Iran

Iran sits at the crossroads of the Middle East and Central Asia, sharing borders with Turkey, Iraq, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, with coastlines on both the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf. Tehran is the capital and largest city. Persian (Farsi) is the official language, and the currency is the Iranian rial, though transactions commonly reference the toman. Iran's cultural identity is deeply rooted in pre-Islamic Persian heritage, classical poetry, and Shia Islam.

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Iran. Many travellers can obtain a visa on arrival at major international airports, including Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran, though eligibility varies significantly by passport. An eVisa system exists for a number of nationalities. Citizens of some countries — notably the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada — face additional restrictions and must arrange guided tours. Checking with Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travel is strongly advised.

Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire near Shiraz, preserves monumental stone reliefs dating to the 5th century BCE. Isfahan's Naqsh-e Jahan Square is one of the largest historic squares in the world, framed by the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque and Ali Qapu Palace. The ancient adobe city of Yazd features a distinctive skyline of wind towers and Zoroastrian fire temples. Golestan Palace in Tehran displays a layered history of Qajar-era tile work, mirrors, and European-influenced architecture.

Iran's climate varies considerably. The northern interior and highlands experience cold winters, often below −5 °C, and warm summers around 25–32 °C. The Persian Gulf coast is hot and humid year-round, regularly exceeding 40 °C in July and August. The central deserts are arid and extreme. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are generally the most comfortable periods for travel across most regions. Layers are practical given sharp day-to-night temperature swings in desert areas.

• Home to 26 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Persian poetry tradition spans over one thousand years.
• World's second-largest natural gas reserves confirmed.
• Nowruz, Persian New Year, predates Islam by millennia.
• Carpets from Iran remain among globally most traded.

• mfa.ir — Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including visa information
• tourism.gov.ir — Iran's Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization
• irimo.ir — Iran Meteorological Organization for weather data
• raja.ir — Islamic Republic of Iran Railways official site