in 2009, mostly from Asian countries, including the republics of [[Place:Central Asia|Central Asia]], while about 10% came from the [[Social:European Union|European Union]] and North America.<ref name="Encarta: Iran's entry">{{cite encyclopedia|encyclopedia=Microsoft Encarta |title=Iran's entry |year=2008 |url=http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761567300_6/Iran.html |access-date=24 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091028171829/http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761567300_6/Iran.html |archive-date=28 October 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Tourism">{{Cite report|title=Iran Travel And Tourism Forecast| publisher=Economist Intelligence Unit| year=2008}}</ref> Since the removal of some sanctions against Iran in 2015, tourism has re-surged in the country. Over 5 million tourists visited Iran in the fiscal year of 2014–2015, four percent more than the previous year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.azernews.az/region/89754.html |title=Nearly one million Azerbaijani tourists visit Iran annually |date=13 November 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151114063343/http://www.azernews.az/region/89754.html |archive-date=14 November 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.azernews.az/region/89754.html |title=Nearly one million Azerbaijani tourists visit Iran annually |author=AzerNews |work=AzerNews |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151114063343/http://www.azernews.az/region/89754.html |archive-date=14 November 2015 |date=13 November 2015 }}</ref>

Alongside the capital, the most popular tourist destinations are [[Place:Isfahan|Isfahan]], [[Place:Shiraz|Shiraz]] and [[Place:Mashhad|Mashhad]].<ref>[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.</ref> Iran has millions of medical tourists every year, fast emerging as a preferred destination for [[Medicine:Medical tourism|medical tourism]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-15 |title=Medical Tourism in Iran |url=https://www.medicaltourism.com/destinations/iran#:~:text=Iran%2C%20a%20country%20of%20rich,and%20treatments%20at%20competitive%20prices |access-date=2023-12-15 |website=Medical Tourism}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-18 |title=Iran Welcomes Millions of Medical Tourists Every Year |url=https://financialtribune.com/articles/national/119268/iran-welcomes-millions-of-medical-tourists-every-year |website=Financial Tribune}}</ref> Iran's tourism had constantly been growing before the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching nearly 9 million visitors in 2019, the world's third fastest-growing tourism destination before the pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-08-18 |title=Iran's tourist arrivals grow to over 8 Million: Minister |url=https://en.irna.ir/news/83911482/Iran-s-tourist-arrivals-grow-to-over-8-million-Minister |access-date=2023-12-07 |website=Irna}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-07 |title=Iran Third Fastest Growing Tourism Destination In 2019: UNWTO |url=https://www.mcth.ir/english/news/ID/50639 |access-date=2023-12-07 |website=MCTH}}</ref> Iran's tourism experienced a growth of 48.5% in 2023, attracting over 5.2 million visitors, but 37% lower compared to the pre-COVID statistics in 2019.<ref name="auto5">{{Cite web |date=2024-01-23 |title=گردشگری ایران به قبل از کرونا برگشت؟ |url=https://www.isna.ir/news/1402110402641/%DA%AF%D8%B1%D8%AF%D8%B4%DA%AF%D8%B1%DB%8C-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D9%82%D8%A8%D9%84-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%DA%A9%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7-%D8%A8%D8%B1%DA%AF%D8%B4%D8%AA |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=ایسنا |language=fa}}</ref> Over 400,000 visitors motivated by trade, medical treatment and pilgrimage.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-27 |title=Iran's tourist arrivals reach 2.93 million in Jan-Jul 2023, UNWTO barometer indicates |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/489500/Iran-s-tourist-arrivals-reach-2-93-million-in-Jan-Jul-2023-UNWTO |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=Tehran Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Minister: 4.4 million tourists have traveled to Iran in eight months |url=http://iranpress.com/aliaspage/240709 |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=iranpress.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-20 |title=4.4 million tourists have traveled to Iran in eight months |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/209786/4-4-million-tourists-have-traveled-to-Iran-in-eight-months |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en}}</ref> In September and October 2023, Iran achieved a positive balance compared to the same statistics and period in 2019.<ref name="auto5"/>

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

Domestic tourism in Iran is one of the largest in the world, with the Iranian tourists spent $33.3 billion in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-15 |title=Iran's tourism among the top 20 countries |url=https://newspaper.irandaily.ir/7386/5/4874 |website=Iran Daily}}</ref><ref name="Tourism2">{{cite web|url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1384/2241/html/focus.htm |title=Iran-daily.com |access-date=7 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513074502/http://www.iran-daily.com/1384/2241/html/focus.htm |archive-date=13 May 2008}}</ref><ref name="BYI">{{Cite book |last1=Ayse |first1=Valentine |url=http://www.investiniran.ir/en/filepool/26?redirectpage=%2fen%2febook |last2=Nash |first2=Jason John |last3=Leland |first3=Rice |date=2013 |title=The Business Year 2013: Iran |place=London |publisher=The Business Year |page=166 |isbn=978-1-908180-11-7 |access-date=23 June 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161227193349/http://www.investiniran.ir/en/filepool/26?redirectpage=%2Fen%2Febook |archive-date=27 December 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="MACooper2012">{{cite book|author1=Brian Boniface, MA|author2=Chris Cooper|author3=Robyn Cooper |title=Worldwide Destinations: The geography of travel and tourism|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=U9CzLp7n6mgC&pg=PA362|year=2012|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-136-00113-0|page=362}}</ref> Iran projects investment of over $32 billion in the country's tourism sector and targets 20 million tourists by 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-10 |title=Iran sets up funds for tourism development |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/480690/Iran-sets-up-fund-for-tourism-development |website=Tehran Times}}</ref>

=== Agriculture ===
[[File:Ali Azad.jpg|thumb|[[Earth:Paddy field|Paddy field]] in Bandpey, North Iran]]
Roughly one-third of Iran's total surface area is suited for farmland, but because of poor soil and lack of adequate water distribution in many areas, most of it is not under cultivation. Only 12% of the total land area is under cultivation (arable land, orchards and vineyards) but less than one-third of the cultivated area is irrigated; the rest is devoted to dryland farming. Some 92 percent of agricultural products depend on water.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foundation |first=Encyclopaedia Iranica |title=Welcome to Encyclopaedia Iranica |url=https://iranicaonline.org/ |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=iranicaonline.org |language=en-US}}</ref> The western and northwestern portions of the country have the most fertile soils. Iran's [[Earth:Food security|food security]] index stands at around 96 percent.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-05-07 |title=Iran's Food Security - Future Directions International |url=http://www.futuredirections.org.au/publication/iran-s-food-security/ |access-date=2024-01-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507130724/http://www.futuredirections.org.au/publication/iran-s-food-security/ |archive-date=7 May 2016 }}</ref> At the end of the 20th century, agricultural activities accounted for about one-fifth of Iran's [[Finance:GDP|GDP]] and employed a comparable proportion of the workforce. Most farms are small, less than 25 acres (10 hectares), and are not economically viable, which has contributed to the wide-scale [[Earth:Urbanization|migration]] to cities. In addition to [[Water scarcity|water scarcity]] and areas of poor soil, seed is of low quality and farming techniques are antiquated.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Seyf |first=Ahmad |date=1984 |title=Technical Changes in Iranian Agriculture, 1800-1906 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/4283034 |journal=Middle Eastern Studies |volume=20 |issue=4 |pages=142–154 |doi=10.1080/00263208408700603 |jstor=4283034 |issn=0026-3206}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=FAO recognizes new Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System in Iran {{!}} United Nations in Islamic Republic of Iran |url=https://iran.un.org/en/240470-fao-recognizes-new-globally-important-agricultural-heritage-system-iran,%20https://iran.un.org/en/240470-fao-recognizes-new-globally-important-agricultural-heritage-system-iran |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=iran.un.org |language=en}}</ref>

=== Industry and services ===
[[File:IKCO Reera 01 2023-09-01.jpg|thumb|Iran Khodro is the largest car manufacturer in the Middle East.]]{{Main|Industry of Iran}}
From 2008 to 2009, Iran has leaped to 28th place from 69th place in annual industrial production growth rate.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-02-27 |title=Iran advances 41 places in industrial production |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/215089/Iran-advances-41-places-in-industrial-production |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=Tehran Times |language=en}}</ref> Iranian [[Engineering:General contractor|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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-04-01 |title=Iran doing industrial projects in 27 countries |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/45255/Iran-doing-industrial-projects-in-27-countries |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en}}</ref> Iran has 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 collectively played crucial role in winning the international bids.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-01-28 |title=سازمان توسعه تجارت ایران |url=http://en.tpo.ir/documents/document/11970/12498/Technical-Engineering-Services.aspx |access-date=2024-01-10  |archive-date=28 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110128131844/http://en.tpo.ir/documents/document/11970/12498/Technical-Engineering-Services.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref> 45% of large industrial firms are located in [[Place:Tehran|Tehran]], and almost half of these workers work for the government.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://csis.org/files/media/csis/pubs/081006_iran_nuclear.pdf |title=The US, Israel, the Arab States and a Nuclear Iran |access-date=2024-01-10  |archive-date=6 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100806042511/http://csis.org/files/media/csis/pubs/081006_iran_nuclear.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Iranian retail industry is largely in the hands of [[Finance:Cooperative|cooperative]]s, 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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-04-03 |title=SCT - Shopping Centers Today Online |url=http://www.icsc.org/srch/sct/sct0907/feature_iran.php |access-date=2024-01-10  |archive-date=3 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403073459/http://www.icsc.org/srch/sct/sct0907/feature_iran.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> Iran's main exports are to Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and other Central Asian countries, {{wipe|Russia}}, {{wipe|Ukraine}}, {{wipe|Belarus}}, {{wipe|Pakistan}}, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, [[Place:United Arab Emirates|United Arab Emirates]], Qatar, Oman, [[Place:Syria|Syria]], {{wipe|Germany}}, {{wipe|Spain}}, the Netherlands, {{wipe|France}}, {{wipe|Canada}}, Venezuela, {{wipe|Japan}}, {{wipe|South Korea}} and [[Place:Turkey|Turkey]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-02-23 |title=Iran's foodstuff exports near $1b |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/214856/Iran-s-foodstuff-exports-near-1b |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=Tehran Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-06-14 |title=Iran Daily - Domestic Economy - 06/11/09 |url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1388/3421/html/economy.htm |access-date=2024-01-10  |archive-date=14 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090614045854/http://www.iran-daily.com/1388/3421/html/economy.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Iran's automotive industry is the second most active industry of the country, after its oil and gas industry.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |date=2011-07-07 |title=Atieh Bahar - Resources - Iran's Automotive Industry Overview |url=http://www.atiehbahar.com/Resource.aspx?n=1000042 |access-date=2024-01-10  |archive-date=7 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707182609/http://www.atiehbahar.com/Resource.aspx?n=1000042 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Company:Iran Khodro|Iran Khodro]] is the largest car manufacturer in the Middle East, and [[Company:Iran Tractor Manufacturing Company|ITMCO]] is 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MINING.COM |url=https://www.mining.com/ |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=MINING.COM |language=en-US}}</ref> Iran's oil and gas industry is the most active industry of the country.<ref name="auto"/> Iran has the fourth largest reserves of oil and second largest reserves of gas in the world.

Iran manufactures 60–70% of its industrial equipment domestically, including various turbines, pumps, catalysts, [[Chemistry:Oil refinery|refineries]], [[Engineering:Oil tanker|oil tanker]]s, [[Engineering:Drilling rig|drilling rig]]s, [[Engineering:Oil platform|offshore platforms]] and exploration instruments.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-03-29 |title=Iran Daily - Domestic Economy - 11/09/08 |url=http://www.nitc.co.ir/iran-daily/1387/3265/html/economy.htm |access-date=2024-01-10  |archive-date=29 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110329204835/http://www.nitc.co.ir/iran-daily/1387/3265/html/economy.htm |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Camainks |title=Overview of the Printing Industry in Iran and How to Buy Printers and Ink |url=https://camainks.com/pages/overview-of-the-printing-industry-in-iran-and-how-to-buy-printers-and-ink |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=Camainks |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-02 |title=70% of Iran's medical equipment produced domestically |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/493202/70-of-Iran-s-medical-equipment-produced-domestically |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=Tehran Times |language=en}}</ref> Iran has become self-sufficient in designing, building and operating dams and power plants. Iran is one of the six countries in the world that manufacture gas- and steam-powered turbines.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-10-12 |title=Official: Iran now among world's 6 turbine manufacturers - Tehran Times |url=http://www.tehrantimes.com/economy-and-business/99706-official-iran-now-among-worlds-6-turbine-manufacturers |access-date=2024-01-10  |archive-date=12 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012033817/http://www.tehrantimes.com/economy-and-business/99706-official-iran-now-among-worlds-6-turbine-manufacturers |url-status=dead}}</ref>

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

=== Transportation ===
[[File:Iran Air Cargo Boeing 747-200 KvW.jpg|thumb|The National Airline of Iran, branded as Iran Air, is the flag carrier of Iran. Domestically, Iran Air is known as Huma, which is the name of a mythical Persian bird, and the symbol of the airways.]]
Iran has a long paved road system linking most of its towns and all of its cities. In 2011 the country had {{Convert|173000|km|mi|sp=us}} of roads, of which 73% were paved.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thebusinessyear.com/publication/article/7/620/iran_2011/moving-around |title=The Business Year – Moving Around |access-date=14 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314223909/http://www.thebusinessyear.com/publication/article/7/620/iran_2011/moving-around |archive-date=14 March 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2008 there were nearly 100 passenger cars for every 1,000 inhabitants.<ref name="iran-daily.com">{{cite web |url=http://iran-daily.com/1386/2865/html/economy.htm |title=Iran Daily {{!}} Domestic Economy |website=iran-daily.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090618004626/http://iran-daily.com/1386/2865/html/economy.htm |archive-date=18 June 2009}}</ref>
The Tehran Metro is the largest metro system in the Middle East.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rohde |first=Michael |title=World Metro Database - metrobits.org |url=http://mic-ro.com/metro/table.html |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=mic-ro.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Tehran Metro |url=https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/tehranmetro/ |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=Railway Technology |language=en-US}}</ref> It carries more than 3 million passengers a day. In 2018, 820 million trips were made on Tehran Metro.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Limited |first=Alamy |title=March 18, 2023, Tehran, Tehran, Iran: A view of the Tehran metro station during the opening ceremony of 5 new stations of the Tehran Metro in the presence of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. The Tehran Metro is a rapid transit system serving Tehran, the capital of Iran. It is the most extensive metro system in the Middle East. The system is owned and operated by Tehran Urban and Suburban Railway. It consists of six operational metro lines (and an additional commuter rail line), with construction underway on three lines, including the west extension of line 4, line 6 and the north and east exte Stock Photo - Alamy |url=https://www.alamy.com/march-18-2023-tehran-tehran-iran-a-view-of-the-tehran-metro-station-during-the-opening-ceremony-of-5-new-stations-of-the-tehran-metro-in-the-presence-of-iranian-president-ebrahim-raisi-the-tehran-metro-is-a-rapid-transit-system-serving-tehran-the-capital-of-iran-it-is-the-most-extensive-metro-system-in-the-middle-east-the-system-is-owned-and-operated-by-tehran-urban-and-suburban-railway-it-consists-of-six-operational-metro-lines-and-an-additional-commuter-rail-line-with-construction-underway-on-three-lines-including-the-west-extension-of-line-4-line-6-and-the-north-and-east-exte-image543264129.html |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=alamy.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Tehran Urban & Suburban Railway Co (TUSRC) |url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/maps-and-data/tehran-urban-and-suburban-railway-co-tusrc/53469.article |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=Railway Gazette International |language=en}}</ref> Trains operate on 11,106&nbsp;km (6,942&nbsp;mi) of railroad track.<ref name="rai.ir">{{cite web |url=http://www.rai.ir/Site.aspx?ParTree=A01011 |title=Islamic Republic Of Iran Railroads :: راه آهن جمهوري اسلامي ايران |publisher=Rai.ir |access-date=9 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815011811/http://www.rai.ir/Site.aspx?ParTree=A01011 |archive-date=15 August 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The country's major port of entry is Bandar-Abbas on the Strait of Hormuz. After arriving in Iran, imported goods are distributed throughout the country by trucks and freight trains. The [[Place:Tehran|Tehran]]–Bandar-Abbas railroad, opened in 1995, connects Bandar-Abbas to the railroad system of Central Asia via Tehran and [[Place:Mashhad|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, was founded in 1962 and operated domestic and international flights. Iran Air is the flag carrier of Iran, and its domestically known as Huma, which is the name of a mythical Persian phoenix, and the symbol of the airways.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-04-26 |title=The Homa Bird: Courtesy by Aban |url=https://cyrus49.wordpress.com/2018/04/26/the-homa-bird-courtesy-by-aban/ |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=Cyrus Savaksha Saiwalla VETERAN |language=en}}</ref> All large cities have mass transit systems using buses, and several private companies provide bus services between cities.

Transport in Iran is inexpensive because of the government's subsidization of the price of gasoline. The downside is a huge draw on government coffers, economic inefficiency because of highly wasteful consumption patterns, smuggling to neighboring countries and air pollution. In 2008, more than one million people worked in the transportation sector, accounting for 9% of GDP.<ref name="ReferenceB">{{cite web |url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1387/3298/html/economy.htm |title=Iran Daily {{!}} Domestic Economy |website=iran-daily.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090603054002/http://www.iran-daily.com/1387/3298/html/economy.htm |archive-date=3 June 2009}}</ref>

=== Energy ===

[[File:CIAIranKarteOelGas.jpg|thumb|Iran holds 10% of the world's proven oil reserves and 15% of its gas. It is OPEC's second-largest exporter and the world's seventh largest oil producer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://money.cnn.com/interactive/news/economy/worlds-biggest-oil-producers/index.html|title=World's top oil producers|website=CNNMoney}}</ref>]]

Iran has the world's second largest proved gas reserves after Russia, with 33.6&nbsp;trillion cubic meters,<ref name="The Wall Street Journalgas">{{cite news|title=BP Cuts Russia, Turkmenistan Natural Gas Reserves Estimates |url=http://www.rigzone.com/news/oil_gas/a/127044/BP_Cuts_Russia_Turkmenistan_Natural_Gas_Reserves_Estimates |access-date=24 June 2013 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal.com |date=12 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619152119/http://www.rigzone.com/news/oil_gas/a/127044/BP_Cuts_Russia_Turkmenistan_Natural_Gas_Reserves_Estimates |archive-date=19 June 2013}}</ref> and the third largest natural gas production after Indonesia and Russia. It also ranks fourth in oil reserves with an estimated 153,600,000,000 barrels.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2178rank.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070613005503/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2178rank.html|archive-date=13 June 2007 |title=CIA.gov |publisher=CIA.gov |access-date=7 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/Iran/Background.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090402152533/http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/Iran/Background.html|archive-date=2 April 2009 |title=Iran – U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) |publisher=Eia.doe.gov |access-date=7 April 2012}}</ref> It is [[Organization:OPEC|OPEC]]'s second largest oil exporter. Despite this, Iran spent US$4&nbsp;billion on fuel imports as of 2005 due to a lack of domestic refining capacity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Kim Murphy  |url=http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/205986/3/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070118000204/http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/205986/3/ |archive-date=18 January 2007 |title=U.S. targets Iran's vulnerable oil |publisher=Heraldextra.com |date=7 January 2007 |access-date=18 June 2011}}</ref> Oil industry output averaged {{convert|4|Moilbbl/d|m3/d}} in 2005, compared with the peak of six million barrels per day reached in 1974.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iranian oil production: from global domination to subjugation under sanctions |url=https://iranopendata.org/en/pages/iranian-oil-production-from-global-domination-to-subjugation-under-sanctions |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Iran Open Data |language=en}}</ref>

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

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

== Education, science, technology and telecommunications ==

=== Science and technology ===
[[File:طوسی ایران.jpg|left|thumb|[[Biography:Nasir al-Din al-Tusi|Nasir al-Din al-Tusi]], a Persian polymath, architect, philosopher, physician, scientist, and theologian.|270x270px]]
Iran has made considerable advances in science and technology through education and training, despite international sanctions in almost all aspects of research during the past 30 years. In recent years, the growth in Iran's scientific output is reported to be the fastest in the world. In the biomedical sciences, Iran's Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics has a [[Organization:UNESCO|UNESCO]] chair in biology.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibb.ut.ac.ir/ |title=Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics |publisher=Ibb.ut.ac.ir |date=2 February 2011 |access-date=18 June 2011 |archive-date=22 October 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061022062049/http://www.ibb.ut.ac.ir/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In late 2006, Iranian scientists successfully [[Biology:Cloning|cloned]] a sheep by somatic cell nuclear transfer, at the Royan Research Center in Tehran.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=17674 |title=The first successfully cloned animal in Iran |publisher=Middle-east-online.com |date=30 September 2006 |access-date=21 June 2013 |archive-date=28 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111028014352/http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=17674 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Biology:Stem cell|Stem cell]] research in Iran is among the top 10 in the world.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://isg-mit.org/projects-storage/StemCell/stem_cell_iran.pdf |title=Iranian Studies Group at MIT |access-date=25 August 2010 |archive-date=2 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081002222401/http://isg-mit.org/projects-storage/StemCell/stem_cell_iran.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> Iran ranks 15th in the world in [[Engineering:Nanotechnology|nanotechnologies]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nano.ir/?lang=2index.php/news/show/1477|title=INIC – News – 73% of Tehran's Students Acquainted with Nanotechnology|publisher=En.nano.ir|date=18 January 2010|access-date=1 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015234940/http://nano.ir/?lang=2index.php%2Fnews%2Fshow%2F1477|archive-date=15 October 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/bm/newsworld.php?id=453647|title=Iran Ranks 15th in Nanotech Articles|publisher=Bernama|date=9 November 2009|access-date=1 August 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1388/3372/html/science.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090415053429/http://www.iran-daily.com/1388/3372/html/science.htm|archive-date=15 April 2009 |title=Iran daily: Iranian Technology From Foreign Perspective |access-date=21 June 2013}}</ref> Iranian scientists outside Iran have also made some major contributions to science. In 1960, [[Biography:Ali Javan|Ali Javan]] co-invented the first [[Engineering:Gas laser|gas laser]], and [[Fuzzy set|fuzzy set]] theory was introduced by [[Biography:Lotfi A. Zadeh|Lotfi A. Zadeh]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www-bisc.cs.berkeley.edu/Zadeh-1965.pdf |title=Project Retired – EECS at UC Berkeley |work=berkeley.edu |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071127005930/http://www-bisc.cs.berkeley.edu/Zadeh-1965.pdf |archive-date=27 November 2007 }}</ref> Iranian cardiologist Tofigh Mussivand invented and developed the first artificial cardiac pump, the precursor of the [[Engineering:Artificial heart|artificial heart]]. Furthering research and treatment of diabetes, the [[Biology:Glycated hemoglobin|HbA1c]] was discovered by Samuel Rahbar. A substantial number of papers in [[Physics:String theory|string theory]] are published in Iran.<ref name="Nasr2007">{{cite book|author=Vali Nasr|title=The Shia Revival: How Conflicts within Islam Will Shape the Future|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a-QH_CxIFTEC&pg=PA213|year=2007|publisher=W.W. Norton|isbn=978-0-393-06640-1|page=213}}</ref> In August 2014, Iranian mathematician [[Biography:Maryam Mirzakhani|Maryam Mirzakhani]] became the first woman, as well as the first Iranian, to receive the Fields Medal, the highest prize in mathematics.<ref>{{cite web|author1=Ben Mathis-Lilley|title=A Woman Has Won the Fields Medal, Math's Highest Prize, for the First Time|url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2014/08/12/first_female_fields_medal_winner_maryam_mirzakhani_of_stanford.html|website=Slate|publisher=Graham Holdings Company|access-date=14 August 2014|date=12 August 2014}}</ref>

=== Education ===
[[File:Sharif University of Technology.jpg|thumb|left|Sharif University of Technology, in Tehran]]

Education in Iran is highly centralised. [[Social:K–12|K–12]] is supervised by the Ministry of Education, and higher education is under the supervision of the Ministry of Science and Technology.The rate of adult literacy (among Iranians of ages 10 to 49) has reached 96% on March 19, 2020;<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-02-05 |title=Iran Literacy Rate at 96% |website=Financial Tribune |url=https://financialtribune.com/articles/people/102038/iran-literacy-rate-at-96 |access-date=2022-09-11}}</ref> while according to [[Organization:UNESCO|UNESCO]] it had rated 85.0% in 2008 (up from 36.5% in 1976).<ref name="unescolit">{{cite web|title=National adult literacy rates (15+), youth literacy rates (15–24) and elderly literacy rates (65+)|url=http://stats.uis.unesco.org/unesco/TableViewer/tableView.aspx?ReportId=210|publisher=UNESCO Institute for Statistics|access-date=18 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029183908/http://stats.uis.unesco.org/unesco/TableViewer/tableView.aspx?ReportId=210|archive-date=29 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

According to the data provided by [[Organization:UNESCO|UNESCO]], Iran's literacy rate among people aged 15 years and older was 85.54% as of 2016, with men (90.35%) being significantly more educated than women (80.79%), with the number of illiterate people of the same age amounting to around 8,700,000 of the country's 85 million population.<ref>{{cite web|date=27 November 2016|title=Iran (Islamic Republic of)|url=http://uis.unesco.org/en/country/ir|access-date=29 July 2020|website=uis.unesco.org}}</ref> According to this report, Iranian government's expenditure on education amounts to around 4% of the GDP.

The requirement to enter into higher education is to have a high school diploma and pass the Iranian University Entrance Exam (officially known as ''konkur'' (کنکور)), which is the equivalent of the SAT and ACT exams of the United States. Many students do a 1–2-year course of pre-university (''piš-dānešgāh''), which is the equivalent of the GCE A-levels and the International Baccalaureate. The completion of the pre-university course earns students the Pre-University Certificate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arabiancampus.com/studyiniran/edusys.htm|title=Study in Iran :: Iran Educational System|author=Peter Krol|work=arabiancampus.com|access-date=26 October 2015}}</ref>

Iran's higher education is sanctioned by different levels of diplomas, including an [[Social:Associate degree|associate degree]] (''kārdāni''; also known as ''fowq e diplom'') delivered in two years, a bachelor's degree (''kāršenāsi''; also known as ''lisāns'') delivered in four years, and a master's degree (''kāršenāsi e aršad'') delivered in two years, after which another exam allows the candidate to pursue a doctoral program ([[Social:Doctor of Philosophy|PhD]]; known as ''doktorā'').<ref name="wes.org">{{cite web |url=http://www.wes.org/ca/wedb/iran/firedov.htm |title=WEP-Iran |publisher=Wes.org |access-date=7 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224011506/http://www.wes.org/ca/wedb/iran/firedov.htm |archive-date=24 February 2012 }}</ref>

According to the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities ({{as of|2017|January|lc=y}}), Iran's top five universities include [[Organization:Tehran University of Medical Sciences|Tehran University of Medical Sciences]] (478th worldwide), the [[Organization:University of Tehran|University of Tehran]] (514th worldwide), [[Organization:Sharif University of Technology|Sharif University of Technology]] (605th worldwide), Amirkabir University of Technology (726th worldwide), and the Tarbiat Modares University (789th worldwide).<ref>{{cite web |title=Iran (Islamic Republic of) |url= http://www.webometrics.info/en/Asia/Iran%20%28Islamic%20Republic%20of%29 |publisher=Ranking Web of Universities |access-date=21 July 2017}}</ref> Iran was ranked 62nd in the [[Global Innovation Index]] in 2023, up from 67th in 2020.<ref>{{Cite book|last=WIPO |title=Global Innovation Index 2023, 15th Edition |url=https://www.wipo.int/global_innovation_index/en/2023/index.html |access-date=2023-10-28 |website=wipo.int |date=30 December 2023 |publisher=World Intellectual Property Organization |doi=10.34667/tind.46596 |isbn=9789280534320 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Release of the Global Innovation Index 2020: Who Will Finance Innovation?|url=https://www.wipo.int/global_innovation_index/en/2020/index.html|access-date=2 September 2021|website=wipo.int|language=en}}</ref> It is widely considered as the nation's most prestigious and leading institution for [[Engineering:Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics|science, technology, engineering, and mathematics]] (STEM) fields.

Iran has increased its publication output nearly tenfold from 1996 through 2004, and has been ranked first in terms of output growth rate, followed by China.<ref>{{cite web |author= Expert:VSR.Subramaniam |url= http://experts.about.com/q/Economics-2301/economic.htm |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120426170542/http://en.allexperts.com/q/Economics-2301/economic.htm |archive-date=26 April 2012 |title= Economics: economic, medical uses of alcohol, uses of alcohol |publisher=Experts.about.com |date=18 October 2006 |access-date=18 June 2011}}</ref> According to a study by [[SCImago Journal Rank|SCImago]] in 2012, Iran would rank fourth in the world in terms of research output by 2018, if the current trend persists.<ref name="SCImago_December_2012c">{{cite web |url=http://www.scimagolab.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/forecasting-excercise.pdf |title=Forecasting Exercise |newspaper=SCImago |date=2012 |access-date=30 June 2017 |archive-date=10 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010055804/http://www.scimagolab.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/forecasting-excercise.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 2009, a SUSE Linux-based HPC system made by the Aerospace Research Institute of Iran (ARI) was launched with 32 cores, and now runs 96 cores. Its performance was pegged at 192 [[FLOPS|GFLOPS]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Patrick Thibodeau |url=http://www.computerworld.com/article/2551125/government-it/amd-chips-used-in-iranian-hpc-for-rocket-research.html |title=AMD Chips Used in Iranian HPC for Rocket Research|publisher=Computerworld.com |date=22 June 2009 |access-date=7 April 2012}}</ref> The Iranian humanoid robot [[Engineering:Surena (robot)|Sorena 2]], which was designed by engineers at the [[Organization:University of Tehran|University of Tehran]], was unveiled in 2010. The [[Organization:Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers|Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers]] (IEEE) has placed the name of Surena among the five prominent robots of the world after analyzing its performance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1389/8/18/MainPaper/3817/Page/1/Index.htm |title=No. 3817 &#124; Front page &#124; Page 1 |publisher=Irandaily |access-date=21 October 2011}}</ref>

=== Iranian Space Agency ===
[[File:Safir navid 1.jpg|thumb|The historic launch of Safir]]
[[Organization:Iranian Space Agency|Iranian Space Agency]] (ISA) was established on 28 February 2004. Iran became an orbital-launch-capable nation in 2009,<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Fathi |first1=Nazila |last2=Broad |first2=William J. |date=2009-02-03 |title=Iran Launches Satellite in a Challenge for Obama |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/04/world/middleeast/04iran.html |access-date=2024-01-04 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and is one of the 24 founding members of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). In 2015, Iran's space program was quietly suspended by President Rouhani following international pressures.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-09-25 |title=Iran Just Cancelled Its Space Program |url=https://warisboring.com/iran-just-cancelled-its-space-program-5b1d5ce50bd6 |access-date=2024-01-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160925012918/https://warisboring.com/iran-just-cancelled-its-space-program-5b1d5ce50bd6 |archive-date=25 September 2016 }}</ref> It has then been reinvigorated by President Raisi in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gov't fully supports development of space industry: Raisi |url=http://iranpress.com/aliaspage/50568 |access-date=2024-01-04 |website=iranpress.com |language=en}}</ref>

Iran placed its domestically built [[Astronomy:Satellite|satellite]] Omid into orbit on the 30th anniversary of the 1979 Revolution, on 2{{nbsp}}February 2009,<ref name="HarveySmid2011">{{cite book|author1=Brian Harvey|author2=Henk H. F. Smid|author3=Theo Pirard|title=Emerging Space Powers: The New Space Programs of Asia, the Middle East and South-America|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XD1ZaYbiWwMC&pg=PA293|year=2011|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|isbn=978-1-4419-0874-2|page=293}}</ref> through its first expendable launch vehicle [[Engineering:Safir (rocket)|Safir]], becoming the [[Engineering:Timeline of first orbital launches by country|ninth country]] in the world capable of both producing a satellite and sending it into [[Space|space]] from a domestically made [[Engineering:Launch pad|launcher]].<ref name="Hvac-conference.ir_November_29_2015c">{{cite web |url=http://www.hvac-conference.ir/files/content/ICHVAC5_Brochure.pdf |title=The 6th International Conference on Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning |website=Hvac-conference.ir |date=2015 |access-date=29 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208142627/http://www.hvac-conference.ir/files/content/ICHVAC5_Brochure.pdf |archive-date=8 December 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Engineering:Simorgh (rocket)|Simorgh's launch]] in 2016, is the successor of Safir.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Stephen Clark |date=2009-02-02 |title=Iran Launches Omid Satellite Into Orbit |url=https://www.space.com/5432-iran-launches-omid-satellite-orbit.html |access-date=2024-01-27 |website=Space.com |language=en}}</ref>

On January 20, 2024, Iran launched the Soraya satellite into its highest orbit yet (750&nbsp;km),<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-20 |title=Iran Launches Soraya Satellite Into Orbit 750 Km Above Earth - Iran Front Page |url=https://ifpnews.com/iran-soraya-satellite-orbit-750-km-earth/ |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=ifpnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran says it launched a satellite despite Western concerns – DW – 01/20/2024 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/iran-says-it-launched-a-satellite-despite-western-concerns/a-68041834 |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=dw.com |language=en}}</ref> a new space launch milestone for the country,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran says launches satellite in new aerospace milestone |url=https://phys.org/news/2024-01-iran-satellite-aerospace-milestone.html |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=phys.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Presse |first=AFP-Agence France |title=Iran Says Launches Satellite In New Aerospace Milestone |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/iran-says-launches-satellite-in-new-aerospace-milestone-5935a502 |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=www.barrons.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Shah |first=Rizwan |date=2024-01-20 |title=Iran Accomplishes Major Milestone with Successful Launch of Soraya Satellite |url=https://bnnbreaking.com/world/iran/iran-accomplishes-major-milestone-with-successful-launch-of-soraya-satellite/ |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=BNN Breaking |language=en-US}}</ref> and the first time that Iran has successfully placed a satellite in orbits higher than 500 kilometers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-21 |title=Iran has successfully placed the Soraya satellite in a 750 km orbit {{!}} AVA |url=https://www.avapress.com/en/news/284579/iran-has-successfully-placed-the-soraya-satellite-in-a-750-km-orbit |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran launches satellite, places it in 750 km orbit: Official news agency |url=https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-launches-satellite-places-it-in-750-km-orbit-official-news-agency-681887 |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=WION |language=en-us}}</ref> It was launched by [[Engineering:Qaem 100|Qaem 100 rocket]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-21 |title=Iran's Soraya satellite signals received on earth |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/211087/Iran-s-Soraya-satellite-signals-received-on-earth |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran's Soraya Satellite Signals Received on Earth - Space/Science news |url=https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2024/01/21/3026481/iran-s-soraya-satellite-signals-received-on-earth |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=Tasnim News Agency |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran successfully launches Soraya satellite using Qa'im 100 carrier |url=http://iranpress.com/aliaspage/271060 |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=iranpress.com |language=en}}</ref>

On January 28, 2024, Iran successfully launched three indigenous satellites, The Mahda, Kayan and Hatef,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran says it launches 3 satellites into space-Xinhua |url=https://english.news.cn/20240128/f0acca839b4b434f979ad239c00f79e5/c.html |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=english.news.cn}}</ref> into orbit using the [[Engineering:Simorgh (rocket)|Simorgh]] carrier rocket.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran launches 3 satellites simultaneously into orbit amid tensions with West |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/iran-launches-3-satellites-simultaneously-into-orbit-amid-tensions-with-west/3121134 |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=www.aa.com.tr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran launches three satellites simultaneously for first time – DW – 01/28/2024 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/iran-launches-three-satellites-simultaneously-for-first-time/a-68105298 |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=dw.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-28 |title=Iran launches 3 satellites into space that are part of a Western-criticized program as tensions rise |url=https://apnews.com/article/iran-satellite-launch-us-ballistic-missiles-israel-hamas-74bcd3eb7e48a31be4f52b8d86d24721 |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran launches three satellites into space as tensions grip West Asia |url=https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-launches-three-satellites-into-space-as-tensions-grip-west-asia-684584 |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=WION |language=en-us}}</ref> It was the first time in country's history that it simultaneously sent three satellites into space.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-01-28 |title=Iran simultaneously launches three satellites - state media |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/iran-simultaneously-launches-three-satellites-state-media/articleshow/107200287.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-01-28 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-28 |title=Iran Conducts Second Controversial Satellite Launch In One Week |url=https://www.iranintl.com/en/202401288496 |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Iran International |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=赵婷婷 |title=Iran says it launches 3 satellites into space |url=https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202401/28/WS65b5ff62a3105f21a507eb13.html |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=global.chinadaily.com.cn}}</ref> The satellites were sent to a minimum orbit of 450&nbsp;km (280 miles).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-28 |title=Iran launches three satellites into orbit amid rising tensions with West |url=https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20240128-iran-launches-three-satellites-into-orbit-drawing-condemnation-from-west |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=France 24 |language=en}}</ref> One satellite weighing 32&nbsp;kg (71 pounds) and two nano-satellites of less than 10&nbsp;kg.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-01-28 |title=Iran launches three satellites into orbit |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/iran-launches-three-satellites-into-orbit |access-date=2024-01-28 |work=The Straits Times |language=en |issn=0585-3923}}</ref> The three satellites are designed for testing advanced satellite subsystems, space-based positioning technology, and narrowband communication.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran launches three satellites amid rising tensions with Western powers |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/28/iran-launches-three-satellites-amid-rising-tensions-with-western-powers |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref>

The Iranian nuclear program was launched in the 1950s. Iran is the seventh country to produce [[Chemistry:Uranium hexafluoride|uranium hexafluoride]], and controls the entire [[Physics:Nuclear fuel cycle|nuclear fuel cycle]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.payvand.com/news/08/dec/1156.html|title=Iran, 7th in UF6 production – IAEO official|publisher=Payvand.com|date=22 November 2006|access-date=1 August 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/world/2009-04-11-iran-nuclear_N.htm|title=Iran says it controls entire nuclear fuel cycle|newspaper=USA Today|date=11 April 2009|access-date=18 December 2013}}</ref>

=== Telecommunication ===

Iran's telecommunications industry is almost entirely state-owned, dominated by the [[Company:Telecommunication Company of Iran|Telecommunication Company of Iran]] (TCI). Fixed-line penetration in 2004 was relatively well-developed by regional standards, standing at 22 lines per 100 people, higher than Egypt with 14 and Saudi Arabia with 15. Iran had more than 1 [[Engineering:Mobile phone|mobile phone]] per inhabitant by 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-05-12 |title=Iran reaches 100 percent telecommunications penetration: BMI - Telecoms & IT - Zawya |url=http://www.zawya.com/story/Iran_reaches_100_telecommunications_penetration_BMI-ZAWYA20120412035355/ |access-date=2024-01-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512215456/http://www.zawya.com/story/Iran_reaches_100_telecommunications_penetration_BMI-ZAWYA20120412035355/ |archive-date=12 May 2012 }}</ref>

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

== Demographics ==

{{multiple image
| perrow            = 1
| total_width       = 240
| image1            = Provinces of Iran by population.svg
| image2            = Iran Counties by Population (2021).svg
| footer            = Population of Iranian provinces and counties in 2021
}}

Iran comprises numerous ethnic and linguistic groups that are unified through a shared Iranian nationality.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/iran-v1-peoples-survey |title=Encyclopaedia Iranica. R. N. Frye. Peoples of Iran |publisher=Iranicaonline.org |access-date=14 September 2011}}</ref><ref name=CIA2022>{{Cite CIA World Factbook|country=Iran|access-date=24 September 2022|year=2022}}</ref>

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

Iran hosts one of the largest refugee populations, with almost one million refugees,<ref>{{cite web|title=Refugee population by country or territory of asylum – Iran, Islamic Rep. {{!}} Data|url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SM.POP.REFG?end=2019&locations=IR&start=1990&view=chart|access-date=11 July 2020|website=data.worldbank.org}}</ref> mostly from Afghanistan and Iraq.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=77107 |title=Afghanistan-Iran: Iran says it will deport over one million Afghans |publisher=Irinnews.org |date=4 March 2008 |access-date=21 June 2013}}</ref> Since 2006, Iranian officials have been working with the UNHCR and Afghan officials for their repatriation.<ref name="bbcb">{{cite web|url=http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/452b78394.html|title=Tripartite meeting on returns to Afghanistan|first=UNHCR|last=United Nations|access-date=14 April 2006}}</ref> According to estimates, about five million Iranian citizens have emigrated to other countries, mostly since the 1979 Revolution.<ref name="Ganji2002">{{cite book|author=Manouchehr Ganji|title=Defying the Iranian Revolution: From a Minister to the Shah to a Leader of Resistance|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NboVl-CeYs0C&pg=PA210|year=2002|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-275-97187-8|page=210}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.migrationinformation.org/Profiles/display.cfm?ID=424 |title=Migration Information Institute: Characteristics of the Iranian Diaspora |publisher=Migrationinformation.org |access-date=18 June 2011}}</ref>

According to the Iranian Constitution, the government is required to provide every citizen of the country with access to [[Social:Social security|social security]], covering retirement, unemployment, old age, [[Social:Disability|disability]], accidents, calamities, health and medical treatment and care services.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://info.worldbank.org/etools/docs/library/77421/june2003/ppt/w1/iran.pdf |title=Iran Social Security System |publisher=World Bank |date=2003 |access-date= 30 November 2015}}</ref> This is covered by tax revenues and income derived from public contributions.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://aprendeenlinea.udea.edu.co/revistas/index.php/lecturasdeeconomia/article/view/15770/17868 |title=Is tax funding of health care more likely to be regressive than systems based on social insurance in low and middle-income countries? |newspaper=Universidad de Antioquia |date=2013 |author=Aurelio Mejía |issue=78 |pages=229–239 |access-date=30 November 2015 |archive-date=16 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151216074956/http://aprendeenlinea.udea.edu.co/revistas/index.php/lecturasdeeconomia/article/view/15770/17868 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Languages ===

[[File:I am Cyrus, Achaemenid King - Pasargady01.jpg|thumb|"I am Cyrus the king, an Achaemenid." in Old Persian, Elamite and Akkadian languages, Pasargadae]]
The majority of the population speaks [[Social:Persian language|Persian]], which is also the official language of the country.<ref name="AO">{{Cite web |title=Constitution of Islamic Republic of Iran, Chapter II: The Official Language, Script, Calendar, and Flag of the Country, Article 15 |url=https://www.iranchamber.com/government/laws/constitution_ch02.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730024031/https://www.iranchamber.com/government/laws/constitution_ch02.php |archive-date=30 July 2022 |access-date=9 June 2023 |website=Iran Chamber Society}}</ref> Others include speakers of several other Iranian languages within the greater [[Social:Indo-European languages|Indo-European]] family and languages belonging to some other ethnicities living in Iran.

The [[Social:Gilaki language|Gilaki]] and [[Social:Mazanderani language|Mazenderani]] languages are widely spoken in Gilan and Mazenderan, in northern Iran. The [[Social:Talysh language|Talysh language]] is also spoken in parts of Gilan, stretching up to the neighboring [[Place:Azerbaijan|Republic of Azerbaijan]]. Varieties of [[Social:Kurdish languages|Kurdish]] are concentrated in the province of Kurdistan and nearby areas. In Khuzestan, several distinct varieties of Persian are spoken. Southern Iran also houses the Luri and Lari languages.

[[Social:Azerbaijani language|Azerbaijani]], the most-spoken minority language in the country,<ref>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}}</ref> and other [[Social:Turkic languages|Turkic languages]] and dialects are found in various regions of Iran, especially in the region of [[Place:Azerbaijan (Iran)|Azerbaijan]].

Notable minority languages in Iran include [[Social:Armenian language|Armenian]], [[Social:Georgian language|Georgian]], Neo-Aramaic, and [[Social:Arabic|Arabic]]. Khuzi Arabic is spoken by the Arabs in Khuzestan, as well as the wider group of Iranian Arabs. Circassian was also once widely spoken by the large Circassian minority, but, due to assimilation over the many years, no sizable number of Circassians speak the language anymore.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=stl97FdyRswC&pg=PA141 ''Encyclopedia of the Peoples of Africa and the Middle East''] Facts On File, Incorporated {{ISBN|1-4381-2676-X}} p. 141</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/georgia-iv--2 |title=Georgia viii: Georgian communities in Persia |last1=Oberling |first1=Pierre |date=7 February 2012 |website=Encyclopaedia Iranica |access-date=9 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://mcha.kbsu.ru/english/m_hist_01E.htm.html |title=Circassian |publisher=Official Circassian Association |access-date=9 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304035542/http://mcha.kbsu.ru/english/m_hist_01E.htm.html |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=http://iranian.com/Travelers/June97/Chardin/index.shtml |title=Persians: Kind, hospitable, tolerant flattering cheats? |first1=Sir John |last1=Chardin |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 |title=Travels in Persia, 1673–1677 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5jPL0A31H5MC |location=New York |publisher=Dover Publications |year=1988 |pages=183–197 |isbn=978-0-486-25636-8 |oclc=798310290 |access-date=9 June 2014}}</ref>

Percentages of spoken language continue to be a point of debate, as many opt that they are politically motivated; 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% [[Social:Azerbaijani language|Azerbaijani]], 10% [[Social:Kurdish languages|Kurdish]], 7% [[Social:Mazanderani language|Mazenderani]] and [[Social:Gilaki language|Gilaki]], 7% Luri, 2% [[Social:Turkmen language|Turkmen]], 2% Balochi, 2% [[Social:Arabic|Arabic]], and 2% the remainder [[Social:Armenian language|Armenian]], [[Social:Georgian language|Georgian]], Neo-Aramaic, and Circassian.<ref name="CIA" />

=== Ethnic groups ===


As with the spoken languages, the ethnic group composition also 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 CIA's World Factbook has estimated that around 79% of the population of Iran is a diverse [[History:Proto-Indo-Europeans|Indo-European]] [[Social:Ethnolinguistics|ethno-linguistic group]] that comprise speakers of various Iranian languages,<ref>J. Harmatta in "History of Civilizations of Central Asia", Chapter 14, ''The Emergence of Indo-Iranians: The Indo-Iranian Languages'', ed. by A. H. Dani & V.N. Masson, 1999, p. 357</ref> with 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%.<ref name="CIA" />

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 (incl. Qashqai and Turkmens), and non-Iranian, non-Turkic groups (incl. Armenians, Georgians, Assyrians, Circassians, and Arabs) less than 3%. It determined that Persian is the first language of at least 65% of the country's population, and is the second language for most of the remaining 35%.<ref name="loc2">{{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}}</ref><ref name="CIA" /><ref>{{cite web |title=World Heritage List |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/ |publisher=[[Organization:UNESCO|UNESCO]]}}</ref>

=== Health ===
[[File:Razavihospital faz2.jpg|thumb|Razavi Hospital, accredited by [https://accreditation.ca/ ACI] for its quality Health Services <ref>{{Cite web |last=سایت |first=مدیر |date=2023-12-28 |title=گفتگو با استادی که مبتکروآغاز کننده روش های جدید جراحی مغز در دانشگاه علوم پزشکی مشهد است |url=https://razavihospital.ir/%DA%AF%D9%81%D8%AA%DA%AF%D9%88-%D8%A8%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%AF%DB%8C-%DA%A9%D9%87-%D9%85%D8%A8%D8%AA%DA%A9%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%A2%D8%BA%D8%A7%D8%B2-%DA%A9%D9%86%D9%86%D8%AF%D9%87-%D8%B1%D9%88/ |access-date=2024-01-27 |website=بیمارستان رضوی |language=fa-IR}}</ref>]]
Healthcare in Iran is based on three pillars: the public-governmental system, the private sector, and NGOs.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-10-10 |title=Filepool - Detail {{!}} Organization for Investment Economic and Technical Assistance of Iran |url=http://www.investiniran.ir/en/filepool/26?redirectpage=%2fen%2febook |access-date=2024-01-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010112638/http://www.investiniran.ir/en/filepool/26?redirectpage=%2fen%2febook |archive-date=10 October 2016 }}</ref> The healthcare and medical sector's market value in Iran was almost US$24 billion in 2002. With a population of around 90 million, Iran is one of the most populous countries in West Asia. 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. The young population will soon be old enough to start new families, which will boost the population growth rate and subsequently the need for public health [[Physics:Infrastructure|infrastructure]]s and services. Total healthcare spending is expected to rise from $24.3 billion in 2008, to $96 billion by 2017, reflecting the increasing demand on medical services.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-01 |title=Payvand |url=http://www.payvand.com/news/09/apr/1027.html |website=Payvand |access-date=1 January 2024 |archive-date=29 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111129222751/http://www.payvand.com/news/09/apr/1027.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Total health spending was equivalent to 6% of GDP in Iran in 2017. About 90% of Iranians have some form of health insurance.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-08-17 |title=Iran Health Insurance in Brief |url=http://www.arkanteb.com/site/en/tips/69-iran-health-insurance-in-brief.html |access-date=2024-01-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817173914/http://www.arkanteb.com/site/en/tips/69-iran-health-insurance-in-brief.html |archive-date=17 August 2016 }}</ref> Iran is also the only country with a [[Finance:Organ trade#Iran|legal organ trade]]. However, the legal character of organ donations is deemed to be a gifting of organs and not their sale and purchase.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Movassagh |first=Hooman |date=2016-04-24 |title=Human Organ Donations under the "Iranian Model": A Rewarding Scheme for U.S. Regulatory Reform? |url=https://journals.iupui.edu/index.php/ihlr/article/view/21140 |journal=Indiana Health Law Review |language=en |volume=13 |issue=1 |pages=82–118 |doi=10.18060/3911.0013 |issn=2374-2593}}</ref> Iran has been able to extend public health 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 remarkably. Iran's medical knowledge rank is 17th globally, and 1st in the Middle East and North Africa. In terms of medical science production index, Iran ranks 16th in the world.<ref>{{Cite web |last=kental_tour |date=2023-01-24 |title=Iran health care ranking |url=https://kentaltravel.com/blog/iran-health-care-ranking/ |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=Kental Travel |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Religion ===
{| class="wikitable" style="margin-left:1em; font-size: 88%; float:right; clear:right"
|+ Iranian people by religion, <br /> 2011 General Census Results<ref>{{Citation|url=http://www.amar.org.ir/Portals/0/Files/abstract/1390/n_sarshomari90_2.pdf|title=2011 General Census Selected Results|publisher=Statistical Center of Iran|isbn=978-964-365-827-4|page=26|year=2012}}</ref>
|- 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" | 99.3989%<br /><small>(90–95% Shia)</small> || style="text-align:right" | 74,682,938
|-
| ''Bahá'í Faith''<br />''(Estimated)''|| style="text-align:center" | ''0.4%'' || style="text-align:right" | ''300,000''
|-
| Christian || style="text-align:center" | 0.1566% || style="text-align:right" | 117,704
|-
| Zoroastrian || style="text-align:center" | 0.0336% || style="text-align:right" | 25,271
|-
| Jewish || style="text-align:center" | 0.0117% || style="text-align:right" | 8,756
|-
| Other || style="text-align:center" | 0.0653% || style="text-align:right" | 49,101
|-
| Undeclared || style="text-align:center" | 0.3538% || style="text-align:right" | 205,317
|}

[[Religion:Twelver|Twelver]] Shia Islam is the official [[Religion:State religion|state religion]], to which about 90% to 95%<ref>{{cite book|author=Walter Martin|title=Kingdom of the Cults, The|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Yra4KhlMBYQC&pg=PA421|access-date=24 June 2013|quote=Ninety-five percent of Iran's Muslims are Shi'ites.|year=2003|publisher=Baker Books|isbn=978-0-7642-2821-6|page=421}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Bhabani Sen Gupta|title=The Persian Gulf and South Asia: prospects and problems of inter-regional cooperation|quote=Shias constitute seventy-five percent of the population of the Gulf. Of this, ninety-five percent of Iranians and sixty of Iraqis are Shias.|year=1987|publisher=South Asian Publishers|isbn=978-81-7003-077-5|page=[https://archive.org/details/persiangulfsouth0000unse/page/158 158]|url=https://archive.org/details/persiangulfsouth0000unse/page/158}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-report-on-international-religious-freedom/iran/|title=Iran}}</ref> of the population adhere. The official motto of the country is "Allahu Akbar", the Islamic ''[[Religion:Takbir|takbir]]''.<ref name="Temperman2010">{{Cite book |last=Temperman |first=Jeroen |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Khag6tbsIn4C&pg=PA87 |title=State-Religion Relationships and Human Rights Law: Towards a Right to Religiously Neutral Governance |publisher=Brill |year=2010 |isbn=978-90-04-18148-9 |pages=87– |quote=The official motto of Iran is [the] ''[[Religion:Takbir|Takbir]]'' ('God is the Greatest' or 'God is Great'). Transliteration ''Allahu Akbar''. As referred to in art. 18 of the constitution of Iran (1979).}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Alimagham |first=Pouya |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pljPDwAAQBAJ&dq=allahu+akbar+motto+iran&pg=PA86 |title=Contesting the Iranian Revolution: The Green Uprisings |date=2020-03-19 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-1-108-47544-0 |language=en}}</ref> About 4% to 8% of the population are Sunni Muslims, mainly Kurds and Baloches. The remaining 2% are non-Muslim religious minorities, including Christians, Zoroastrians, Jews, Baháʼís, Mandaeans, and [[Unsolved:Yarsanism|Yarsanis]].<ref name="CIA" /><ref name="saving">{{cite web|last=Contrera |first=Russell |url=http://www.hollandsentinel.com/lifestyle/x1558731033/Saving-the-people-killing-the-faith |title=Saving the people, killing the faith |location=Holland, MI |work=The Holland Sentinel |access-date=7 March 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306012853/http://www.hollandsentinel.com/lifestyle/x1558731033/Saving-the-people-killing-the-faith |archive-date=6 March 2012 }}</ref>

A 2020 survey by the [[Organization:World Values Survey|World Values Survey]] found that 96.6% of Iranians believe in Islam.<ref name="worldvaluessurvey.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.worldvaluessurvey.org/WVSDocumentationWV7.jsp|title = WVS Database}}</ref> On the other hand, another 2020 survey conducted online by an organization based outside of Iran found a much smaller percentage of Iranians identifying as Muslim (32.2% as Shia, 5.0% as Sunni, and 3.2% as Sufi), and a significant fraction not identifying with any organised religion (22.2% identifying as "None," and some others identifying as [[Philosophy:Atheism|atheists]], [[Philosophy:Spiritual but not religious|spiritual]], [[Philosophy:Agnosticism|agnostics]], and [[Philosophy:Secular humanism|secular humanists]]).<ref name=gamaan-attitudes>{{cite web|date=9 September 2020|title=Iranians' attitudes toward religion: a 2020 survey report|url=https://gamaan.org/2020/09/09/gamaan-iran-religion-survey-2020/|access-date=10 September 2020|website=گَمان – گروه مطالعات افکارسنجی ایرانیان|language=fa-IR|archive-date=18 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918030115/https://gamaan.org/2020/09/09/gamaan-iran-religion-survey-2020/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=conversation-shift>{{cite web|last1=Maleki|first1=Ammar|last2=Arab|first2=Pooyan Tamimi|title=Iran's secular shift: new survey reveals huge changes in religious beliefs|url=http://theconversation.com/irans-secular-shift-new-survey-reveals-huge-changes-in-religious-beliefs-145253|access-date=11 September 2020|website=The Conversation|date=10 September 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=iranint-lost-2020>{{cite web|date=25 August 2020|title=Iranians have lost their faith according to survey|url=https://iranintl.com/en/iran/iranians-have-lost-their-faith-according-survey|access-date=11 September 2020|website=Iran International|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=A secular Iran? Study links political discontent with religious decline|url=https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/a-secular-iran-study-links-political-discontent-with-religious-decline-40229|access-date=3 December 2020|website=TRT}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=5 November 2020|title=Survey of 50,000 Iranians Finds Almost Half Are No Longer Religious|url=https://kayhanlife.com/authors/survey-of-50000-iranians-finds-almost-half-are-no-longer-religious/|access-date=3 December 2020|website=KAYHAN LIFE|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2021, Gamaan, a Dutch research group, conducted an online poll with around 50,000 Iranian respondents, revealing that roughly half reported a change or loss in their religious affiliation. Less than a third adhere to Sh'ia Islam. Despite the ban on proselytizing in the country, there is a noticeable surge in interest in non-Muslim faiths like Zoroastrianism, Christianity and the Baha'i Faith.<ref>{{Cite news |title=A religious revolution is under way in the Middle East |newspaper=The Economist |url=https://www.economist.com/international/2023/11/29/a-religious-revolution-is-under-way-in-the-middle-east |access-date=2023-12-18 |issn=0013-0613}}</ref> According to the CIA World Factbook, around 90–95% of Iranian Muslims associate themselves with the Shia branch of Islam, the official state religion, and about 5–10% with the Sunni and Sufi branches.<ref name="cia.gov">{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html|title=The World Factbook – Central Intelligence Agency|website=cia.gov|access-date=22 October 2019|archive-date=12 August 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080812233855/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Aliabadi |first1=Fatemeh Sadat Alavi |last2=Vasei |first2=Sayed Alireza |date=2021-08-12 |title=Persia, the Land of Shiite Faith: The Migration of Imam Ahl al-Bayt and the Encounter between Two Belief Systems in Persia |url=https://journal.uinsgd.ac.id/index.php/jw/article/view/13198 |journal=Wawasan: Jurnal Ilmiah Agama Dan Sosial Budaya |volume=6 |issue=1 |pages=55–66 |doi=10.15575/jw.v6i1.13198 |s2cid=237950777 |issn=2502-3489|doi-access=free }}</ref>
[[File:ImamReza(A).jpg|thumb|Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, the largest mosque in the world by area<ref>{{Cite news |last=Higgins |first=Andrew |date=2007-06-02 |title=Inside Iran's Holy Money Machine |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB118072271215621679 |access-date=2024-01-15 |work=Wall Street Journal |language=en-US |issn=0099-9660}}</ref>]]
There are a large population of adherents of [[Unsolved:Yarsanism|Yarsanism]], a Kurdish indigenous religion, making it the largest (unrecognised) minority religion in Iran. Its followers are mainly Gorani Kurds and certain groups of Lurs. They are based in Kurdistan Province, Kermanshah Province and Lorestan mainly.Christianity, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, and the Sunni branch of Islam are officially recognised by the government and have reserved seats in the Iranian Parliament.<ref name="Colin Brock p 99" /> Historically, early Iranian religions such as the Proto-Iranic religion and the subsequent [[Religion:Zoroastrianism|Zoroastrianism]] and [[Unsolved:Manichaeism|Manichaeism]] were the dominant religions in Iran, particularly during the Median, Achaemenid, Parthian, and Sasanian eras. This changed after the fall of the Sasanian Empire by the centuries-long [[Religion:Islamization of Iran|Islamization]] that followed the [[History:Muslim conquest of Persia|Muslim Conquest of Iran]]. Iran was predominantly Sunni until the conversion of the country (as well as the people of what is today the neighboring Republic of Azerbaijan) to Shia Islam by order of the Safavid dynasty in the 16th century.<ref name="Abdullah2014" />

Judaism has a long history in Iran, dating back to the Achaemenid conquest of Babylonia. Although many left in the wake of the establishment of the State of Israel and the 1979 Revolution, about 8,756<ref name=IranCensusMurder>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/jewish-woman-brutally-murdered-in-iran-over-property-dispute/#ixzz3Ac6duaqw |title=Jewish woman brutally murdered in Iran over property dispute|newspaper=The Times of Israel |date= 28 November 2012 |access-date=16 August 2014|quote=A government census published earlier this year indicated there were a mere 8,756 Jews left in Iran}}</ref> to 25,000<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sarshar|first1=Houman|title=JUDEO-PERSIAN COMMUNITIES i. INTRODUCTION|url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/judeo-persian-communities-of-iran-i-introduction|publisher=Encyclopedia Iranica|access-date=23 October 2016|date=30 November 2012}}</ref> Jewish people live in Iran. Iran has the largest Jewish population in the Middle East outside of Israel.<ref>{{cite web|title=In Iran, Mideast's largest Jewish population outside Israel finds new acceptance by officials|website=Fox News|url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/11/26/in-iran-mideast-largest-jewish-population-outside-israel-finds-new-acceptance|access-date=1 September 2015}}</ref>

{{Multiple image
| direction         = vertical
| image1            = Ghara kilisa(2).jpg
| width1            = 225
| caption1          = Monastery of Saint Thaddeus, one of the world's oldest church buildings
| alt1              = 
| image2            = Zoroastrian fire temple in Yazd.png
| width2            = 225
| caption2          = Fire Temple of Yazd, the most important Zoroastrian fire temple in the world
}}

Around 250,000 to 370,000 Christians reside in Iran,<ref name="Worldpopulationreview.com_November_29_2015c">{{cite web |url=http://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/iran-population/ |title=Iran Population 2015 |newspaper=World Population Review |date=2015 |access-date=29 November 2015}}</ref><ref>Country Information and Guidance "Christians and Christian converts, Iran" December 2014. p.9</ref> and Christianity is the country's largest recognised minority religion.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.amar.org.ir/Portals/0/Files/abstract/1390/n_sarshomari90_2.pdf |title=2011 General Census Selected Results |publisher=Statistical Center of Iran |isbn=978-964-365-827-4 |page=26 |year=2012}}</ref> Most are of Armenian background, as well as a sizable minority of Assyrians.<ref name="IRFR2009-Iran">{{cite web |author=U.S. State Department |title=Iran – International Religious Freedom Report 2009 |publisher=The Office of Electronic Information, Bureau of Public Affair |date=26 October 2009 |url=https://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2009/127347.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091029231558/http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2009/127347.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 October 2009}}</ref> A large number of Iranians have converted to Christianity from the predominant [[Religion:Shia Islam|Shia Islam]].<ref name="Sanasarian200044">Sanasarian, Eliz (2000). ''Religious Minorities in Iran'' (Cambridge Middle East Studies). {{wipe|Cambridge University Press}} {{ISBN|0-521-77073-4}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.state.gov/reports/2019-report-on-international-religious-freedom/iran/|title=2019 Report on International Religious Freedom: Iran|website=U.S. Department of State}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Johnstone |first1=Patrick|last2=Miller|first2=Duane Alexander|title=Believers in Christ from a Muslim Background: A Global Census|journal=Interdisciplinary Journal of Research on Religion|date=2015|volume=11|page=8 |url=https://www.academia.edu/16338087|access-date=30 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.justice.gov/eoir/page/file/1253351/download|title=Iran: Christians and Christian converts – Department of Justice|website=/www.justice.gov|access-date=5 August 2022|archive-date=1 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101033507/https://www.justice.gov/eoir/page/file/1253351/download|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The [[Social:Baháʼí Faith|Baháʼí Faith]] is not officially recognized and has been subject to official persecution.<ref name="fdih2">{{cite web|date=1 August 2003|title=Discrimination against religious minorities in Iran|author=International Federation for Human Rights|publisher=fdih.org|access-date=3 September 2020|url=http://www.fidh.org/IMG/pdf/ir0108a.pdf|page=6}}</ref> According to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran, Baháʼís are the largest non-Muslim religious minority in Iran, with an estimated 350,000 adherents.<ref name="UNSRHRI">{{cite conference |title=Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran |first=Javaid |last=Rehman |date=18 July 2019 |url=https://undocs.org/en/A/74/188 |conference=74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly |publisher=United Nations| location=New York |access-date=3 September 2020 |page=13}}</ref> Since the 1979 Revolution, the persecution of Baháʼís has increased.<ref name="fdih2" /><ref name="ihrdc">{{cite web |author=Iran Human Rights Documentation Center|year=2007 |publisher=Iran Human Rights Documentation Center|title=A Faith Denied: The Persecution of the Bahá'ís of Iran |url=http://www.iranhrdc.org/english/pdfs/Reports/bahai_report.pdf |access-date=19 March 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070611140854/http://www.iranhrdc.org/english/pdfs/Reports/bahai_report.pdf|archive-date=11 June 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Kamali |first=Saeed |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/feb/27/bahai-student-expelled-iranian-university |title=Bahá'í student expelled from Iranian university 'on grounds of religion' |newspaper=The Guardian|date=27 February 2013 |access-date=21 June 2013}}</ref>

Iranian officials have continued to support the rebuilding and renovation of Armenian churches in Iran. The Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran has also received continued support. In 2019, the Iranian government registered the Holy Savior Cathedral, commonly referred to as Vank Cathedral, in the New Julfa district of [[Place:Isfahan|Isfahan]], as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with significant expenditures for its congregation. Currently three Armenian churches in Iran have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.<ref>[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.</ref><ref>[https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1262/ Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran]. ''Unesco.org''. Retrieved 25 April 2021.</ref>

== Culture ==


=== Art ===

The art of Iran encompasses many disciplines, including architecture, stonemasonry, [[Chemistry:Metalworking|metalworking]], weaving, pottery, painting, and calligraphy. Iranian works of art show a great variety in style, in different regions and periods.<ref>{{cite book |first1=F. |last1=Hole |first2=K. V. |last2=Flannery |title=Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society |date=1968}}</ref> The art of the Medes remains obscure, but has been theoretically attributed to the Scythian style.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |encyclopedia=[[Encyclopædia Iranica]] |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/art-in-iran-ii-median |title=Art in Iran |trans-title=ii. Median Art and Architecture |volume=II |pages=565–569 |access-date=18 July 2017}}</ref> The Achaemenids borrowed heavily from the art of their neighboring civilizations,<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FNLsjZuatMsC |title=Achaemenid Culture and Local Traditions in Anatolia, Southern Caucasus and Iran: New Discoveries |first1=Askolʹd Igorevich |first2=Vaxtang |last1=Ivanchik |last2=Ličʻeli |publisher=BRILL |page=117 |year=2007|isbn=978-90-04-16328-7 }}</ref> but produced a synthesis of a unique style,<ref>{{cite book| author1=Lipiński, Edward |author2=Van Lerberghe, Karel |author3=Schoors, Antoon |title=Immigration and emigration within the ancient Near East |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=thIxCmwfNoMC |year=1995 |publisher=Peeters Publishers |isbn=978-90-6831-727-5 |page=119}}</ref> with an eclectic architecture remaining at sites such as Persepolis and Pasargadae. Greek iconography was imported by the [[Place:Seleucid Empire|Seleucids]], followed by the recombination of Hellenistic and earlier Near Eastern elements in the art of the Parthians,<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/art-in-iran-iv-parthian |encyclopedia=[[Encyclopædia Iranica]] |volume=II |pages=580–585 |title=ART IN IRAN |trans-title=iv. Parthian Art }}</ref> with remains such as the [[Biology:Temple of Anahita, Kangavar|Temple of Anahita]] and the Statue of the Parthian Nobleman.

By the time of the Sasanians, Iranian art came across a general renaissance.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Sasanian-dynasty |title=Sāsānian dynasty |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |date=18 July 2017 |quote=Under the Sāsānians Iranian art experienced a general renaissance.}}</ref> Taq-e-Bostan, Taq-e-Kasra, Naqsh-e-Rostam, and the Shapur-Khwast Castle are among the surviving monuments from the Sasanian period. During the Middle Ages, Sasanian art played a prominent role in the formation of both European and Asian medieval art, which carried forward to the Islamic world, and much of what later became known as Islamic learning—including medicine, architecture, philosophy, [[Philology|philology]], and [[Religion:Islamic literature|literature]]—were of Sasanian basis.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parstimes.com/history/title.html |title=Iran – A country study |publisher=Parstimes.com |access-date=18 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.levity.com/alchemy/islam16.html |title=History of Islamic Science 5 |publisher=Levity.com |access-date=18 June 2011}}</ref><ref name="Iran in Britannica">{{cite encyclopedia |last=Afary |first=Janet |title=Iran |year=2006 |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |access-date=29 October 2007 |url=https://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9106324/Iran}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Iranica |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/art-in-iran-xii-iranian-pre-islamic-elements-in-islamic-art |title=Art in Iran |trans-title=xii. Iranian Pre-Islamic Elements in Islamic Art |volume=II |pages=549–646 |access-date=15 July 2017}}</ref>
The Safavid era is known as the ''Golden Age'' of Iranian art.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q6i8NQAACAAJ |author=Canby, Sheila R. |publisher=British Museum Press |year=2002 |title=The Golden Age of Persian Art: 1501–1722|isbn=978-0-7141-2404-9 }}</ref> Safavid art exerted noticeable influences upon the neighboring [[Place:Ottoman Empire|Ottomans]], the Mughals, and the Deccans, and was also influential through its fashion and garden architecture on 11th–17th-century Europe.
[[File:Mirror Hall by Kamal-ol-molk.JPG|thumb|Kamal-ol-molk's ''Mirror Hall of Golestan Palace,'' often considered a starting point in Iranian modern art<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Iranica|url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/kamal-al-molk-mohammad-gaffari |title=Kamāl-al-Molk, Moḥammad Ḡaffāri |volume=XV |pages=417–433 |access-date=13 July 2017}}</ref>]]
Iran's contemporary art traces its origins back to the time of Kamal-ol-molk,<ref name="IrMo">{{cite encyclopedia |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Iranica|url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/art-in-iran-xi-post-qajar- |title=Art in Iran|trans-title=xi. Post-Qajar (Painting) |volume=II |pages=640–646 |access-date=15 July 2017}}</ref> a prominent realist painter at the court of the Qajar dynasty who affected the norms of painting and adopted a naturalistic style that would compete with photographic works. A new Iranian school of fine art was established by Kamal-ol-Molk in 1928,<ref name="IrMo" /> and was followed by the so-called "coffeehouse" style of painting.

Iran's [[Philosophy:Avant-garde|avant-garde]] modernists emerged by the arrival of new western influences during World War II.<ref name="IrMo" /> The vibrant contemporary art scene originates in the late 1940s, and Tehran's first modern art gallery, Apadana, was opened in September 1949 by painters Mahmud Javadipur, Hosein Kazemi, and Hushang Ajudani.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cSKMk4dmPVwC |title=Picturing Iran |trans-title=Art, Society and Revolution |first1=Lynn |last1=Gumpert |first2=Shiva |last2=Balaghi |page=48 |year=2002 |publisher=I.B. Tauris|isbn=978-1-86064-883-0 }}</ref> The new movements received official encouragement by the mid-1950s,<ref name="IrMo" /> which led to the emergence of artists such as Marcos Grigorian.<ref>{{cite web |title=Art in America: Modernity and revolution: a recent show of Iranian art focused on the turbulent time from 1960 to 1980, juxtaposing formally inventive works of art with politically charged photographs and posters – Art & Politics – Between Word and Image: Modern Iranian Visual Culture|date=25 November 2004 |website=looksmart |url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1248/is_2_91/ai_97551434 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041125121857/http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1248/is_2_91/ai_97551434|archive-date=25 November 2004}}</ref>

=== Architecture ===

[[File:Naghshe Jahan Square Isfahan modified.jpg|thumb|Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan, UNESCO World Heritage Site.]]
The history of architecture in Iran goes back to the seventh millennium BC,<ref>{{cite book |author=Pope, Arthur Upham |title=Introducing Persian Architecture |publisher=[[Organization:Oxford University Press|Oxford University Press]] |location=London |date=1971|author-link=Arthur Upham Pope }}</ref> and the Iranians made early use of [[Mathematics|mathematics]], [[Geometry|geometry]] and [[Astronomy:Astronomy|astronomy]] in their architecture, yielding a tradition with both great structural and aesthetic variety developed out of earlier forms.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> The guiding motif of Iranian architecture is its cosmic symbolism.<ref>{{cite book |author1=Ardalan, Nader |author2=[[Biography:Laleh Bakhtiar|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}}</ref> Iran ranks seventh among [[Organization:UNESCO|UNESCO]]'s list of countries with the most archaeological ruins and attractions from antiquity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www1.american.edu/ted/iran-tour.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124090123/http://www1.american.edu/ted/iran-tour.htm|archive-date=24 November 2010 |title=Virtual Conference |publisher=American.edu |access-date=18 June 2011}}</ref>

=== Weaving ===

Iran's carpet-weaving has its origins in the [[History:Bronze Age|Bronze Age]] and is one of the most distinguished manifestations of Iranian art. Iran is the world's largest producer and exporter of handmade carpets, producing three-quarters of the world's total output and having a share of 30% of world's export markets.<ref name="Goswami2009">{{cite book|author=K K Goswami|title=Advances in Carpet Manufacture|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-cekAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA148|year=2009|publisher=Elsevier|isbn=978-1-84569-585-9|page=148}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Khalaj |first=Mehrnosh |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/5a5c0444-1669-11df-bf44-00144feab49a.html?ftcamp=rss |title=Iran's oldest craft left behind |publisher=Financial Times |date=10 February 2010 |access-date=4 October 2013|url-access=subscription}}</ref> In 2010, the "traditional skills of carpet weaving" in Fars Province and Kashan were inscribed to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.<ref>{{Cite web |title=UNESCO - Traditional skills of carpet weaving in Fars |url=https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/traditional-skills-of-carpet-weaving-in-fars-00382 |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=ich.unesco.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=UNESCO - Traditional skills of carpet weaving in Kashan |url=https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/traditional-skills-of-carpet-weaving-in-kashan-00383 |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=ich.unesco.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-12-08 |title=Iran's carpet washing ritual registered on UNESCO representative list |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/53059/Iran-s-carpet-washing-ritual-registered-on-UNESCO-representative |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en}}</ref>

=== Literature ===
[[File:Hafez_880714_095.jpg|thumb|Tomb of Hafez, a medieval Persian poet]]
Iran's oldest literary tradition is that of [[Social:Avestan|Avestan]], the Old Iranian [[Social:Sacred language|sacred language]] of the [[Social:Avesta|Avesta]], which consists of the legendary and religious texts of [[Religion:Zoroastrianism|Zoroastrianism]] and the ancient Iranian religion, with its earliest records dating back to the pre-Achaemenid times.<ref>{{cite journal |journal=Indo-Iranian Journal |title=A Glossary of Terms for Weapons and Armor in Old Iranian|first=W.W. |last=Malandra |volume=15 |issue=4|pages=264–289|year=1973 |location=Philadelphia |publisher=Brill |jstor=24651454|doi=10.1163/000000073790079071|s2cid=162194727}}</ref>

Of the various modern languages used in Iran, [[Social:Persian language|Persian]], various dialects of which are spoken throughout the Iranian Plateau,<ref>Arthur John Arberry, ''The Legacy of Persia'', Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1953, {{ISBN|0-19-821905-9}}, p. 200.</ref><ref>Von David Levinson; Karen Christensen, ''Encyclopedia of Modern Asia'', Charles Scribner's Sons. 2002 p. 48</ref> has the most influential literature. Persian has been dubbed as a worthy language to serve as a conduit for poetry, and is considered one of the four main bodies of world literature.<ref>{{cite book |author1=David Levinson |author2=Karen Christensen |title=Encyclopedia of Modern Asia: Iaido to Malay |url=https://archive.org/details/encyclopediamode02levi_463 |url-access=limited |year=2002 |publisher=Charles Scribner's Sons |isbn=978-0-684-80617-4 |page=[https://archive.org/details/encyclopediamode02levi_463/page/n97 48]}}</ref> Despite originating from the region of Persis (better known as ''Persia'') in southwestern Iran, the Persian language was used and developed further through [[Social:Persianate society|Persianate societies]] in [[Earth:Anatolia|Asia Minor]], [[Place:Central Asia|Central Asia]], and [[Place:South Asia|South Asia]], leaving massive influences on Ottoman and Mughal literatures, among others.

Iran has a number of famous medieval poets, most notably [[Biography:Rumi|Rumi]], Ferdowsi, Hafez, [[Biography:Saadi Shirazi|Sa'adi]], [[Biography:Omar Khayyam|Omar Khayyam]], and Nezami Ganjavi.<ref>{{cite book|author=François de Blois |title=Persian Literature: A Bio-bibliographical Survey|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=F-lH8aQ9-HsC&pg=363|access-date=21 June 2013|volume=5|date=April 2004|publisher=Routledge|quote=Nizami Ganja'i, whose personal name was Ilyas, is the most celebrated native poet of the Persians after Firdausi.|isbn=978-0-947593-47-6|page=363}}</ref> Iranian literature also inspired writers such as [[Biography:Johann Wolfgang von Goethe|Johann Wolfgang von Goethe]], [[Biography:Henry David Thoreau|Henry David Thoreau]], and [[Biography:Ralph Waldo Emerson|Ralph Waldo Emerson]].<ref name="Paul Kane2">{{cite journal |author=Paul Kane |year=2009 |title=Emerson and Hafiz: The Figure of the Religious Poet |journal=Religion & Literature |volume=41 |issue=1 |pages=111–139 |jstor=25676860}}</ref><ref name="Shafiq Shamel2">{{cite book |author=Shafiq Shamel |title=Goethe and Hafiz: Poetry and History in the West-östlicher Diwan}}</ref><ref name="Adineh Khojasteh Pour and Behnam Mirza Baba Zadeh">{{cite book |author1=Adineh Khojasteh Pour |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ivk_CwAAQBAJ |title=Socrates: Vol 2, No 1 (2014): Issue – March – Section 07. The Reception of Classical Persian Poetry in Anglophone World: Problems and Solutions |author2=Behnam Mirza Baba Zadeh |date=28 March 2014 |access-date=26 October 2015}}</ref>

=== World Heritage Sites ===
Before the Iranian Revolution, Persepolis, Naghsh-e Jahan Square, and Chogha Zanbil were the only three UNESCO-listed monuments.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fajrak |first=Farnaz |date=2023-10-28 |title=7 Iran most famous UNESCO world heritage sites |url=https://www.adventureiran.com/7-iran-most-famous-unesco-world-heritage-site/ |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=ADVENTURE IRAN Official Website - Iranian Tour Operator and Travel Agency |language=en-US}}</ref> Today, with 27 sites, Iran ranks 10th globally in terms of historical monuments and sites registered on the UNESCO World Heritage list.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-09-07 |title=Iran ranks 10th at UNESCO world heritage registration list |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/163202/Iran-ranks-10th-at-UNESCO-world-heritage-registration-list |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en}}</ref> These include Pasargadae, Golestan Palace, Arg-e Bam, Behistun Inscription, Shahr-e Sukhteh, Susa, Takht-e Soleyman, Hyrcanian forests, the city of [[Place:Yazd|Yazd]] and more. Iran also has 24 [[Social:Intangible cultural heritage|Intangible Cultural Heritage]], or "Human treasures", which ranks 5th worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-08 |title=Iran secures 5th place worldwide for UNESCO-listed intangible treasures |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/492297/Iran-secures-5th-place-worldwide-for-UNESCO-listed-intangible |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=Tehran Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=asadian |date=2023-12-06 |title=Iran Reached 5th in UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list |url=https://en.shafaqna.com/340309/iran-reached-5th-rank-in-unesco-intangible-cultural-heritage-list/ |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=International Shia News Agency |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Dance ===
[[File:Dancers on a piece of ceramic from CheshmeAli, Iran, 5000 BC, Louvre.jpg|thumb|Dancers on a piece of ceramic from Cheshmeh-Ali (Shahr-e-Rey), Iran, 5000 BC.|left]]
The people of the [[Place:Iranian Plateau|Iranian plateau]] have known dance in the forms of music, play, drama or religious rituals and have used instruments like mask, costumes of animals or plants, and musical instruments for rhythm, at least since the 6th millennium BC. Artifacts with pictures of dancers, players or actors were found in many archaeological prehistoric sites in Iran. Genres of dance in Iran vary depending on the area, culture, and language of the local people, and can range from sophisticated reconstructions of refined court dances to energetic [[Social:Folk dance|folk dance]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-12 |title=A Brief Introduction to Iranian Dance |url=http://www.laurelvictoriagray.com/persian-dance.html |website=Laurel Victoria Gray}}</ref> The population of Iran includes many ethnicities, in addition to numerous Iranian tribal groups which can be found within the borders of modern-day Iran. Each group, region, and historical epoch has specific dance styles associated with it. The earliest researched dance from historic Iran is a dance worshiping Mithra. This dance was to promote vigor in life. Ancient Persian dance was significantly researched by Greek historian from Herodotus in his work Book IX (Calliope), in which he describes the history of Asian empires and Persian wars until 478 BC. Iran was occupied by foreign powers, first Greeks, then Arabs, and then Mongols and in turn political instability and civil wars occurred. Throughout these changes a slow disappearance of heritage dance traditions occurred. The Qajar dynasty 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 the court of the king 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. In 1928, ballet came to Iran and impacted dance performance, adding a feeling of lightness and more delicate footwork. [[Social:Artifact (archaeology)|Artifacts]] with pictures of dancers, players or actors were found in many [[Earth:Archaeology|archaeological]] [[History:Prehistory|prehistoric]] sites in Iran, like Tepe Sabz, Ja'far Abad, Chogha Mish, Tall-e Jari,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foundation |first=Encyclopaedia Iranica |title=Welcome to Encyclopaedia Iranica |url=https://iranicaonline.org/ |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=iranicaonline.org |language=en-US}}</ref> Cheshmeh Ali, Ismaeel Abad, Tal-e bakun, Tepe Sialk, Tepe Musian, tepe Yahya, Shahdad, Tepe Gian, Kul Farah, Susa, Kok Tepe, Cemeteries of Luristan, etc.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=طاهری |first=صدرالدین |date=2012-06-21 |title=«رقـص، بـازی، نمـایش» بررسی کنش های نمایشی در آثار پیش از اسلام ایران |url=https://jfadram.ut.ac.ir/article_24776.html |journal=نشریه هنرهای زیبا: هنرهای نمایشی و موسیقی |language=fa |volume=3 |issue=43 |pages=41–49 |doi=10.22059/jfadram.2012.24776 |issn=2228-6012}}</ref>

=== Philosophy ===
Iranian philosophy originates from Indo-European roots, with [[Biography:Zoroaster|Zoroaster]]'s reforms having major influences. According to ''The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy'', the chronology of the subject and science of philosophy starts with the Indo-Iranians, dating this event to 1500 BC.

The Cyrus Cylinder, which is known as "the first charter of [[Philosophy:Human rights|human rights]]", is often seen as a reflection of the questions and thoughts expressed by Zoroaster and developed in Zoroastrian schools of the Achaemenid era.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |editor=Kreyenbroek, Philip G. |title=Morals and Society in Zoroastrian Philosophy" in "Persian Philosophy |encyclopedia=Companion Encyclopedia of Asian Philosophy |first1=Brian |last1=Carr |first2=Indira |last2=Mahalingam |publisher=Routledge |year=2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |editor=Boyce, Mary |title=The Origins of Zoroastrian Philosophy" in "Persian Philosophy |encyclopedia=Companion Encyclopedia of Asian Philosophy |first1=Brian |last1=Carr |first2=Indira |last2=Mahalingam |publisher=Routledge |year=2009}}</ref> The earliest tenets of Zoroastrian schools are part of the extant scriptures of the Zoroastrian religion in [[Social:Avestan|Avestan]]. Among them are treatises such as the Zatspram, [[Religion:Shikand-gumanig Vizar|Shkand-gumanik Vizar]], and [[Religion:Denkard|Denkard]], as well as older passages of the Avesta and the [[Religion:Gathas|Gathas]].<ref>{{cite book |title=An Anthology of Philosophy in Persia: From Zoroaster to Omar Khayyam |first1=S.H. |last1=Nasr |first2=M. |last2=Aminrazavi |publisher=I.B. Tauris |year=2008 |isbn=978-1-84511-541-8}}</ref> Contemporary Iranian philosophy has been limited in its scope by the intellectual repression in the country.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Ayatollahy|first=Hamidreza|title=Philosophy in Contemporary Iran|journal=Revista Portuguesa de Filosofia|year=2006|volume=62|issue=2/4|pages=811–816|jstor=40419494}}</ref> Scholars Pavilion is a monument donated by Iran to the United Nations Office at Vienna. The monument architecture is Persian Achaemenid architecture, with the statues of Iranian medieval scholars, [[Biography:Omar Khayyam|Omar Khayyam]], [[Biography:Al-Biruni|Al-Biruni]], Rhazes and [[Biography:Avicenna|Avicenna]] inside the pavilion.<ref>{{Cite web |title=United Nations Information Service Vienna |url=https://unis.unvienna.org/unis/en/index.html |access-date=2024-01-27 |website=United Nations : Information Service Vienna |language=en}}</ref>

=== Folklore ===
[[File:Rostam and Sohrab Statue 01.jpg|thumb|Statue of Rostam and Sohrab tragedy, two of the greatest Persian heroes, in Sabzevar.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rustam, mythological Iranian hero |url=http://www.ferdowsihotel.com/Blog/PostDetails/32/Rustam-mythological-Iranian-hero |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=www.ferdowsihotel.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rostam, the Hero of Heroes |url=https://irantour.tours/iran-blog/rostam,-the-hero-of-heroes.html |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=irantour.tours}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-10-30 |title=Rostam and Sohrab: 'A Story Filling the Eyes with Tears' |url=https://www.leidenmedievalistsblog.nl/articles/rostam-and-sohrab-a-story-filling-the-eyes-with-tears |access-date=2024-01-19 |website=www.leidenmedievalistsblog.nl |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=نصب تندیس رستم و سهراب در باغ ملی سبزوار: پايگاه خبري سبزوار پيام |url=http://www.sabzevarpayam.com/news.php?id=5824 |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=www.sabzevarpayam.com}}</ref>]]
Iranian folklore encompasses the folk traditions that have evolved in [[Place:Greater Iran|Greater Iran]], which contains numerous folktales, heroes and creatures. [[Social:Storytelling|Storytelling]] has an significant presence in Iranian folkrole and culture.<ref name="auto6">{{Cite web |last=Foundation |first=Encyclopaedia Iranica |title=Welcome to Encyclopaedia Iranica |url=https://iranicaonline.org/ |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=iranicaonline.org |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=UNESCO - Naqqāli, Iranian dramatic story-telling |url=https://ich.unesco.org/en/USL/naqqli-iranian-dramatic-story-telling-00535 |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=ich.unesco.org |language=en}}</ref> In classical Iran, minstrels performed for their audiences at royal courts<ref name="auto6"/> and in public theaters.<ref name="auto6"/><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-20 |title=Persian Poetry and Its Evolution in Pre-Islamic Royal Courts |url=https://old.saednews.com/en/post/persian-poetry-and-its-evolution-in-pre-islamic-royal-courts |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=old.saednews.com |language=fa}}</ref> A minstrel was referred to by the [[History:Parthian Empire|Parthians]] as gōsān in Parthia, and by the Sasanians as huniyāgar in [[Social:Middle Persian|Middle Persian]].<ref name="auto6"/><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-15 |title=MYTHOLOGIES OF PERSIA (IRAN) |url=https://indigenouspeoplenet.wordpress.com/2023/02/14/mythologies-of-persia-iran/ |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=Indigenous Peoples Literature |language=en}}</ref> Since the time of the [[Place:Safavid Iran|Safavid Empire]], storytellers and poetry readers appeared at coffeehouses.<ref name="auto6"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Khandwala |first=Anoushka |date=2021-03-30 |title=From the Grounds Up: Coffeeshops and the History of Iranian Art |url=https://elephant.art/from-the-grounds-up-coffeeshops-and-the-history-of-iranian-art-30032021/ |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=ELEPHANT |language=en-US}}</ref> The beginning of folklore studies can be detected to the 18th century by western scholars.<ref>{{Citation |last1=Marzolph |first1=Ulrich |title=FOLKLORE STUDIES |date=2020-08-11 |url=https://referenceworks.brillonline.com/entries/encyclopaedia-iranica-online/*-COM_10371 |encyclopedia=Encyclopaedia Iranica Online |access-date=2024-01-14 |publisher=Brill |language=en |doi=10.1163/2330-4804_eiro_com_10371 |last2=Mills |first2=Margaret A. |last3=Ahrary |first3=Abdul Ali}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |last=Marzolph |first=Ulrich |title=FOLKLORE STUDIES |date=2020-08-11 |work=Encyclopaedia Iranica Online |url=https://referenceworks.brillonline.com/entries/encyclopaedia-iranica-online/*-COM_10371 |access-date=2024-01-31 |publisher=Brill |language=en |doi=10.1163/2330-4804_eiro_com_10371 |last2=Mills |first2=Margaret A. |last3=Ahrary |first3=Abdul Ali}}</ref> Studies by Iranians did not start until the third decade of the 20th century,<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Alizadeh |first=Yass |date=2014-12-09 |title=Tales that Tell All: A Political Analysis of Folktales of Iran |url=https://digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/dissertations/610 |journal=Doctoral Dissertations}}</ref> when strong nationalist feelings coincided among the people, and the studies started to thrive in mid-1970s.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Marzolph |first=Ulrich |date=1998 |title=What Is Folklore Good for? On Dealing with Undesirable Cultural Expression |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/3814782 |journal=Journal of Folklore Research |volume=35 |issue=1 |pages=5–16 |jstor=3814782 |issn=0737-7037}}</ref> After the Iranian Revolution, it took until 1985 to found the MCHTH (Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran Cultural Heritage, Handcraft and Tourism Organization |url=https://www.loc.gov/item/lcwaN0016051/ |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=Library of Congress}}</ref> a now heavily centralized organization, supervising all kinds of cultural activities, encompassing [[Earth:Archaeology|archeology]], [[Social:Anthropology|anthropology]] and [[Social:Folklore|folklore]]. Its also held the first scientific meeting on anthropology and folklore in 1990.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran Cultural Heritage, Handcraft and Tourism Organization |url=https://www.loc.gov/item/lcwaN0016051/ |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA}}</ref>

=== Mythology ===

[[File:Persepolis_griffin_capitals.jpg|thumb|The Huma, a mythical bird of Persian legends and fables.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nair |first=Nitten |date=2022-01-21 |title=Huma Bird : The Bird of Fortune |url=https://mythlok.com/huma-bird/ |access-date=2023-12-26 |website=Mythlok |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Huma Bird of Iranian Legend – Cultured Chef |url=https://www.culturedchef.com/the-huma-bird-of-iranian-legend/ |access-date=2023-12-26 |language=en-US}}</ref>]]
Iranian mythology consists of ancient Iranian folklore and stories of extraordinary beings reflecting on [[Good and evil|good and evil]] ([[Religion:Ahura Mazda|Ahura Mazda]] and [[Unsolved:Ahriman|Ahriman]]), actions of the gods, and the exploits of heroes and fabulous creatures. The tenth-century Persian poet, Ferdowsi, is the author of the epic poem known as the ''Šāhnāme'' ("Book of Kings"), which is for the most part based on ''Xwadāynāmag'', a [[Social:Middle Persian|Middle Persian]] compilation of the history of Iranian kings and heroes from mythical times down to the reign of Chosroes II.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ferdowsi#ref69128 |title=Ferdowsī |author=Boyle, John Andrew |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |access-date=18 July 2017}}</ref> The Shahnameh is considered the national epic of Iran and draws heavily on the stories and characters of the [[Religion:Zoroastrianism|Zoroastrian]] tradition, from the texts of the [[Social:Avesta|Avesta]], the [[Religion:Denkard|Denkard]], the [[Religion:Vendidad|Vendidad]] and the [[Religion:Bundahishn|Bundahishn]].

=== Music ===


Iran is the apparent birthplace of the earliest complex instruments, dating back to the third millennium BC.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/music-history-i-pre-islamic-iran |title=Music History |trans-title=i. Third Millennium B.C.E. |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Iranica |last1=Foundation |first1=Encyclopaedia Iranica }}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=The current source is tertiary|date=January 2024}} The use of angular harps have been documented at the sites Madaktu and Kul-e Farah, with the largest collection of [[Place:Elam|Elam]]ite instruments documented at Kul-e Farah.
[[File:Museum of Persepolis Darafsh (16) (cropped).JPG|thumb|[[Engineering:Zurna|Karna]], an ancient Iranian musical instrument from the sixth century BC, kept at the Persepolis Museum.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-26 |title=2600-Year-Old Instrument on Display in Persepolis Museum |url=https://ifpnews.com/2600-year-old-instrument-display-persepolis-museum/ |website=IFP News}}</ref>]]
[[Biography:Xenophon|Xenophon]]'s ''Cyropaedia'' mentions a great number of singing women at the court of the [[Place:Achaemenid Empire|Achaemenid Empire]]. Athenaeus of Naucratis, in his ''Deipnosophistae'', points out to the capture of Achaemenid singing girls at the court of the last Achaemenid king Darius III (336–330 BC) by [[Place:Macedonia (ancient kingdom)|Macedonian]] general Parmenion. Under the [[History:Parthian Empire|Parthian Empire]], the ''gōsān'' ([[Social:Parthian language|Parthian]] for "minstrel") had a prominent role in the society.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |encyclopedia=[[Encyclopædia Iranica]] |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/gosan |title=GŌSĀN |volume=Xi |pages=167–170 |access-date=15 July 2017}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=The current source is tertiary|date=January 2024}}

The history of Sasanian music is better documented than the earlier periods and is especially more evident in Avestan texts.<ref name=EI-mhphi>{{harv|Lawergren|2009}} iv. First millennium C.E. (1) Sasanian music, 224–651.</ref> By the time of Chosroes II, the Sasanian royal court hosted a number of prominent musicians, namely Azad, Bamshad, Barbad, Nagisa, Ramtin, and Sarkash.

Iranian traditional musical instruments include string instruments such as chang ([[Engineering:Harp|harp]]), [[Engineering:Qanun (instrument)|qanun]], santur, rud ([[Engineering:Oud|oud]], barbat), tar, dotar, setar, tanbur, and [[Engineering:Kamancheh|kamanche]], wind instruments such as sorna ([[Engineering:Zurna|zurna]], karna) and [[Engineering:Ney|ney]], and percussion instruments such as tompak, kus, daf (dayere), and [[Engineering:Naqareh|naqare]].

Iran's first symphony orchestra, the Tehran Symphony Orchestra, was founded by Qolam-Hoseyn Minbashian in 1933. It was reformed by Parviz Mahmoud in 1946 and is currently Iran's oldest and largest symphony orchestra. Later, by the late 1940s, Ruhollah Khaleqi founded the country's first national music society and established the School of National Music in 1949.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/arts/story/2006/11/061113_pm-mk-khaleghi.shtml|title=BBCPersian.com|work=BBC|access-date=26 October 2015}}</ref>

Iranian pop music has its origins in the Qajar era.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iranchamber.com/music/articles/pop_music_iran.php|title=Iran Chamber Society: Music of Iran: Pop Music in Iran|work=iranchamber.com|access-date=26 October 2015}}</ref> It was significantly developed since the 1950s, using indigenous instruments and forms accompanied by [[Engineering:Electric guitar|electric guitar]] and other imported characteristics. The emergence of genres such as rock in the 1960s and hip hop in the 2000s also resulted in major movements and influences in Iranian music.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://observers.france24.com/content/20130826-iranian-youth-dance-hip-hop |title=Iran's underground hip hop dance scene &#124; The FRANCE 24 Observers |publisher=Observers.france24.com |date=29 August 2013 |access-date=24 February 2014 |archive-date=28 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228082137/http://observers.france24.com/content/20130826-iranian-youth-dance-hip-hop |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |script-title=fa:'اسکورپیو' در آپارات |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/arts/2013/02/130227_aprat_week_09.shtml |publisher=BBC Persian }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Rebels-of-rap-reign-in-Iran-3287827.php|title=Rebels of rap reign in Iran|work=SFGate|date=16 April 2008|access-date=26 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/irans-illegal-rappers-want-cultural-revolution-774943.html|title=Iran's 'illegal' rappers want cultural revolution|author=Anuj Chopra in Tehran|date=28 January 2008|work=The Independent|access-date=26 October 2015|archive-date=3 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003200940/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/irans-illegal-rappers-want-cultural-revolution-774943.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Theater ===


The earliest recorded representations of dancing figures within Iran were found in prehistoric sites such as Tepe Sialk and Tepe Mūsīān.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/dance-raqs |title=Dance |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Iranica|access-date=26 October 2015}}</ref> The oldest Iranian initiation of theater and the phenomena of acting can be traced in the ancient epic ceremonial theaters such as ''Sug-e Siāvuš'' ("mourning of Siāvaš"), as well as dances and theater narrations of Iranian mythological tales reported by Herodotus and [[Biography:Xenophon|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 (in which the central comedian appears in blackface), Sāye-bāzi (shadow play), Xeyme-šab-bāzi (marionette), and Arusak-bāzi (puppetry), and Ta'zie (religious tragedy plays).<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/drama |title=DRAMA |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Iranica|access-date=20 July 2017 |volume=VII |pages=529–535}}</ref>

Before the 1979 Revolution, the Iranian national stage had become a famous performing scene for known international artists and troupes,<ref>{{cite book |author=Kiann, Nima |date=2015 |title=The History of Ballet in Iran |location=Wiesbaden |publisher=Reichert Publishing}}</ref> with the Roudaki Hall of Tehran constructed to function as the national stage for opera and ballet. Opened on 26 October 1967, the 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 1979 Revolution.

=== Cinema and animation ===
<!--- Caution should be taken to ensure that the sections are not simply a listing of names or mini biographies of individuals accomplishments.--->
[[File:Vase animation.svg|thumb|upright=1.15|Reproduction of the third-millennium BC goblet from Shahr-e Sukhteh, Iran, possibly the world's oldest example of animation, kept at the National Museum of Iran<ref>{{cite web|date=19 March 2017|title=کهن‌ترین انیمیشن جهان کجاست؟|url=https://www.isna.ir/news/95122817773/کهن-ترین-انیمیشن-جهان-کجاست|access-date=2 June 2020|website=ایسنا|language=fa}}</ref>]]

A third-millennium BC earthen goblet discovered at the Burnt City, a Bronze Age urban settlement in southeastern Iran, depicts what could possibly be the world's oldest example of animation. The artifact, associated with Jiroft, bears five sequential images depicting a wild goat jumping up to eat the leaves of a tree.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animationmagazine.net/article/8045|title=Oldest Animation Discovered in Iran |work=Animation Magazine|date=12 March 2008|access-date=4 August 2014|archive-date=20 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100620141518/http://animationmagazine.net/article/8045|url-status=dead}}</ref> The earliest attested Iranian examples of visual representations, however, are traced back to the bas-reliefs of Persepolis, the ritual center of the [[Place:Achaemenid Empire|Achaemenid Empire]]. The figures at Persepolis remain bound by the rules of grammar and syntax of visual language.<ref>Honour, Hugh and John Fleming, ''The Visual Arts: A History''. New Jersey, Prentice Hall Inc., 1992. Page: 96.</ref> The Iranian visual arts reached a pinnacle by the Sasanian era.

The first Iranian filmmaker was probably Mirza Ebrahim (Akkas Bashi), the court photographer of Mozaffar-ed-Din Shah of the Qajar dynasty. Mirza Ebrahim obtained a camera and filmed the Qajar ruler's visit to Europe. Later in 1904, Mirza Ebrahim (Sahhaf Bashi), a businessman, opened the first public movie theater in Tehran.<ref name="massoudmehrabi1">{{cite web|url=http://www.massoudmehrabi.com/articles.asp?id=1414606616|title=Massoud Mehrabi – Articles|work=massoudmehrabi.com|access-date=26 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623113213/http://www.massoudmehrabi.com/articles.asp?id=1414606616|archive-date=23 June 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> The first Iranian feature film, ''Abi and Rabi'', was a silent comedy directed by Ovanes Ohanian in 1930. The first sounded 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 January 1965.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tehran-animafest.ir/|title=Tehran International Animation Festival (1st Festival 1999 )|work=tehran-animafest.ir|access-date=17 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928232127/http://www.tehran-animafest.ir/|archive-date=28 September 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animation-festivals.com/festivals/tehran-international-animation-festival-tiaf |title=Tehran International Animation Festival (TIAF) |work=animation-festivals.com |access-date=26 October 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015234937/https://www.animation-festivals.com/festivals/tehran-international-animation-festival-tiaf/ |archive-date=15 October 2015 }}</ref>
With the screening of the films ''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 soon. Attempts to organise a film festival, which had begun in 1954 within the framework of the Golrizan Festival, resulted in the festival of Sepas in 1969. The endeavors also resulted in the formation of Tehran's World Film Festival in 1973.<ref name="Esfandiary2012">{{cite book|author=Shahab Esfandiary|title=Iranian Cinema and Globalization: National, Transnational, and Islamic Dimensions|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I2HpN2LohZwC&pg=PA69|year=2012|publisher=Intellect Books|isbn=978-1-84150-470-4|page=69}}</ref>
After the Revolution of 1979, and following the [[Religion:Iranian Cultural Revolution|Cultural Revolution]], a new age emerged in Iranian cinema, starting with ''Long Live!'' by Khosrow Sinai and followed by many other directors, such as Abbas Kiarostami and Jafar Panahi. Kiarostami, an acclaimed Iranian 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.<ref name="Dabashi2007">{{cite book|author=Hamid Dabashi|title=Masters & Masterpieces of Iranian Cinema|year=2007|publisher=Mage Publishers|isbn=978-0-934211-85-7|page=intro}}</ref> The continuous presence of Iranian films in prestigious international festivals, such as the Cannes Film Festival, the Venice Film Festival, and the Berlin International Film Festival, attracted world attention to Iranian masterpieces.<ref name="DecherneyAtwood2014">{{cite book|author1=Peter Decherney|author2=Blake Atwood|title=Iranian Cinema in a Global Context: Policy, Politics, and Form|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=p0ODBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA193|year=2014|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-317-67520-4|page=193}}</ref> In 2006, six Iranian films, of six different styles, represented Iranian cinema at the Berlin International Film Festival. Critics considered this a remarkable event in the history of Iranian cinema.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/arts/story/2006/02/060209_pm-berlin-film-festival.shtml|title=Iran's strong presence in 2006 Berlin International Film Festival|work=BBC}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4726682.stm|title=BBC NEWS – Entertainment – Iran films return to Berlin festival|work=BBC|access-date=26 October 2015}}</ref>

Asghar Farhadi, a well-known 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''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coates |first=Tyler |date=2021-12-11 |title=Hollywood Flashback: Asghar Farhadi's 'A Separation' Won Iran's First Oscar in 2012 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/asghar-farhadi-a-separation-iran-first-oscar-1235059723/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Shoard |first=Catherine |date=2017-02-27 |title=The Salesman wins best foreign language Oscar |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/feb/27/the-salesman-wins-best-foreign-language-oscar-asghar-farhadi |access-date=2024-01-09 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Salesman |url=https://goldenglobes.com/film/the-salesman/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=Golden Globes |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2020, Ashkan Rahgozar's "The Last Fiction", an [[Engineering:Animation|animated]] film adaptation of the story of "[[Unsolved:Zahhak|Zahhak]]" from the historical identity of Iranians and one of the central tales of Shahnameh by Ferdowsi, became the first representative of Iranian animated cinema in the competition section in both Best Animated Feature and Best Picture categories at 92nd Academy Awards.<ref>{{Cite web |title='The Last Fiction' qualified for Oscar |url=https://en.ifilmtv.ir/Iran/Content/24813/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=ifilm-آیفیلم |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-12-21 |title=Iran to contend for 2020 Best Picture Oscar with 'The Last Fiction' |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/153551/Iran-to-contend-for-2020-Best-Picture-Oscar-with-The-Last-Fiction |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-10-19 |title=Iran's "Last Fiction" among submissions for Oscars consideration |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/441263/Iran-s-Last-Fiction-among-submissions-for-Oscars-consideration |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=Tehran Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wit |first=Alex Dudok de |date=2019-10-01 |title='The Last Fiction' Set To Become First Iranian Animated Feature To Qualify For Oscars (Exclusive) |url=https://www.cartoonbrew.com/feature-film/the-last-fiction-set-to-become-first-iranian-animated-feature-to-qualify-for-oscars-exclusive-180272.html |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=Cartoon Brew |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-10-20 |title=Oscars 2020: 'Last Fiction' First Iranian Film To Run For Best Animated Feature - Iran Front Page |url=https://ifpnews.com/oscars-2020-last-fiction-first-iranian-film-to-run-for-best-animated-feature/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=ifpnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=mhfard |date=2019-10-01 |title='The Last Fiction' is First Iranian Animated Feature to Qualify for Oscars |url=https://hoorakhshstudios.com/the-last-fiction-is-first-iranian-animated-feature-to-qualify-for-oscars/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=Hoorakhsh Studios |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Observances ===

[[File:7SEEN 89.jpg|thumb|Haft-Seen, a custom of Nowruz, the Iranian New Year.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=parisa |last2=Bakhtiari |first2=Parisa |date=2019-08-24 |title=All About Haft-Sin: The 7 'S' of Iranian New Year |url=https://surfiran.com/mag/all-about-haft-sin-the-7-s-of-iranian-new-year/ |access-date=2023-12-26 |website=SURFIRAN Mag |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=A Traditional Haft Sin Table Celebrating Nowruz - Society/Culture news |url=https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2018/03/20/1684482/a-traditional-haft-sin-table-celebrating-nowruz |access-date=2023-12-26 |website=Tasnim News Agency |language=en}}</ref>]]

Iran's official New Year begins with Nowruz, an ancient Iranian tradition celebrated annually on the [[Astronomy:Equinox|vernal equinox]] and described as the ''Persian New Year''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/events_calendar/march_2010/norouz_persian_new_year.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100306060954/https://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/events_calendar/march_2010/norouz_persian_new_year.aspx|archive-date=6 March 2010|title=Norouz Persian New Year|publisher=British Museum|date=25 March 2010|access-date=6 April 2010}}</ref> It is enjoyed by people adhering to different religions but is considered a holiday for the Zoroastrians. It was registered on the [[Organization:UNESCO|UNESCO]]'s list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2009.<ref name="Unesco.org_November_29_2015c">{{cite web |url=http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/en/proclamation-of-masterpieces-00103 |title=Proclamation of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity (2001–2005) – intangible heritage – Culture Sector – UNESCO |newspaper=Unesco.org |date=2000 |access-date= 29 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.un.org/spanish/aboutun/organs/ga/55/verbatim/a55pv94e.pdf |title=General Assembly Fifty-fifth session 94th plenary meeting Friday, 9 March 2001, 10 a.m. New York |publisher=United Nations General Assembly |date=9 March 2001 |access-date=6 April 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060805065511/http://www.un.org/spanish/aboutun/organs/ga/55/verbatim/a55pv94e.pdf |archive-date=5 August 2006 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20100317/wl_time/08599197278600|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100322222922/http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20100317/wl_time/08599197278600|archive-date=22 March 2010|title=Nowrooz, a Persian New Year Celebration, Erupts in Iran – Yahoo!News|publisher=News.yahoo.com|date=16 March 2010|access-date=6 April 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://washingtontimes.com/news/2010/mar/19/us-mulls-persian-new-year-outreach-to-iran/|title=US mulls Persian New Year outreach|work=Washington Times|date=19 March 2010|access-date=6 April 2010}}</ref> On the eve of the last Wednesday of the preceding year, as a prelude to Nowruz, the ancient festival of Čāršanbe Suri celebrates Ātar ("fire") by performing rituals such as jumping over bonfires and lighting off firecrackers and [[Physics:Fireworks|fireworks]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://financialtribune.com/articles/people/61234/call-for-safe-yearend-celebration |title=Call for Safe Yearend Celebration |date=12 March 2017 |newspaper=Financial Tribune |quote=The ancient tradition has transformed over time from a simple bonfire to the use of firecrackers{{nbsp}}...}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/north-korea-fires-ballistic-missile-toward-east-sea-official-says-n779401 |title=Light It Up! Iranians Celebrate Festival of Fire |date=19 March 2014 |work=NBC News}}</ref>

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

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

==== Public holidays ====

Iran's official calendar is the [[History:Solar Hijri calendar|Solar Hejri calendar]], beginning at the [[Astronomy:March equinox|vernal equinox]] in the [[Earth:Northern Hemisphere|Northern Hemisphere]], which was first enacted by the Iranian Parliament on 31 March 1925.<ref name="Calenica">{{cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/calendars |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Iranica |title=Calendars |trans-title=The solar Hejrī (Š. = Šamsī) and Šāhanšāhī calendars |access-date=4 July 2017}}</ref> Each of the 12 months of the Solar Hejri calendar correspond with a [[Unsolved:Astrological sign|zodiac sign]], and the length of each year is absolutely solar.<ref name="Calenica" /> The months are named after the ancient Iranian months,<ref name="Calenica" /> namely Farvardin ({{transliteration|ae|Fravaši}}), Ordibehešt ([[Philosophy:Asha|{{transliteration|ae|Aša Vahišta}}]]), Xordād ({{transliteration|ae|Haurvatāt}}), Tir ([[Religion:Tishtrya|{{transliteration|ae|Tištrya}}]]), Amordād ([[Religion:Ameretat|{{transliteration|ae|Amərətāt}}]]), Šahrivar ({{transliteration|ae|Xšaθra Vairya}}), Mehr ({{transliteration|ae|Miθra}}), Ābān ([[Biology:Aban|{{transliteration|ae|Āpō}}]]), Āzar ({{transliteration|ae|Ātar}}), Dey ([[Religion:Ahura Mazda|{{transliteration|ae|Daθuš}}]]), Bahman ({{transliteration|ae|Vohu Manah}}), and Esfand ({{transliteration|ae|Spəntā Ārmaiti}}).

Alternatively, the [[Engineering:Islamic calendar|Lunar Hejri calendar]] is used to indicate Islamic events, and the [[Gregorian calendar]] remarks the 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 [[Biography:Ruhollah Khomeini|Ruhollah Khomeini]] (Khordad 14; 4{{nbsp}}June), the Khordad 15 event (Khordad 15; 5{{nbsp}}June), the anniversary of the 1979 Revolution (Bahman 22; 10 February), and Oil Nationalization Day (Esfand 29; 19 March).<ref name="irmys">{{cite web |url=https://www.mysteryofiran.com/holidays-in-iran |title=Iran Public Holidays 2017 |publisher=Mystery of Iran |access-date=6 July 2017 |archive-date=10 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010060510/https://www.mysteryofiran.com/holidays-in-iran |url-status=dead }}</ref>

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

=== Cuisine ===
[[File:Kebab Bakhtyari.jpg|thumb|Chelow kabab (rice and kebab), one of Iran's national dishes<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/restaurants/dindin-kitchen-restaurant-review-9309786.html |newspaper=London Evening Standard |title=Dindin Kitchen – restaurant review |date=1 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.examiner.co.uk/lifestyle/restaurant-review-apadana-huddersfield-4884705 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230083526/http://www.examiner.co.uk/lifestyle/restaurant-review-apadana-huddersfield-4884705 |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 December 2017 |newspaper=Huddersfield Daily Examiner |title=Restaurant review: Apadana, Huddersfield |date=21 June 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/a-maple-syrup-mecca-for-irans-gays |title=A Maple Syrup Mecca for Iran's Gays |date=10 August 2014 |website=The Daily Beast|last1=Strochlic |first1=Nina }}</ref>]]
Iranian cuisine includes a wide range of main dishes, including various types 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 as the starter.

In Iranian culture, tea ({{transliteration|fa|čāy}}) is widely consumed.<ref>{{cite book |title=Iran – Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture |author=Williams, Stuart. |chapter=DRINKING |date=October 2008 |publisher=Kuperard |isbn=978-1-85733-598-9 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YXYFAQAAQBAJ |quote=Iranians are obsessive tea drinkers}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/iranianrapperspe0000masl |url-access=registration |title=Iranian Rappers and Persian Porn: A Hitchhiker's Adventures in the New Iran |publisher=Skyhorse Publishing Inc. |author=Maslin, Jamie. |quote=Iran is a nation of obsessive tea drinkers |page=[https://archive.org/details/iranianrapperspe0000masl/page/58 58]|isbn=978-1-60239-791-0 |year=2009 }}</ref> Iran is the world's seventh major tea producer,<ref name=FAOSTAT>Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations—Production [http://faostat.fao.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?PageID=567&lang=en FAOSTAT]. Retrieved 30 April 2010.</ref> and a cup of tea is typically the first thing offered to a guest.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/iran00burk_0 |url-access=registration |author1=Burke, Andrew |author2=Elliott, Mark |author3=Mohammadi, Kamin |author4=Yale, Pat |name-list-style=amp |title=Iran |publisher=Lonely Planet|year=2004 |isbn=978-1-74059-425-7 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/iran00burk_0/page/75 75]–76}}</ref> One of Iran's most popular desserts is the falude,<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PswWAgAAQBAJ |title=The Foodspotting Field Guide |publisher=Chronicle Books |author=Foodspotting |date=18 March 2014 |chapter=24 / Dessert: Faloodeh|isbn=978-1-4521-3008-8 }}</ref> consisting of vermicelli in a rose water syrup, which has its roots in the fourth century BC.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_EojCgAAQBAJ |title=Refrigeration: A History |author=Gantz, Carroll |publisher=McFarland |date=24 January 2015 |page=14|isbn=978-1-4766-1969-9 }}</ref> There is also the popular saffron ice cream, known as ''Bastani Sonnati'' ("traditional ice cream"),<ref>{{cite web |url=https://billypenn.com/2017/02/07/franklin-fountain-has-an-impeach-sundae-with-nuts-from-the-cabinet |author=Henninger, Danya |website=BillyPenn.com |title=Franklin Fountain has an ImPeach sundae with 'nuts from the cabinet' |date=7 February 2017}}</ref> which is sometimes accompanied with carrot juice.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=v-GACwAAQBAJ |title=Taste of Persia: A Cook's Travels Through Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, and Kurdistan |author=Duguid, Naomi |page=353 |quote=...{{nbsp}}havij bastani, a kind of ice cream float, made with Persian ice cream and carrot juice |isbn=978-1-57965-727-7 |date=6 September 2016 |publisher=Artisan }}</ref> Iran is also famous for its caviar.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1383/2228/html/focus.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050716074736/http://www.iran-daily.com/1383/2228/html/focus.htm|archive-date=16 July 2005 |title=Sturgeon Stocks Slump |publisher=Iran-daily.com |access-date=21 June 2013}}</ref>

=== Sports ===


Iran is most likely the birthplace of polo,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.polomuseum.com/history_of_polo.htm |title=The History of Polo |publisher=Polomuseum.com |access-date= 27 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/The-Origins-of-Polo/ |title=The origins and history of Polo |publisher=Historic-uk.com |author= Ben Johnson |access-date= 27 March 2015}}</ref> locally known as ''čowgān'', with its earliest records attributed to the ancient Medes.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Freestyle wrestling is traditionally considered the national sport of Iran, and the national wrestlers have been world champions on many occasions. Iran's traditional wrestling, called ''košti e pahlevāni'' ("heroic wrestling"), is registered on [[Organization:UNESCO|UNESCO]]'s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

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

{{Multiple image
| align             = right
| direction         = vertical
| width             = 
| image1            = Dizin ski resort.jpg
| alt1              = 
| caption1          = Dizin is the biggest ski resort in the [[Place:Middle East|Middle East]].
| image2            = Azadi Stadium in the final week of the 39th League.jpg
| alt2              = 
| caption2          = Azadi Stadium in [[Place:Tehran|Tehran]] is [[Place:West Asia|West Asia]]'s largest football stadium.
}}

Iran's National Olympic Committee was founded in 1947. Wrestlers and weightlifters have achieved the country's highest records at the Olympics. In September 1974, Iran became the first country in West Asia to host the Asian Games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Asian Games |url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1059784/history-of-asian-games |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=www.insidethegames.biz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iranian Great Power Ambitions and China's Return to the Olympic Movement, 1973-74 {{!}} Wilson Center |url=https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/iranian-great-power-ambitions-and-chinas-return-to-the-olympic-movement-1973-74 |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=www.wilsoncenter.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Teenagers won titles in the Tehran 1974 Asian Games where South Korea and Iran were the bests |url=http://www.asbcnews.org/teenagers-won-titles-in-the-tehran-1974-asian-games-where-south-korea-and-iran-were-the-bests/ |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=ASBCNEWS |language=en-US}}</ref>

Football has been regarded as the most popular sport in Iran, with the men's national team having won the Asian Cup on three occasions. The men's national team has maintained its position as Asia's best team, ranking first in Asia and 22nd in the world according to the FIFA World Rankings ({{as of|September 2021|lc=y}}).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/associations/association/IRN/men/|title=Iran: FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking|publisher=FIFA.com |access-date=4 May 2020}}</ref> The Azadi Stadium in Tehran is the 1st largest association football stadium in [[Place:West Asia|Western Asia]], and it was on the list of top-20 best stadiums in the world.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayward |first=Joshua |title=Ranking the Top 20 Stadiums in World Football |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1804430-ranking-the-top-20-stadiums-in-world-football |access-date=2023-12-26 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref> The Guardian also regarded the Azadi as one of the world's biggest football stadiums.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2013-12-10 |title=The world's 10 largest football stadiums – in pictures |language=en-GB |work=the Guardian |url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/gallery/2013/dec/10/worlds-10-largest-football-stadiums-gallery |access-date=2023-12-26 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

Volleyball is the second most popular sport in Iran.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aipsmedia.com/index.php?page=news&cod=16859&tp=n|title=AIPS Web Site – USA Volleyball president tips Iran to qualify for Rio|date=2 December 2011|work=aipsmedia.com|access-date=26 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015234936/http://www.aipsmedia.com/index.php?page=news&cod=16859&tp=n|archive-date=15 October 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldofvolley.com/News/Latest_news/170/volleyball-pioneer-ahmad-masajedi-says-irans-rise-to-the-top-wont-stop-.html|title=WorldofVolley :: Volleyball pioneer Ahmad Masajedi says Iran's rise to the top won't stop|work=worldofvolley.com|date=2 December 2011 |access-date=26 October 2015}}</ref> Having won the 2011 and 2013 Asian Men's Volleyball Championships, the men's national team is currently the strongest team in Asia, and ranks eighth in the FIVB World Rankings ({{as of|2017|July|lc=y}}).

Basketball is also popular,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?id=3671265 |access-date=21 April 2012 |work=ESPN |first=Sam |last=Alipour |title=Mission Improbable |date=21 April 2012}}</ref> with the men's national team having won three Asian Championships since 2007.

In 2016, Iran made global headlines for international female champions boycotting tournaments in Iran in chess (U.S. Woman Grandmaster Nazí Paikidze)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/37559853/the-22-year-old-chess-star-boycotting-iran-world-championships-over-hijab|title=The 22-year-old chess star boycotting Iran World Championships over hijab|work=BBC|date=5 October 2016|access-date=1 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/10/06/i-will-not-wear-a-hijab-u-s-chess-star-refuses-to-attend-world-championships-in-iran/|title='I will NOT wear a hijab': U.S. chess star refuses to attend world championships in Iran|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=6 October 2016|access-date=1 November 2016}}</ref> and in shooting (Indian world champion Heena Sidhu),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/shooter-heena-sidhu-withdraws-tournament-iran-says-wont-wear-hijab-52095|title=Shooter Heena Sidhu withdraws from tournament in Iran, says won't wear hijab|work=thenewsminute|date=29 October 2016|access-date=1 November 2016}}</ref> as they refused to enter a country where they would be forced to wear a [[Religion:Hijab|hijab]].

=== Museums ===
[[File:Národní muzeum Íránu.jpg|thumb|National Museum of Iran, in Tehran]]
The National Museum of Iran in [[Place:Tehran|Tehran]], known as the mother of all the museums in Iran,<ref>{{Cite web |title=National Museum of Iran |url=https://www.letsgoiran.com/iran-travel-guide/tehran-travel-guide/national-museum-of-iran |access-date=2024-01-06 |website=letsgoiran.com}}</ref> is the country's most important cultural institution. As the first and biggest museum in Iran, the institution is formed of two museums; the Museum of Ancient Iran, which exhibits over 3 million works (300,000 on display) dating back to prehistory, ancient and medieval Iranian eras, and the Museum of the Islamic Era, exhibiting over 1,500 works from the Islamic era of Iran such as Ilkanids, Seljuks, [[Place:Timurid Empire|Timurids]], [[Place:Safavid Iran|Safavids]], Qajars and more. National Museum of Iran is the world's most important museum in terms of preservation, display and research of archaeological collections of Iran,<ref>{{Cite web |title=National Museum of Iran – Official Site For National Museum Of Iran |url=https://irannationalmuseum.ir/en/ |access-date=2024-01-06 |language=fa-IR}}</ref> and ranks as one of the few most prestigious museums globally in terms of volume, diversity and quality of its monuments.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-07 |title=National Museum of Iran |url=https://en.unesco.org/silkroad/content/national-museum-iran |website=UNESCO}}</ref>

As a nation with rich historical and cultural legacy, there are many other popular museums across the country such as the Golestan Palace (UNESCO 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.

In 2019, around 25 million people visited the museums of the country.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-07 |title=25 million people visited museums last year |url=https://en.irna.ir/news/83321603/25-million-people-visit-museums-last-year |website=IRNA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-05-21 |title=25 million visited Iran's heritage museums in calendar year |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/436197/25-million-visited-Iran-s-heritage-museums-in-calendar-year |access-date=2024-01-06 |website=Tehran Times |language=en}}</ref>

=== Media ===

[[File:IRIB Building.jpg|thumb|IRIB, the Iranian state-controlled media corporation]]

According to the Press Freedom Index, Iran ranks 174th out of 180 countries as of 2021.<ref>{{cite web|date=2020|title=2020 World Press Freedom Index|url=https://rsf.org/en/ranking}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://rsf.org/en/news/iranian-court-imposes-total-ban-telegram |work=Reporters Without Borders |title=Iranian court imposes total ban on Telegram |date=4 May 2018 |access-date=2 December 2018}}</ref> The [[Religion:Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance|Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance]] is responsible for the cultural policy, including activities regarding communications and information.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.unesco.org/new/en/tehran/about-this-office/single-view/news/irans_minister_of_culture_and_islamic_guidance_calls_for |title=Iran's Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance calls for expansion of ties with UNESCO |work=UNESCO |access-date=2 December 2018 |date=15 December 2014}}</ref>
Most of the newspapers published in Iran are in Persian, the country's official language. The country's most widely circulated periodicals are based in Tehran, among which are ''Etemad'', ''Ettela'at'', ''Kayhan'', ''Hamshahri'', ''Resalat'', and ''Shargh''.<ref name=BYI /> ''Tehran Times'', ''Iran Daily'', and ''Financial Tribune'' are among English-language newspapers based in Iran.

Since the 1979 Revolution, Iran's largest media corporation is the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).<ref name=BYI /> Despite the restrictions on non-domestic television, about 65% of the residents of Tehran and about 30 to 40% of residents outside the capital access worldwide television channels through [[Astronomy:Satellite dish|satellite dish]]es, although observers state that the figures are likely to be higher.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/persian_letters_satellite_dishes_iran_police/24514665.html |title=Nothing Comes Between Iranians And Their Satellite Dishes – Not Even The Police |date=13 March 2012 |work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |work=France 24 |url=http://observers.france24.com/en/20121220-iran-dismantle-satellite-dishes-tv-tehran |title=Iran's war on satellite dishes: "We just buy new ones the next day" |date=20 December 2012}}</ref>

According to Internet World Stats, {{as of|2017|lc=y}}, around 69.1% of the population are Internet users.<ref name="IWStats">{{cite web |work=Internet World Stats |url=http://www.internetworldstats.com/me/ir.htm |title=Iran Internet usage, broadband and telecommunications reports |access-date=2 December 2018}}</ref> Iran ranks 17th among countries by number of Internet users. [[Software:Google Search|Google Search]] is Iran's most widely used search engine and [[Software:Instagram|Instagram]] is the most popular online [[Social:Social networking service|social networking service]].<ref name="Alexa Internet">{{cite web |work=Alexa Internet |url=http://www.alexa.com/topsites/countries/IR |title=Top Sites in Iran |access-date=2 December 2018 |archive-date=10 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101210145701/http://www.alexa.com/topsites/countries/ir |url-status=dead }}</ref> Direct access to many worldwide mainstream websites has been blocked in Iran, including [[Company:Facebook|Facebook]], which has been blocked since 2009 due to the organization of anti-governmental protests on the website.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=30 April 2008|url=http://www.hamsaweb.org/crime/4.html|title=Facebook Faces Censorship in Iran|publisher=American Islamic Congress|date=29 August 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080424001859/http://www.hamsaweb.org/crime/4.html|archive-date=24 April 2008}}</ref> However, {{as of|2017|lc=y}}, Facebook has around 40 million subscribers based in Iran (48.8% of the population) who use [[Virtual private network|virtual private network]]s and [[Proxy server|proxy server]]s to access the website.<ref name="IWStats" /> About 90% of Iran's [[Social:E-commerce|e-commerce]] takes place on the Iranian online store Digikala, which has around 750,000 visitors per day and more than 2.3&nbsp;million subscribers and is the most visited online store in the Middle East.<ref>{{cite news |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/may/31/amazon-iranian-style-digikala-other-startups-aparat-hamijoo-takhfifan |title=From Digikala to Hamijoo: the Iranian startup revolution, phase two |last=Kamali Dehghan |first=Saeed |date=13 May 2015}}</ref><ref name="Alexa Internet" />

=== Fashion and clothing ===
[[File:Velenjak 2019 Tehran Chanel Bag with RICH TEXTURES 2.jpg|upright=0.6|thumb|An Iranian model in Tehran, 2019]]
The exact date of the emergence of weaving in Iran is not yet known, but it is likely to coincide with the emergence of [[Social:Civilization|civilization]]. Ferdowsi and many historians have considered [[Religion:Keyumars|Keyumars]] to be first to use animals' skin and hair as clothing, while others propose Hushang.<ref name=":02">{{Cite book|title=پوشاک در ایران باستان، فریدون پوربهمن/ت: هاجر ضیاء سیکارودی، امیرکبیر|year=2007|pages=24, 25, 57}}</ref> Ferdowsi considers Tahmuras to be a kind of textile initiator in Iran. The clothing of ancient Iran took an advanced form, and the fabric and color 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.<ref name=":02" />

== See also ==
* [[Place:Outline of Iran|Outline of Iran]]

== Explanatory notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

== Bibliography ==
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite book |last=Axworthy |first=Michael |title=A History of Iran: Empire of the Mind |publisher=Basic Books |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-465-09876-7}}
* {{cite book |last=Foltz |first=Richard |title=Iran in World History |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-933550-3}}
* ''[http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/pdf/CS_Iran.pdf Iran: A Country Study]''. 2008, Washington, DC: Library of Congress, 354 pp.
* {{cite encyclopedia |last=Lawergren |first=Bo |year=2009 |encyclopedia=[[Encyclopædia Iranica]] |title=Music History i. Pre-Islamic Iran |publisher=[[Company:Brill Publishers|Brill Publishers]] |location=Leiden |url=https://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/music-history-i-pre-islamic-iran}}
* {{Cite encyclopedia |year=1998 |title=Ērān, Ērānšahr |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Iranica |publisher=Mazda |location=Costa Mesa |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/eran-eransah |last=MacKenzie |first=David Niel |volume=8}}
*{{cite book |last=Mikaberidze |first=Alexander |title=Conflict and Conquest in the Islamic World: A Historical Encyclopedia |volume=1 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-59884-336-1}}
* {{cite book |last1=Fisher |first1=William Bayne |last2=Avery |first2=P. |last3=Hambly |first3=G.R.G |last4=Melville |first4=C. |title=The Cambridge History of Iran |volume=7 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H20Xt157iYUC |publisher=Cambridge University Press |location=Cambridge |year=1991 |isbn=978-0-521-20095-0}}
* {{cite book |last1=Roisman |first1=Joseph |last2=Worthington |first2=Ian |title=A Companion to Ancient Macedonia |publisher=John Wiley and Sons |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-4443-5163-7 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QsJ183uUDkMC}}
* {{Cite encyclopedia |year=1987 |title=Aryans |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Iranica |publisher=Routledge & Kegan Paul |location=New York |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/aryans |last=Schmitt |first=Rüdiger |volume=2 |pages=684–687}}
*{{Cite encyclopedia |title=IRAJ |encyclopedia=Encyclopaedia Iranica |url=https://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/iraj |last=Shahbazi |first=Alireza Shapour |date=2004}}
*{{Cite book |title=Contemporary Iran: Economy, Society, Politics |last=Tohidi |first=Nayareh |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-19-537849-8 |editor-last=Gheissari |editor-first=Ali |chapter=Ethnicity and Religious Minority Politics in Iran}}
{{Refend}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.leader.ir/langs/en/ The e-office of the Supreme Leader of Iran]
* [http://president.ir/en/ The President 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]. ''The World Factbook''. Central Intelligence Agency.
* {{curlie|Regional/Middle_East/Iran}}


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[[Category:Religion and politics]]

{{Sourceattribution|Iran}}