Iran is a founding member of the United Nations, OIC, OPEC, and ECO as well as a current member of the NAM, SCO, and BRICS. Iran is home to 28 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the 10th highest in the world, and ranks 5th in intangible cultural heritage, or human treasures.

2 days ago · Iran, a mountainous, arid, and ethnically diverse country of southwestern Asia. The country maintains a rich and distinctive cultural and social continuity dating back to the Achaemenian period, which began in 550 bce. Since 1979 it has become known for its unique brand of Islamic republic.

Keep informed with AP News. Get the latest news from Iran as it happens. From articles to the latest videos, all you need to know is here.

May 28, 2025 · Stay on top of Iran latest developments on the ground with Al Jazeera’s fact-based news, exclusive video footage, photos and updated maps.

May 28, 2025 · Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

3 days ago · Iran is a constitutional Islamic republic with a theocratic system of government where ultimate political authority is vested in the highest religious authority, the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Oct 14, 2024 · Iran was one of the greatest empires of the ancient world, and has long maintained a distinct cultural identity by retaining its own language and adhering to the Shia interpretation of Islam.

Apr 1, 2016 · IRAN, New Persian Irān (Mid. Pers. Ērān, from OIr. *Aryānām “of the Aryans” [see ARYANS ]), name of the modern political state, also used, as noun or adjective (e.g., “Iranian plateau”), as a geographical term.

Iran facts and figures: Official web sites of Iran, links and information on Iran's art, culture, geography, history, travel and tourism, cities, the capital of Iran, airlines, embassies, tourist boards and newspapers

Iran (ايران, Īrān), officially the Islamic Republic of Iran (جمهوری اسلامی ايران, transliteration: Jomhūrī-ye Eslāmī-ye Īrān), and formerly known as "Persia" in the West, is one of the world's oldest continuous major civilizations, and is one of the few states that comprise the Cradle of Humanity.