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• Iran
  Iran

  noun

  a republic in SW Asia. About 635,000 sq. mi. (1,644,650 sq. km). Teheran.
• Iran.
  Iran.

  abbreviation

  Iranian.

Iran

¹ American  

[ih-ran, ih-rahn, ahy-ran] / ɪˈræn, ɪˈrɑn, aɪˈræn /

noun

1. a republic in SW Asia. About 635,000 sq. mi. (1,644,650 sq. km). Teheran.

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Iran. ² American  

abbreviation

1. Iranian.

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Iran British  

/ ɪˈrɑːn /

noun

1. Former name (until 1935): Persia.  Official name: Islamic Republic of Iran.  a republic in SW Asia, between the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf: a monarchy until an Islamic revolution in 1979 headed by the Ayatollah Khomeini when the Shah was obliged to leave the country. Consists chiefly of a high central desert plateau almost completely surrounded by mountains, a semitropical fertile region along the Caspian coast, and a hot and dry area beside the Persian Gulf. Oil is the most important export. Official language: Persian (Iranian or Farsi). Official religion: Muslim majority. Currency: rial. Capital: Tehran. Pop: 79 853 900 (2013 est). Area: 1 647 050 sq km (635 932 sq miles) See also Persian Empire

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Iran Cultural  

1. Republic in the Middle East, bordered by Armenia, the Caspian Sea, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan to the north; Afghanistan and Pakistan to the east; the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf to the south; and Iraq and Turkey to the west. Its capital and largest city is Teheran.

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Discover More

In 1979, Iranian militants attacked the U.S. embassy and seized hostages, including sixty-two Americans, who were held until 1981.

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini ruled from 1979 until his death in 1989, imposing strict Islamic law.

The United States supported the regime of the shah (king) Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, who was forced by popular opposition to leave the country in 1979.

The 1990s saw some moderating elements emerge to challenge the conservative heirs to Khomeini.

The Iranian government was widely believed to have controlled the taking of U. S. hostages in Lebanon. (See Iran-Contra affair.)

Core of the ancient Persian Empire, Iran was known as Persia until 1935.

Iraq unsuccessfully invaded Iran in 1980.

Compare meaning

How does iran compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• Iran vs. Iraq

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Iran Iran.

US Vice President JD Vance admitted the plan was a "delicate dance" because Iran will "try to apply economic pressure to us".

From Barron's ● Aug. 24, 2026

Unofficially dubbed "the Asian Spring", the expanding influence of these movements has spread from Iran, Mongolia and the Maldives to the Philippines and Timor-Leste.

From BBC ● Aug. 23, 2026

Since the war in Iran began, fewer people traveling within China have been taking the plane.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 22, 2026

Similarly, Korte, who has reported extensively on the war with Iran, defended the newspaper’s role following her dismissal.

From Salon ● Aug. 22, 2026

If you’re from Iran, imagine a big bathtub on a balcony, center stage, behind a pulpit, under a giant cross, and three grown men in white hospital gowns getting in.

From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri

"We will discuss all the issues on the agenda, first and foremost Iran. Naturally, our goal is to safeguard our security and also to expand the circle of peace around us," he added.

From Barron's ● Jul. 28, 2026

“This is also about the fans. People come from everywhere, even from Iran. So we’re concerned about their safety.”

From Los Angeles Times ● May 1, 2026

Schneiderman said it is "highly unlikely that the US will choose to use nuclear weapons against Iran. It is the ultimate Rubicon to cross."

From Barron's ● Apr. 7, 2026

"At this rate, there might not even be much left of Iran. I don't want this to be our last Nowruz."

From BBC ● Mar. 19, 2026

“I am Dr. Zolghad, a Paragon of Vision and from Iran. Though I make my home now in the great Marvellian city of Betelmore.”

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton