Editing Iran (section)

== Economy ==
{{Main|Economy of Iran}}
{{See also|Subsidies in Iran|Banking and insurance in Iran}}
{{As of|2024}}, Iran has the world's [[List of countries by GDP (PPP)|19th largest economy (by PPP)]]. It is a [[Mixed economy|mixture]] of [[Planned economy|central planning]], [[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> Services contribute the largest percentage of GDP, followed by industry ([[Mining in Iran|mining]] and manufacturing) and [[Agriculture in Iran|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 economy is characterised by its hydrocarbon sector, in addition to manufacturing and financial services.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Overview |url=https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/iran/overview |access-date=24 December 2023 |website=World Bank |language=en |archive-date=4 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704155746/https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/iran/overview |url-status=live}}</ref> With 10% of the world's [[Iran's oil reserves|oil reserves]] and 15% of [[Iran's Natural Gas Reserves|gas reserves]], Iran is an [[energy superpower]]. Over [[Industry of Iran|40 industries]] are directly involved in the [[Tehran Stock Exchange]].

Tehran is the economic powerhouse of Iran.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Tehran (Iran) : People – Britannica Online Encyclopedia |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/585619/Tehran/276311/Economy |access-date=21 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121123001337/http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/585619/Tehran/276311/Economy |archive-date=23 November 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> About 30% of Iran's public-sector workforce and 45% of its large industrial firms are located there, and half those firms' employees work for government.<ref>{{cite web |author=Cordesman, Anthony H. |date=23 September 2008 |title=The US, Israel, the Arab States and a Nuclear Iran. Part One: Iranian Nuclear Programs |url=http://csis.org/files/media/csis/pubs/081006_iran_nuclear.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100806042511/http://csis.org/files/media/csis/pubs/081006_iran_nuclear.pdf |archive-date=6 August 2010 |access-date=25 September 2010 |work=Center for Strategic and International Studies}}</ref> The [[Central Bank of Iran]] is responsible for developing and maintaining the [[currency]]: the [[Iranian rial]]. The government does not recognise [[List of trade unions in Iran|trade unions]] other than the [[Iranian labor law|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 |archive-date=23 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623080810/http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21576408-though-watched-and-muzzled-independent-labour-unions-are-stirring-aya-toiling |url-status=live}}</ref> Unemployment was 9% in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ceicdata.com/en/indicator/iran/unemployment-rate |title=Iran Unemployment Rate |access-date=7 June 2024 |archive-date=8 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108141105/https://www.ceicdata.com/en/indicator/iran/unemployment-rate |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Tehran_Stock_Exchange_3513534.jpg|thumb|upright=.8|[[Tehran Stock Exchange]]'s market capital capitalisation was $1.5 trillion in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 June 2012 |title=Monthly Report |url=http://www.tse.ir/cms/Default.aspx?tabid=86 |access-date=17 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614192421/http://www.tse.ir/cms/Default.aspx?tabid=86 |archive-date=14 June 2012}}</ref>]]
[[Politics of Iran#Budget|Budget deficits]] have been a chronic problem, mostly due to [[Subsidies in Iran|large state subsidies]], that include foodstuffs and especially petrol, totalling $100&nbsp;billion in 2022 for energy alone.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.iranintl.com/en/202205093109 |title=Senior Official Says Iran Paying $100 Billion In Energy Subsidies |website=Iran International |date=9 May 2022 |access-date=7 June 2024 |archive-date=4 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604142038/https://www.iranintl.com/en/202205093109 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.payvand.com/news/07/jan/1295.html |title=Ahmadinejad's Achilles Heel: The Iranian Economy |website=Payvand.com |access-date=18 June 2011 |archive-date=10 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010061417/http://www.payvand.com/news/07/jan/1295.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2010, the economic reform plan was to cut subsidies gradually and replace them with targeted social assistance. The objective is to move towards [[free market]] prices and increase productivity and [[social justice]].<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 reform, and indicates it will diversify the oil-reliant economy. Iran has developed a [[Biotechnology in Iran|biotechnology]], [[Chemistry in Iran|nanotechnology]], and [[Pharmaceuticals in Iran|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> The government is [[Privatization in Iran|privatising industries]].

Iran has leading manufacturing industries in automobile manufacture, transportation, construction materials, home appliances, food and agricultural goods, armaments, pharmaceuticals, information technology, and petrochemicals in the Middle East.<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> Iran is among the world's top five producers of [[apricot]]s, [[cherry|cherries]], [[cucumber]]s and [[gherkin]]s, [[Date palm#Description|dates]], [[common fig|figs]], [[pistachio]]s, [[quince]]s, [[walnut]]s, [[Kiwifruit]] and [[watermelon]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL |title=FAOSTAT |website=www.fao.org |access-date=7 June 2024 |archive-date=12 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161112130804/https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL |url-status=live}}</ref> [[International 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 |archive-date=30 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530021803/http://www.economist.com/node/21560596 |url-status=live}}</ref> Iran is one of three countries that have not ratified the [[Paris Agreement]] to limit [[Climate change in the Middle East and North Africa|climate change]], although academics say it would be good for the country.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Larch |first1=Mario |last2=Wanner |first2=Joschka |title=The consequences of non-participation in the Paris Agreement |journal=European Economic Review |date=April 2024 |volume=163 |pages=104699 |doi=10.1016/j.euroecorev.2024.104699 |hdl=10419/302105 |hdl-access=free}}</ref>

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

=== Tourism ===

{{Main|Tourism in Iran}}
[[File:Kish Island, Persian Gulf, Iran.jpg|thumb|Around 12 million tourists visit [[Kish Island]] annually.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kish Island, Hormozgan province – ITTO |url=https://itto.org/iran/city/Kish-Island/ |access-date=9 January 2024 |website=itto.org}}</ref>]]
Tourism had been rapidly growing before the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], reaching nearly 9 million foreign visitors in 2019, the world's third fastest-growing tourism destination.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 August 2019 |title=Iran's tourist arrivals grow to over 8 Million: Minister |url=https://en.irna.ir/news/83911482/Iran-s-tourist-arrivals-grow-to-over-8-million-Minister |access-date=7 December 2023 |website=Irna |archive-date=7 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207181819/https://en.irna.ir/news/83911482/Iran-s-tourist-arrivals-grow-to-over-8-million-Minister |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=7 December 2023 |title=Iran Third Fastest Growing Tourism Destination In 2019: UNWTO |url=https://www.mcth.ir/english/news/ID/50639 |access-date=7 December 2023 |website=MCTH |archive-date=7 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207180653/https://www.mcth.ir/english/news/ID/50639 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2022 it expanded its share to 5% of the economy.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 April 2024 |title=Iran's tourism industry up by 21% in 2023 |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/214503/Iran-s-tourism-industry-up-by-21-in-2023 |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en |archive-date=29 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429085210/https://en.mehrnews.com/news/214503/Iran-s-tourism-industry-up-by-21-in-2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> Iran's tourism experienced a growth of 43% in 2023, attracting 6 million foreign tourists.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-05-28 |title=بازدید ۶ میلیون گردشگر خارجی از ایران در یک سال/ صعود ۶ پله‌ای ایران در رده‌بندی گردشگری |url=https://www.irna.ir/news/85492058/بازدید-۶میلیون-گردشگر-خارجی-از-ایران-در-یک-سال-صعود-۶-پله-ای |work=[[Islamic Republic News Agency]] |access-date=28 May 2024 |archive-date=28 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528112554/https://www.irna.ir/news/85492058/بازدید-۶میلیون-گردشگر-خارجی-از-ایران-در-یک-سال-صعود-۶-پله-ای |url-status=live}}</ref> The government ended visa requirements for 60 countries in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kryeziu |first=Alza |date=17 April 2024 |title=Half of the World Now Granted Visa-Free Access to Iran |url=https://visaguide.world/news/half-of-the-world-now-granted-visa-free-access-to-iran/ |access-date=15 May 2024 |website=VisaGuide.News |language=en-US |archive-date=18 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418095000/https://visaguide.world/news/half-of-the-world-now-granted-visa-free-access-to-iran/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

98% of visits are for leisure, while 2% are for business, indicating the country's appeal as a tourist destination.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 April 2024 |title=Revival rhythm: Iran's tourism blooms by 21% |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/497821/Revival-rhythm-Iran-s-tourism-blooms-by-21 |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=Tehran Times |language=en |archive-date=6 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506165621/https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/497821/Revival-rhythm-Iran-s-tourism-blooms-by-21 |url-status=live}}</ref> Alongside the capital, the most popular tourist destinations are [[Isfahan]], [[Shiraz]] and [[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 is emerging as a preferred destination for [[medical tourism]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=15 December 2023 |title=Medical Tourism in Iran |url=https://www.medicaltourism.com/destinations/iran#:~:text=Iran%2C%20a%20country%20of%20rich,and%20treatments%20at%20competitive%20prices |access-date=15 December 2023 |website=Medical Tourism |archive-date=15 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215172208/https://www.medicaltourism.com/destinations/iran#:~:text=Iran%2C%20a%20country%20of%20rich,and%20treatments%20at%20competitive%20prices |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=18 July 2023 |title=Iran Welcomes Millions of Medical Tourists Every Year |url=https://financialtribune.com/articles/national/119268/iran-welcomes-millions-of-medical-tourists-every-year |website=Financial Tribune |access-date=15 December 2023 |archive-date=15 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215172209/https://financialtribune.com/articles/national/119268/iran-welcomes-millions-of-medical-tourists-every-year |url-status=live}}</ref> Travellers from other West Asian countries grew 31% in the first seven months of 2023, surpassing [[Bahrain]], [[Kuwait]], [[Iraq]], and [[Saudi Arabia]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 December 2023 |title=Foreign arrivals in Iran reach 4.4 million in 8 months, up by 48.5% y/y |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/492481/Foreign-arrivals-in-Iran-reach-4-4-million-in-8-months-up-by |access-date=18 January 2024 |website=Tehran Times |language=en |archive-date=16 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216120727/https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/492481/Foreign-arrivals-in-Iran-reach-4-4-million-in-8-months-up-by |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Domestic tourism]] is one of the world's largests; Iranian tourists spent $33bn in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 December 2023 |title=Iran's tourism among the top 20 countries |url=https://newspaper.irandaily.ir/7386/5/4874 |website=Iran Daily |access-date=15 December 2023 |archive-date=15 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215175941/https://newspaper.irandaily.ir/7386/5/4874 |url-status=live}}</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 $32 billion in the tourism sector by 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 January 2023 |title=Iran sets up funds for tourism development |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/480690/Iran-sets-up-fund-for-tourism-development |website=Tehran Times |access-date=15 December 2023 |archive-date=15 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215180959/https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/480690/Iran-sets-up-fund-for-tourism-development |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Agriculture and fishery ===
{{Main|Agriculture in Iran}}
[[File:Ali Azad.jpg|thumb|[[Paddy field]] in [[Bandpey]], northern Iran]]
Roughly one-third of Iran's total surface area is suited for farmland. Only 12% of the total land area is under cultivation, but less than one-third of the cultivated area is [[irrigated]]; the rest is devoted to [[dryland farming]]. Some 92% of agricultural products depend on water.<ref>{{cite web |title=Agriculture in Iran |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/agriculture-in-iran |access-date=19 February 2016 |archive-date=4 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804020304/http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/agriculture-in-iran |url-status=live}}</ref> The western and northwestern portions of the country have the most fertile soils. Iran's [[food security]] index stands at around 96 percent.<ref>{{cite web |date=7 August 2014 |title=Iran Food security |url=http://www.futuredirections.org.au/publication/iran-s-food-security/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507130724/http://www.futuredirections.org.au/publication/iran-s-food-security/ |archive-date=7 May 2016 |access-date=19 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Seyf |first=Ahmad |date=1984 |title=Technical Changes in Iranian Agriculture, 1800–1906 |journal=Middle Eastern Studies |volume=20 |issue=4 |pages=142–154 |doi=10.1080/00263208408700603 |jstor=4283034}}</ref> 3% of the total land area is used for [[grazing]] and fodder production. Most of the grazing is done on mostly semi-dry rangeland in mountain areas and on areas surrounding the large deserts of Central Iran. Progressive government efforts and incentives during the 1990s, improved agricultural productivity, helping Iran toward its goal of reestablishing national self-sufficiency in food production.

Access to the Caspian Sea, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and many river basins provides Iran the potential to develop excellent fisheries. The government assumed control of commercial fishing in 1952. Expansion of the fishery infrastructure enabled the country to harvest an estimated 700,000 tons of fish annually from the southern waters. Since the Revolution, increased attention has been focused on producing fish from inland waters. Between 1976 and 2004, the combined take from inland waters by the state and private sectors increased from 1,100 tons to 110,175 tons.<ref name="loc3"><!--http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/pdf/CS_Iran.pdf {{PD-notice}}-->{{Cite web |title=About this Collection &#124; Country Studies &#124; Digital Collections &#124; Library of Congress |url=https://www.loc.gov/collections/country-studies/about-this-collection/ |website=Library of Congress |access-date=7 June 2024 |archive-date=25 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150625213643/http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/cltoc.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Iran is the world's largest producer and exporter of [[caviar]], exporting more than 300 tonnes annually.<ref name="news.bbc.co.uk2">{{cite news |date=19 June 2001 |title=Crunch time for Caspian caviar |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1394717.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327033334/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1394717.stm |archive-date=27 March 2010 |access-date=23 April 2010 |work=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Iransaga – Iran The Country, The Land |url=http://www.art-arena.com/land.htm |access-date=21 January 2012 |publisher=Art-arena.com |archive-date=26 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101026160712/http://art-arena.com/land.htm |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Industry and services ===
{{Main|Industry of Iran}}
[[File:IKCO Reera 01 2023-09-01.jpg|thumb|Iran is the world's 16th largest car manufacturer, with [[Iran Khodro|IKCO]] being the largest in the [[Middle East]], [[Central Asia]] and [[North Africa]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 May 2011 |title=Iran Khodro Rail Industries Factory Inaugurated |url=http://en.iccim.ir/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=275&Itemid=53 |access-date=17 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513171714/http://en.iccim.ir/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=275&Itemid=53 |archive-date=13 May 2011}}</ref>]]
Iran is globally ranked 16th in car manufacturing, ahead of the [[United Kingdom|UK]], [[Italy]], and Russia.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 March 2024 |title=Iran takes world's 16th place in car manufacturing: OICA |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/213366/Iran-takes-world-s-16th-place-in-car-manufacturing-OICA |access-date=31 March 2024 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en |archive-date=31 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331012940/https://en.mehrnews.com/news/213366/Iran-takes-world-s-16th-place-in-car-manufacturing-OICA |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran takes world's 16th place in car manufacturing: OICA |url=https://nournews.ir/en/news/168914/news/168914/Iran-takes-world%27s-16th-place-in-car-manufacturing-OICA |access-date=31 March 2024 |website=nournews |language=en}}{{Dead link|date=October 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> It has outputted 1.188 million cars in 2023, a 12% growth compared to the previous years. Iran has exported various cars to countries such as Venezuela, Russia and Belarus. From 2008 to 2009, Iran leaped to 28th place from 69th in annual industrial production growth rate.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 February 2010 |title=Iran advances 41 places in industrial production |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/215089/Iran-advances-41-places-in-industrial-production |access-date=10 January 2024 |website=Tehran Times |language=en |archive-date=10 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110114053/https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/215089/Iran-advances-41-places-in-industrial-production |url-status=live}}</ref> Iranian [[General contractor|contractors]] have been awarded several foreign tender contracts in different fields of construction of [[List of reservoirs and dams in Iran|dams]], [[Transport in Iran|bridges, roads]], [[Construction in Iran|buildings]], [[Islamic Republic of Iran Railways|railroads]], [[List of power stations in Iran|power generation]], and [[National Iranian Oil Company|gas, oil]] and [[National Iranian Petrochemical Company|petrochemical]] industries. As of 2011, some 66 Iranian industrial companies are carrying out projects in 27 countries.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 April 2011 |title=Iran doing industrial projects in 27 countries |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/45255/Iran-doing-industrial-projects-in-27-countries |access-date=10 January 2024 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en}}</ref> Iran exported over $20 billion worth of technical and engineering services over 2001–2011. The availability of local raw materials, [[Mining in Iran|rich mineral reserves]], experienced manpower have all played crucial role in winning the bids.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 January 2011 |title=سازمان توسعه تجارت ایران |url=http://en.tpo.ir/documents/document/11970/12498/Technical-Engineering-Services.aspx |access-date=10 January 2024 |archive-date=28 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110128131844/http://en.tpo.ir/documents/document/11970/12498/Technical-Engineering-Services.aspx |url-status=dead}}</ref>

45% of large industrial firms are located in [[Tehran]], and almost half of their workers work for 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=10 January 2024 |archive-date=6 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100806042511/http://csis.org/files/media/csis/pubs/081006_iran_nuclear.pdf |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Iranian retail industry is largely in the hands of [[cooperative]]s, many of them government-sponsored, and of independent retailers in the [[bazaar]]s. The bulk of food sales occur at street markets, where the Chief Statistics Bureau sets the prices.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 April 2012 |title=SCT – Shopping Centers Today Online |url=http://www.icsc.org/srch/sct/sct0907/feature_iran.php |access-date=10 January 2024 |archive-date=3 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403073459/http://www.icsc.org/srch/sct/sct0907/feature_iran.php |url-status=dead}}</ref> Iran's main exports are to [[Iraq]], [[Afghanistan]], [[Turkmenistan]], [[Tajikistan]], [[Russia]], [[Ukraine]], [[Belarus]], [[Pakistan]], [[Saudi Arabia]], [[Kuwait]], [[United Arab Emirates]], [[Qatar]], [[Oman]], [[Syria]], [[Germany]], [[Spain]], the [[Netherlands]], [[France]], [[Canada]], [[Venezuela]], [[Japan]], [[South Korea]] and [[Turkey]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 February 2010 |title=Iran's foodstuff exports near $1b |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/214856/Iran-s-foodstuff-exports-near-1b |access-date=10 January 2024 |website=Tehran Times |language=en |archive-date=10 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110114055/https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/214856/Iran-s-foodstuff-exports-near-1b |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=14 June 2009 |title=Iran Daily – Domestic Economy – 06/11/09 |url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1388/3421/html/economy.htm |access-date=10 January 2024 |archive-date=14 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090614045854/http://www.iran-daily.com/1388/3421/html/economy.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> Iran's automotive industry is the second most active industry of the country, after its oil and gas industry. [[Iran Khodro]] is the largest car manufacturer in the Middle East, and [[Iran Tractor Manufacturing Company|ITMCO]] is the biggest tractor manufacturer. Iran is the [[List of countries by motor vehicle production|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=10 January 2024 |website=MINING.COM |language=en-US |archive-date=10 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110104248/https://www.mining.com/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite web |date=7 July 2011 |title=Atieh Bahar – Resources – Iran's Automotive Industry Overview |url=http://www.atiehbahar.com/Resource.aspx?n=1000042 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707182609/http://www.atiehbahar.com/Resource.aspx?n=1000042 |archive-date=7 July 2011 |access-date=10 January 2024}}</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=12 October 2012 |title=Official: Iran now among world's 6 turbine manufacturers – Tehran Times |url=http://www.tehrantimes.com/economy-and-business/99706-official-iran-now-among-worlds-6-turbine-manufacturers |access-date=10 January 2024 |archive-date=12 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012033817/http://www.tehrantimes.com/economy-and-business/99706-official-iran-now-among-worlds-6-turbine-manufacturers |url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Transport ===
{{Main|Transport in Iran}}
[[File:Iran Air Cargo Boeing 747-200 KvW.jpg|thumb|[[Iran Air]] is the flag carrier of Iran. Its known as [[Huma bird|Huma]] domestically, which is the name of a mythical Iranian bird, and the symbol of the airways.]]
In 2011 Iran had {{convert|173000|km|mi|sp=}} of roads, of which 73% were paved.<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>
[[Tehran Metro]] is the largest 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=30 December 2023 |website=mic-ro.com |language=en |archive-date=23 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923072945/http://mic-ro.com/metro/table.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Tehran Metro |url=https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/tehranmetro/ |access-date=30 December 2023 |website=Railway Technology |language=en-US |archive-date=22 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101222005514/https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/tehranmetro/ |url-status=live}}</ref> it carries more than 3 million passengers daily and in 2018, 820 million trips.<ref>{{Cite web |title=March 18, 2023, Tehran, Tehran, Iran: A view of the Tehran metro station during the opening ceremony of 5 new stations of the Tehran Metro in the presence of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. The Tehran Metro is a rapid transit system serving Tehran, the capital of Iran. It is the most extensive metro system in the Middle East. The system is owned and operated by Tehran Urban and Suburban Railway. It consists of six operational metro lines (and an additional commuter rail line), with construction underway on three lines, including the west extension of line 4, line 6 and the north and east exte Stock Photo |url=https://www.alamy.com/march-18-2023-tehran-tehran-iran-a-view-of-the-tehran-metro-station-during-the-opening-ceremony-of-5-new-stations-of-the-tehran-metro-in-the-presence-of-iranian-president-ebrahim-raisi-the-tehran-metro-is-a-rapid-transit-system-serving-tehran-the-capital-of-iran-it-is-the-most-extensive-metro-system-in-the-middle-east-the-system-is-owned-and-operated-by-tehran-urban-and-suburban-railway-it-consists-of-six-operational-metro-lines-and-an-additional-commuter-rail-line-with-construction-underway-on-three-lines-including-the-west-extension-of-line-4-line-6-and-the-north-and-east-exte-image543264129.html |access-date=30 December 2023 |website=alamy.com |language=en |archive-date=30 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230155156/https://www.alamy.com/march-18-2023-tehran-tehran-iran-a-view-of-the-tehran-metro-station-during-the-opening-ceremony-of-5-new-stations-of-the-tehran-metro-in-the-presence-of-iranian-president-ebrahim-raisi-the-tehran-metro-is-a-rapid-transit-system-serving-tehran-the-capital-of-iran-it-is-the-most-extensive-metro-system-in-the-middle-east-the-system-is-owned-and-operated-by-tehran-urban-and-suburban-railway-it-consists-of-six-operational-metro-lines-and-an-additional-commuter-rail-line-with-construction-underway-on-three-lines-including-the-west-extension-of-line-4-line-6-and-the-north-and-east-exte-image543264129.html |url-status=live}}</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=30 December 2023 |website=Railway Gazette International |language=en |archive-date=4 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604230942/https://www.railwaygazette.com/maps-and-data/tehran-urban-and-suburban-railway-co-tusrc/53469.article |url-status=live}}</ref> Trains operate on {{convert|11,106|km|mi|abbr=on}} of 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]]. Imported goods are distributed through the country by trucks and freight trains. The [[Tehran]]–Bandar Abbas railroad connects Bandar-Abbas to the railroad system of Central Asia, via Tehran and [[Mashhad]]. Other major ports include [[Bandar-e Anzali|Bandar e-Anzali]] and [[Bandar Torkaman|Bandar e-Torkeman]] on the [[Caspian Sea]] and [[Khorramshahr]] and [[Bandar-e Emam Khomeyni]] on the [[Persian Gulf]].

[[List of airports in Iran|Dozens of cities have airports]] that serve passenger and cargo planes. [[Iran Air]], the national airline, operates domestic and international flights. All large cities have mass transit systems using buses, and private companies provide bus services between cities. Over a million people work in transport, accounting for 9% of GDP.<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===
{{main|Energy in Iran|Petroleum industry in Iran}}
[[File:South Pars Onshore Facilities (8).jpg|thumb|[[South Pars/North Dome Gas-Condensate field|South Pars Gas-Condensate field]], the world's largest [[gas field]], holds 8% of Earth's gas reserves.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 May 2023 |title=Gas compression at South Pars |url=https://en.shana.ir/news/472739/Gas-compression-at-South-Pars |access-date=17 March 2024 |website=Shana |language=en}}</ref>]]
Iran is an [[energy superpower]] and petroleum plays a key part.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coşkun |first=Bezen Balamir |date=2009 |title=Global Energy Geopolitics and Iran |url=http://www.uidergisi.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Global-Energy-Geopolitics-and-Iran.pdf |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140401102351/http://www.uidergisi.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Global-Energy-Geopolitics-and-Iran.pdf |archive-date=1 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=3 March 2016 |title=The Rising might of the Middle East super power – Council on Foreign Relations |url=http://www.cfr.org/iran/rising-might-middle-east-super-power/p11412 |access-date=15 May 2024 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303175813/http://www.cfr.org/iran/rising-might-middle-east-super-power/p11412 |url-status=dead}}</ref> {{As of|2023}}, Iran produced 4% of the world's [[crude oil]] ({{convert|3.6|Moilbbl|m3}} per day),<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.eia.gov/international/data/world/petroleum-and-other-liquids/annual-petroleum-and-other-liquids-production?pd=5&p=0000000000000000000000000000000000vg&u=0&f=A&v=mapbubble&a=-&i=none&vo=value&t=C&g=00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000001&l=249-ruvvvvvfvtvnvv1vrvvvvfvvvvvvfvvvou20evvvvvvvvvvnvvvs0008&s=94694400000&e=1672531200000& |title=International - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) |website=www.eia.gov |access-date=7 June 2024 |archive-date=10 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510202759/https://www.eia.gov/international/data/world/petroleum-and-other-liquids/annual-petroleum-and-other-liquids-production?pd=5&p=0000000000000000000000000000000000vg&u=0&f=A&v=mapbubble&a=-&i=none&vo=value&&t=C&g=00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000001&l=249-ruvvvvvfvtvnvv1vrvvvvfvvvvvvfvvvou20evvvvvvvvvvnvvvs0008&s=94694400000&e=1672531200000 |url-status=live}}</ref> which generates US$36bn<ref name="u048">{{cite web |date=2 April 2024 |title=Iran's oil exports reached $35 billion in last 12 months -ILNA |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/irans-oil-exports-reached-35-billion-last-12-months-ilna-2024-04-02/ |access-date= |website=Reuters}}</ref> of export revenue and is the main source of [[Foreign reserves|foreign currency]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran's Foreign Trade Regime Report |url=http://www.irantradelaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Irans-Foreign-Trade-Regime-Report.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310232210/http://www.irantradelaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Irans-Foreign-Trade-Regime-Report.pdf |archive-date=10 March 2013 |access-date=11 August 2010}}</ref> Oil and gas reserves are estimated at 1.2 trn barrels;<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran's oil and gas reserves estimated at 1.2 trillion barrels: NIOC chief {{!}} Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide |url=https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/irans-oil-and-gas-reserves-estimated-at-1-2-trillion-barrels-nioc-chief/ |access-date=2 May 2024 |website=www.hellenicshippingnews.com |archive-date=2 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502152327/https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/irans-oil-and-gas-reserves-estimated-at-1-2-trillion-barrels-nioc-chief/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Iran holds 10% of world [[oil reserves]] and 15% for gas. It ranks 3rd in [[List of countries by proven oil reserves|oil reserves]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 June 2024 |title=Iran ranks 2nd, 3rd in gas, oil reserves in world |url=https://en.irna.ir/news/85008991/Iran-ranks-2nd-3rd-in-gas-oil-reserves-in-world |website=IRNA |access-date=2 May 2024 |archive-date=2 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502152328/https://en.irna.ir/news/85008991/Iran-ranks-2nd-3rd-in-gas-oil-reserves-in-world |url-status=live}}</ref> and is [[OPEC]]'s 2nd largest exporter. It has the 2nd largest [[Natural gas in Iran|gas reserves]],<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 [[List of countries by natural gas production|3rd largest natural gas production]]. In 2019, Iran discovered a southern oil field of 50 bn barrels<ref>{{Cite web |first1=Nada |last1=Altaher |first2=Matthew |last2=Robinson |date=10 November 2019 |title=Iran has discovered an oil field with an estimated 53 billion barrels of crude, Rouhani says {{!}} CNN Business |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/10/business/iran-new-oil-field-intl/index.html |access-date=2 May 2024 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=2 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502152327/https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/10/business/iran-new-oil-field-intl/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=10 November 2019 |title=Iran discovers new oil field with over 50 billion barrels |url=https://apnews.com/general-news-a6adb7b30adb444998541b1b5aca4332 |access-date=2 May 2024 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=2 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502153829/https://apnews.com/general-news-a6adb7b30adb444998541b1b5aca4332 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran says new oilfield found with 53 billion barrels |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2019/11/10/rouhani-iran-finds-new-oilfield-with-53-billion-barrels |access-date=2 May 2024 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=2 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502152327/https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2019/11/10/rouhani-iran-finds-new-oilfield-with-53-billion-barrels |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=10 November 2019 |title=Iran oil: New field with 53bn barrels found – Rouhani |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50365235 |access-date=2 May 2024 |language=en-GB |archive-date=2 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502152327/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50365235 |url-status=live}}</ref> and in April 2024, the [[National Iranian Oil Company|NIOC]] discovered 10 giant shale oil deposits, totalling 2.6 bn barrels.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 April 2024 |title=Iran discovers giant shale oil reserves in several regions |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/213440/Iran-discovers-giant-shale-oil-reserves-in-several-regions |access-date=2 May 2024 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en |archive-date=10 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410200633/https://en.mehrnews.com/news/213440/Iran-discovers-giant-shale-oil-reserves-in-several-regions |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dooley |first=Kenny |date=2 April 2024 |title=Iran discovers giant shale oil reserves in several regions |url=https://www.ogv.energy/news-item/iran-discovers-giant-shale-oil-reserves-in-several-regions |access-date=2 May 2024 |website=www.ogv.energy |language=en |archive-date=2 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502152332/https://www.ogv.energy/news-item/iran-discovers-giant-shale-oil-reserves-in-several-regions |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ugal |first=Nishant |date=9 October 2023 |title=Four new oil and gas discoveries unveiled by Iran with potential 2.6 billion barrels of reserves |url=https://www.upstreamonline.com/exploration/four-new-oil-and-gas-discoveries-unveiled-by-iran-with-potential-2-6-billion-barrels-of-reserves/2-1-1531271 |access-date=2 May 2024 |website=upstreamonline.com |language=en |archive-date=2 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502152328/https://www.upstreamonline.com/exploration/four-new-oil-and-gas-discoveries-unveiled-by-iran-with-potential-2-6-billion-barrels-of-reserves/2-1-1531271 |url-status=live}}</ref> Iran plans to invest $500 billion in oil by 2025.<ref name="nitc.co.ir">[http://www.nitc.co.ir/iran-daily/1387/3109/html/economy.htm Iran Daily – Domestic Economy – 04/24/08]{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

Iran manufactures 60–70% of [[Industry of Iran|its industrial equipment]] domestically, including turbines, pumps, catalysts, [[Oil refinery|refineries]], [[oil tanker]]s, [[drilling rig]]s, [[Oil platform|offshore platforms]], towers, pipes, and exploration instruments.<ref>[http://www.shana.ir/155561-en.html SHANA: Share of domestically made equipments on the rise] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309074817/http://www.shana.ir/155561-en.html|date=9 March 2012}}. Retrieved 26 July 2010.</ref> The addition of new [[hydroelectricity|hydroelectric]] stations and streamlining of conventional coal and oil-fired stations increased installed capacity to 33 GW; about 75% was based on natural gas, 18% on oil, and 7% on hydroelectric power. In 2004, Iran opened its first wind-powered and geothermal plants, and the first [[Solar power|solar]] thermal plant began in 2009. Iran is the world's third country to develop [[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 |archive-date=7 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207171626/http://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Iran-Besieged-by-Gasoline-Sanctions-Develops-GTL-to-Extract-Gasoline-from-Natural-Gas.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Demographics of Iran|Demographic]] trends and intensified industrialisation have caused [[electric power]] demand to grow by 8% per year. The government's goal of 53 GW of installed capacity by 2010 is to be reached by bringing on line [[List of power stations in Iran|new gas-fired plants]], and adding hydropower and nuclear generation capacity. [[Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant|Iran's first nuclear power plant]] went online in 2011.<ref name="nuclear">{{cite web |url=http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/profiles/Iran.pdf |title=Iran |access-date=18 June 2011 |archive-date=30 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120130153236/http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/profiles/Iran.pdf |url-status=live}}</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>

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

=== Science and technology ===
{{Main|Science and technology in Iran}}
Iran has made considerable advances in science and technology, despite [[International sanctions against Iran|international sanctions]]. In the biomedical sciences, Iran's [[Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics]] has a [[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 2006, [[List of contemporary Iranian scientists, scholars, and engineers|Iranian scientists]] successfully [[Cloning|cloned]] a sheep at the Royan Research Centre 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> [[Stem cell]] research 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 [[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 |archive-date=10 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111210064005/http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/bm/newsworld.php?id=453647 |url-status=live}}</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 made major scientific contributions. In 1960, [[Ali Javan]] co-invented the first [[gas laser]], and [[fuzzy set]] theory was introduced by [[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>

Cardiologist [[Tofy Mussivand]] invented and developed the first artificial cardiac pump, the precursor of the [[artificial heart]]. Furthering research in diabetes, the [[Glycated hemoglobin|HbA1c]] was discovered by [[Samuel Rahbar]]. Many papers in [[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 2014, Iranian mathematician [[Maryam Mirzakhani]] became the first woman, and 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 |archive-date=14 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814032405/http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2014/08/12/first_female_fields_medal_winner_maryam_mirzakhani_of_stanford.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

Iran increased its publication output nearly tenfold from 1996 through 2004, and ranked first in 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 research output by 2018, if the trend persisted.<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> The Iranian humanoid robot [[Surena (robot)|Sorena 2]], which was designed by engineers at the [[University of Tehran]], was unveiled in 2010. The [[Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers]] (IEEE) has placed the name of Surena among the five most prominent robots, after analysing its performance.<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 |archive-date=12 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112185315/http://www.iran-daily.com/1389/8/18/MainPaper/3817/Page/1/Index.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> 

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

Iran was ranked 64th in the [[Global Innovation Index]] in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Global Innovation Index 2024 : Unlocking the Promise of Social Entrepreneurship |url=https://www.wipo.int/web-publications/global-innovation-index-2024/en/ |access-date=2024-11-29 |website=www.wipo.int |language=en}}</ref>

==== Iranian Space Agency ====
{{Main|Iranian Space Agency|Iranian Space Research Center|Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force}}
[[File:Safir navid 1.jpg|thumb|upright=.7|Historic launch of [[Safir (rocket)|Safir]]]]
The Iranian Space Agency (ISA) was established in 2004. Iran became an orbital-launch-capable nation in 2009,<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Fathi |first1=Nazila |last2=Broad |first2=William J. |date=3 February 2009 |title=Iran Launches Satellite in a Challenge for Obama |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/04/world/middleeast/04iran.html |access-date=4 January 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=25 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125005806/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/04/world/middleeast/04iran.html |url-status=live}}</ref> and is a founding member of the [[United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space]]. Iran placed its domestically built [[satellite]] [[Omid]] into orbit on the 30th anniversary of the Revolution, in 2009,<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 [[Safir (rocket)|Safir]]. It became the [[Timeline of first orbital launches by country|9th country]] capable of both producing a satellite and sending it into [[space]] from a domestically made [[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> [[Simorgh (rocket)|Simorgh]]'s launch in 2016, is the successor of Safir.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Stephen Clark |date=2 February 2009 |title=Iran Launches Omid Satellite Into Orbit |url=https://www.space.com/5432-iran-launches-omid-satellite-orbit.html |access-date=27 January 2024 |website=Space.com |language=en |archive-date=29 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229050901/https://www.space.com/5432-iran-launches-omid-satellite-orbit.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

In January 2024, Iran launched the [[Soraya (satellite)|Soraya satellite]] into its highest orbit yet (750&nbsp;km),<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 January 2024 |title=Iran Launches Soraya Satellite Into Orbit 750 Km Above Earth – Iran Front Page |url=https://ifpnews.com/iran-soraya-satellite-orbit-750-km-earth/ |access-date=21 January 2024 |website=ifpnews.com |language=en-US |archive-date=21 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121013649/https://ifpnews.com/iran-soraya-satellite-orbit-750-km-earth/ |url-status=live}}</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=21 January 2024 |website=dw.com |language=en |archive-date=21 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121015553/https://www.dw.com/en/iran-says-it-launched-a-satellite-despite-western-concerns/a-68041834 |url-status=live}}</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=21 January 2024 |website=phys.org |language=en |archive-date=21 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121092740/https://phys.org/news/2024-01-iran-satellite-aerospace-milestone.html |url-status=live}}</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=21 January 2024 |website=barrons.com |language=en-US |archive-date=21 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121081523/https://www.barrons.com/news/iran-says-launches-satellite-in-new-aerospace-milestone-5935a502 |url-status=live}}</ref> It was launched by [[Qaem 100|Qaem 100 rocket]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 January 2024 |title=Iran's Soraya satellite signals received on earth |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/211087/Iran-s-Soraya-satellite-signals-received-on-earth |access-date=21 January 2024 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en |archive-date=22 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122011923/https://en.mehrnews.com/news/211087/Iran-s-Soraya-satellite-signals-received-on-earth |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran successfully launches Soraya satellite using Qa'im 100 carrier |url=http://iranpress.com/aliaspage/271060 |access-date=21 January 2024 |website=iranpress.com |language=en}}</ref> Iran also successfully launched 3 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=28 January 2024 |website=english.news.cn |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128110500/http://english.news.cn/20240128/f0acca839b4b434f979ad239c00f79e5/c.html |url-status=live}}</ref> into orbit using the Simorgh carrier rocket.<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=28 January 2024 |website=dw.com |language=en |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128100907/https://www.dw.com/en/iran-launches-three-satellites-simultaneously-for-first-time/a-68105298 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=28 January 2024 |title=Iran launches 3 satellites into space that are part of a Western-criticized program as tensions rise |url=https://apnews.com/article/iran-satellite-launch-us-ballistic-missiles-israel-hamas-74bcd3eb7e48a31be4f52b8d86d24721 |access-date=28 January 2024 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128070143/https://apnews.com/article/iran-satellite-launch-us-ballistic-missiles-israel-hamas-74bcd3eb7e48a31be4f52b8d86d24721 |url-status=live}}</ref> It was the first time in the country's history that it simultaneously sent three satellites into space.<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 January 2024 |title=Iran simultaneously launches three satellites – state media |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/iran-simultaneously-launches-three-satellites-state-media/articleshow/107200287.cms?from=mdr |access-date=28 January 2024 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389 |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128215058/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/iran-simultaneously-launches-three-satellites-state-media/articleshow/107200287.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=28 January 2024 |title=Iran Conducts Second Controversial Satellite Launch In One Week |url=https://www.iranintl.com/en/202401288496 |access-date=28 January 2024 |website=Iran International |language=en |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128080807/https://www.iranintl.com/en/202401288496 |url-status=live}}</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=28 January 2024 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128105249/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/28/iran-launches-three-satellites-amid-rising-tensions-with-western-powers |url-status=live}}</ref>

In February 2024, Iran launched its domestically developed imaging satellite, Pars 1, from Russia into orbit.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran launches 'domestically developed' imaging satellite from Russia |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/29/iran-launches-domestically-developed-imaging-satellite-from-russia |access-date=15 March 2024 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=14 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314180754/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/29/iran-launches-domestically-developed-imaging-satellite-from-russia |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Online {{!}} |first=E. T. |date=29 February 2024 |title=Iran launches Pars 1 satellite from Russia amidst Western concern over Moscow-Tehrain ties |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/iran-launches-pars-1-satellite-from-russia-amidst-western-concern-over-moscow-tehrain-ties/videoshow/108112811.cms |access-date=15 March 2024 |website=The Economic Times |language=en |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315142858/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/iran-launches-pars-1-satellite-from-russia-amidst-western-concern-over-moscow-tehrain-ties/videoshow/108112811.cms |url-status=live}}</ref> This was the second time since August 2022, when Russia launched another Iranian remote-sensing, [[Khayyam satellite]], into orbit from [[Kazakhstan]], reflecting deep scientific cooperation between the countries.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Motamedi |first=Maziar |title=Russia launches Iranian satellite into space from Kazakhstan base |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/9/russia-launches-iranian-satellite-into-space-from-kazakhstan-base |access-date=15 March 2024 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=13 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013155720/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/9/russia-launches-iranian-satellite-into-space-from-kazakhstan-base |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Russia launches Soyuz rocket into space carrying Iranian satellite Pars-I |url=https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-launches-soyuz-rocket-into-space-carrying-iranian-satellite-695097 |access-date=15 March 2024 |website=WION |date=29 February 2024 |language=en-us |archive-date=15 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315141352/https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-launches-soyuz-rocket-into-space-carrying-iranian-satellite-695097 |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Telecommunication ===
{{Main|Communications in Iran|Telecommunication Company of Iran|Iran Electronics Industries}}
Iran's telecommunications industry is almost entirely state-owned, dominated by the [[Telecommunication Company of Iran]] (TCI). As of 2020, 70 million Iranians use high-speed mobile internet. Iran is among the first five countries which have had a growth rate of over 20 percent and the highest level of development in telecommunication.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 July 2007 |title=National Security and the Internet in the Persian Gulf: Iran |url=http://www.georgetown.edu/research/arabtech/pgi98-4.html |access-date=1 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070703041209/http://www.georgetown.edu/research/arabtech/pgi98-4.html |archive-date=3 July 2007}}</ref> Iran has been awarded the UNESCO special certificate for providing telecommunication services to rural areas.

Globally, Iran ranks 75th in mobile [[internet]] speed and 153rd in fixed internet speed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Internet Speed in Iran is at Regional Bottom |url=https://iranopendata.org/en/pages/internet-speed-in-iran-is-at-regional-bottom |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=Iran Open Data |date=8 March 2024 |language=en}}</ref>