Not many know but Iran is not just a modern nation; it represents a civilisation spanning more than 4,000 years, older than Rome and Greece, whose cultural and historical influence stretches across West Asia and beyond. This threat has reignited global concerns about escalating tensions between the United States and Iran.

Iran's roots trace back to the second millennium BCE, when Medes and Persian tribes settled on the Iranian plateau, laying the foundation for early civilisations. By 3000 BCE, human settlements in today's southern Iraq evolved into the Elamite civilization.

Over centuries, these tribes unified to form powerful empires, including the Achaemenid Empire, which under rulers like Cyrus the Great and Darius the Great extended from the Balkans in Europe to the Indus Valley in South Asia and parts of North Africa. Persian innovations in administration, infrastructure, and postal systems made it a global center of culture, science, and trade.

From Parthians to Islam: Iran's Historical Journey

Following Alexander the Great's conquest, Iran saw the rise of new dynasties like the Parthians (247 BCE-224 CE) and later the Sassanids, who reinforced centralised governance and expanded Persian culture.

The Sassanid Empire remained influential until the 7th century when Islamic forces from the Arabian Peninsula brought Iran under the new caliphates. This marked the start of the Islamic era, transforming Iranian society and merging its rich pre-Islamic traditions with new religious and cultural practices.

Today, Iran's long history is reflected in its diverse culture, architecture, and regional influence.