History of Iran in Timeline

Iran, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in West Asia bordering several nations and bodies of water. It is the 17th largest country in both area and population globally and the sixth-largest in Asia. Administratively, Iran is divided into five regions and 31 provinces. Tehran serves as the capital, largest city, and financial hub of the nation.

1904: Opening of first public cinema in Tehran

In 1904, Mirza Ebrahim (Sahhaf Bashi) opened the first public cinema in Tehran.

1905: Persian Constitutional Revolution begins

In 1905, the Persian Constitutional Revolution began, leading to the establishment of an Iranian parliament.

1911: Persian Constitutional Revolution ends

The Persian Constitutional Revolution ended in 1911.

1921: Coup d'état

Following the 1921 coup d'état, the Qajar dynasty was replaced by the Pahlavi dynasty.

1925: Establishment of the Pahlavi dynasty

In 1925, Reza Shah established the Pahlavi dynasty after ousting the last Qajar Shah.

1925: Mandatory Military Service

Since 1925, all male Iranian citizens aged 18 have been required to serve approximately 14 months in the Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces (IRIAF) or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

1928: Establishment of Iranian school of fine art

In 1928, a new Iranian school of fine art was established by Kamal-ol-molk.

1930: Release of Abi and Rabi

In 1930, the first Iranian feature film, Abi and Rabi, a silent comedy directed by Ovanes Ohanian, was released.

1932: Production of Lor Girl

In 1932, the first Iranian sound film, Lor Girl, was produced by Ardeshir Irani and Abd-ol-Hosein Sepanta.

1933: Foundation of Tehran Symphony Orchestra

In 1933, Iran's first symphony orchestra, the Tehran Symphony Orchestra, was founded.

August 1941: Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran

In August 1941, the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran, known as Operation Countenance, occurred after Iran rejected demands to expel German residents.

1941: Reza Shah abdicates

In 1941, Reza Shah was forced to abdicate due to the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran.

1943: Tehran Conference

In 1943, the Allied "Big Three"—Joseph Stalin, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Winston Churchill—issued the Tehran Declaration at the Tehran Conference to guarantee Iran's post-war independence and boundaries.

1947: Political Instability

From 1947 to 1951, Iran experienced political instability with the rise and fall of six prime ministers.

1947: Foundation of Iran's National Olympic Committee

Iran's National Olympic Committee was founded in 1947.

1949: Foundation of School of National Music

By the late 1940s, Ruhollah Khaleqi founded the country's first national music society and established the School of National Music in 1949.

1949: Opening of Apadana, Tehran's First Modern Art Gallery

In 1949, Tehran's first modern art gallery, Apadana, was opened by Mahmud Javadipur, Hosein Kazemi, and Hushang Ajudani.

1950: Urban Growth

From 1950 to 2002, the urban proportion of Iran's population increased from 27% to 60%, marking one of the highest urban growth rates globally.

1951: Political Instability

From 1947 to 1951, Iran experienced political instability with the rise and fall of six prime ministers.

1951: Nationalization of British-owned oil industry

In 1951, Prime Minister Mohammed Mosaddeq received the vote required from the parliament to nationalize the British-owned oil industry, in a situation known as the Abadan Crisis.

1952: Mosaddeq removed from power

In 1952, Mosaddeq was removed from power but quickly re-appointed by the Shah, due to a popular uprising in support of the premier.

1952: Government Control of Fishing

In 1952, the government of Iran assumed control of commercial fishing operations, marking a significant shift in the management of fisheries.

August 1953: Failed military coup

In August 1953, Prime Minister Mosaddeq forced the Shah into a brief exile after a failed military coup by Imperial Guard Colonel Nematollah Nassiri.

1953: Anglo-American coup

In 1953, an Anglo-American coup occurred in response to Mohammad Mosaddegh's attempts to nationalize the oil industry.

1954: Beginning of attempts to organise a film festival

Attempts to organise a film festival, which had begun in 1954 within the Golrizan Festival

1956: Population Growth

By 1956, Iran's population was at 19 million.

1960: Gas Laser Co-invention

In 1960, Ali Javan co-invented the first gas laser, contributing to advancements in laser technology.

1962: Iran Air Founded

In 1962, Iran Air, the national airline, was founded to operate domestic and international flights.

1965: Establishment of Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults

By 1965, the influential Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults was established.

1969: Release of Qeysar and The Cow and Sepas film festival

In 1969, with the screening of the films Qeysar and The Cow, directed by Masoud Kimiai and Dariush Mehrjui respectively, alternative films set out to establish their status in the film industry and also the festival of Sepas was held.

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1973: Formation of Tehran's World Film Festival

In 1973, Attempts resulted in the formation of Tehran's World Film Festival.

1974: Iran Hosts Asian Games

In 1974, Iran became the first country in West Asia to host the Asian Games.

1976: Increase in fish production

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.

November 1979: Iran hostage crisis begins

On 4 November 1979, the Iran hostage crisis began after Iranian students seized US embassy personnel, holding 52 hostages.

December 1979: Approval of new theocratic constitution

In December 1979, Iran approved a new theocratic constitution, establishing Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini as Supreme Leader.

1979: Iran Derecognizes Israel

In 1979, Iran derecognized the state of Israel.

1979: Iranian Revolution

In 1979, the Iranian Revolution overthrew the monarchy, leading to the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran by Ruhollah Khomeini.

September 1980: Iraq invades Iran

On 22 September 1980, the Iraqi army invaded Iran at Khuzestan, precipitating the Iran–Iraq War.

1980: Iraq invades Iran

In 1980, Iraq invaded Iran, which initiated the eight-year-long Iran–Iraq War.

January 1981: Iran hostage crisis ends

In January 1981, the 52 hostages from the Iran hostage crisis were released after being held for 444 days.

1982: Iranian forces push Iraqi army back

By 1982, Iranian forces had pushed the Iraqi army back into Iraq during the Iran-Iraq War.

1982: Foundation of Hezbollah

In 1982, Iran began building its network of state and non-state actors, starting with Hezbollah in Lebanon.

1985: Foundation of MCHTH

After the Iranian Revolution, it took until 1985 to found the MCHTH (Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts).

1988: End of Iran-Iraq War

In 1988, Khomeini accepted a truce mediated by the UN, ending the Iran–Iraq War.

June 1989: Khomeini's death and transition of power

Following Khomeini's death on 3 June 1989, Ali Khamenei was named as the next Supreme Leader after being appointed by a 25-man Constitutional Reform Council.

1989: Rafsanjani focuses on rebuilding the economy

In 1989, President Akbar Rafsanjani concentrated on a pro-business policy of rebuilding the economy, without breaking with the ideology of the revolution.

1989: Formation of the Supreme National Security Council

In 1989, during the Iranian constitutional referendum, the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) was formed to protect national interests and sovereignty.

1990: First scientific meeting on anthropology and folklore

In 1990, the MCHTH held the first scientific meeting on anthropology and folklore.

1991: First attack on Israel since the Gulf War

In April 2024, the Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, killed an IRGC commander. Iran retaliated with UAVs, cruise and ballistic missiles; 9 hit Israel. It was the first time since 1991, Israel was directly attacked by a state force.

1995: Tehran–Bandar-Abbas railroad Opens

In 1995, the Tehran–Bandar-Abbas railroad was opened, connecting Bandar-Abbas to the railroad system of Central Asia via Tehran and Mashhad.

1996: Increase in publication output

Iran increased its publication output nearly tenfold from 1996 through 2004, and ranked first in output growth rate, followed by China.

1997: Kiarostami wins Palme d'Or for Taste of Cherry

In 1997, Kiarostami won the Palme d'Or for Taste of Cherry, planting Iran firmly on the map of world cinema.

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1997: Khatami succeeds Rafsanjani

In 1997, moderate reformist Mohammad Khatami succeeded Rafsanjani as president.

2000: Juan José Linz on the Iranian Regime

In 2000, Juan José Linz described the Iranian regime as a combination of totalitarianism's ideological bent with authoritarianism's limited pluralism.

2001: Export of Technical and Engineering Services

Over the period 2001–2011, Iran exported over $20 billion worth of technical and engineering services, bolstered by local raw materials, mineral reserves, and experienced manpower.

2002: Urban Growth

From 1950 to 2002, the urban proportion of Iran's population increased from 27% to 60%, marking one of the highest urban growth rates globally.

2003: Population Estimate

According to a 2003 estimate, Persians made up 51% of the population, while Azerbaijanis made up 24%, Gilaks and Mazenderanis 8%, Kurds 7%, Arabs 3%, Lurs 2%, Balochis 2%, Turkmens 2% and other groups 1%.

2003: US Invasion of Iraq

After the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, Iran began financing and training militia groups in Iraq.

2003: Bam earthquake

In 2003, the Bam earthquake occurred in Iran, highlighting the devastating potential of shallow-focus earthquakes in the seismically active area.

2004: Increase in fish production

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.

2004: Renewable Energy Plants Inauguration

In 2004, Iran inaugurated its first wind-powered and geothermal plants, signaling a move towards diversifying its energy sources.

2004: Increase in publication output

Iran increased its publication output nearly tenfold from 1996 through 2004, and ranked first in output growth rate, followed by China.

2004: Start of Yemen's Civil War

Since 2004, during Yemen's civil war, Iran has provided military support to the Houthis.

2004: Iranian Space Agency Established

The Iranian Space Agency (ISA) was established in 2004 to oversee and coordinate space-related activities in the country.

2005: Ahmadinejad elected president

In 2005, conservative populist and nationalist candidate Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was elected president.

2005: Highest recorded temperature in the Lut Desert

In 2005, the Lut Desert recorded the hottest spot on the Earth's surface, with a temperature of 70.7 °C.

2006: Israel-Hezbollah War

During the 2006 Israel–Hezbollah War, Hezbollah's strategic successes against Israel elevated Iran's influence in the Levant and strengthened its appeal across the Muslim World.

2006: Iranian cinema at Berlin Film Festival

In 2006, 6 films represented Iranian cinema at Berlin Film Festival, which critics considered a remarkable event in Iranian cinema.

2006: Cloned Sheep

In 2006, Iranian scientists successfully cloned a sheep at the Royan Research Centre in Tehran, showcasing advances in biomedical sciences.

2006: Disputed Election Results

The 2006 election results in Iran were widely disputed, resulting in protests.

2007: Men's national basketball team win Asian Championship

Since 2007, the men's national basketball team has won three Asian Championships.

2008: Annual Industrial Production Growth Rate

From 2008 to 2009, Iran leaped to 28th place from 69th in annual industrial production growth rate.

2008: Population Estimate

The Library of Congress in 2008 issued slightly different estimates: 65% Persians (also including Gilaks and Mazenderanis), 16% Azerbaijanis, 7% Kurds, 6% Lurs, 2% Arabs, 2% Balochis, 1% Turkic tribal groups (such as Qashqai), and non-Persian, non-Turkic groups (including Armenians, Georgians, and Assyrians) less than 1%.

2009: Blocking of Facebook in Iran

Facebook has been blocked in Iran since 2009.

2009: Annual Industrial Production Growth Rate

From 2008 to 2009, Iran leaped to 28th place from 69th in annual industrial production growth rate.

2009: Satellite Launch Capability

In 2009, Iran became an orbital-launch-capable nation and launched its domestically built satellite Omid into orbit on the 30th anniversary of the Revolution, using its first expendable launch vehicle Safir, becoming the 9th country capable of both producing a satellite and sending it into space from a domestically made launcher.

2009: First Solar Thermal Plant

In 2009, Iran's first solar thermal plant began operations, further expanding the country's renewable energy capabilities.

2009: Nowruz Registered on UNESCO's list

Nowruz was registered on the UNESCO's list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2009.

2010: Economic Reform Plan

In 2010, Iran's economic reform plan aimed to cut subsidies gradually and replace them with targeted social assistance, moving towards free market prices and increased productivity.

2010: Sorena 2 unveiled

In 2010, The Iranian humanoid robot Sorena 2, which was designed by engineers at the University of Tehran, was unveiled. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has placed the name of Surena among the five most prominent robots, after analysing its performance.

2010: Inscription of carpet weaving skills on UNESCO list

In 2010, the "traditional skills of carpet weaving" in Fars Province and Kashan were inscribed to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

2010: Iran Introduces National Basic Income

In Autumn 2010, Iran was the first country to introduce a national basic income.

2010: Government goal of installed capacity

The government's goal of 53 GW of installed capacity by 2010 is to be reached by bringing on line new gas-fired plants, and adding hydropower and nuclear generation capacity.

2011: First Nuclear Power Plant

In 2011, Iran's first nuclear power plant went online, marking a significant milestone in its energy sector.

2011: Iranian Industrial Companies Overseas

In 2011, approximately 66 Iranian industrial companies were involved in projects across 27 countries, showcasing the country's growing engineering and technical service capabilities.

2011: Iran wins the Asian Men's Volleyball Championship

Iran's men's national volleyball team won the 2011 Asian Men's Volleyball Championship.

2012: SCImago Study

According to a study by SCImago in 2012, Iran would rank fourth in research output by 2018, if the trend persisted.

2012: Asghar Farhadi receives Golden Globe Award and Academy Award for A Separation

In 2012, Asghar Farhadi received a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award for A Separation, representing Iran for Best Foreign Language Film.

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2013: Rouhani elected president

In 2013, centrist and reformist Hassan Rouhani was elected president.

2013: Value of Setad

In 2013, the Setad, a state-owned enterprise under the Rahbar, was valued at $95 billion.

2013: Iran wins the Asian Men's Volleyball Championship

Iran's men's national volleyball team won the 2013 Asian Men's Volleyball Championship.

2014: Instability in Yemen

Beginning in 2014, instability in Yemen provided Iran with opportunities to build strong alliances and footholds beyond its borders.

2014: ISIS in Iraq

Following Iraq's struggle against ISIS in 2014, companies linked to the IRGC such as Khatam al-Anbiya, started building infrastructure in Iraq.

2014: Fields Medal Awarded to Maryam Mirzakhani

In 2014, Iranian mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani became the first woman, and Iranian, to receive the Fields Medal, the highest prize in mathematics, recognizing her contributions to the field.

2015: Joint Comprehensive Plan on Action (JCPOA) Agreement

In 2015, Iran and the P5+1 agreed to the Joint Comprehensive Plan on Action (JCPOA), seeking to end economic sanctions in exchange for restrictions on enriched uranium production.

2015: JCPOA reached

In 2015, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was reached in Vienna between Iran, the P5+1, and the EU.

2016: Literacy Rate

As of 2016, the literacy rate among people aged 15 and older in Iran was 86%, with men (90%) significantly more literate than women (81%).

2016: Health Insurance Coverage

In 2016, about 90% of Iranians had health insurance.

2017: Asghar Farhadi receives Academy Award for The Salesman

In 2017, Asghar Farhadi received an Academy Award for The Salesman, representing Iran for Best Foreign Language Film.

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2017: Raisi lost presidential bid

In 2017, Hardliner Ebrahim Raisi lost a presidential bid.

2017: 2017-18 Iranian Protests

The 2017–18 Iranian protests swept across the country in response to the economic and political situation, leading to thousands of arrests.

2018: SCImago Study

According to a study by SCImago in 2012, Iran would rank fourth in research output by 2018, if the trend persisted.

2018: Population Growth Rate

In 2018, Iran's population growth rate was approximately 1.39%, reflecting a slowdown due to a declining fertility rate.

2018: US withdraws from JCPOA

In 2018, the US under Trump withdrew from the JCPOA, and new sanctions were imposed.

2018: US Withdraws from JCPOA and Reinstates Sanctions

In 2018, the United States, under the Trump administration, withdrew from the JCPOA and reimposed sanctions on Iran.

2019: Retracted Publications

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.

2019: Museum Visitors in Iran

Around 25 million people visited the museums in Iran in 2019.

2019: Oil field discovery

In 2019, Iran discovered a southern oil field of 50 bn barrels.

2019: Vank Cathedral Registered as World Heritage Site

In 2019, the Iranian government registered the Vank Cathedral, in Isfahan, as a World Heritage Site.

2019: 2019-20 Iranian Protests

The 2019–20 Iranian protests started on 15 November in Ahvaz due to fuel price increases, resulting in a week-long Internet shutdown and a severe government crackdown.

January 2020: Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 Shootdown

On 8 January 2020, Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was shot down by the IRGC shortly after takeoff, killing all 176 occupants. The government later admitted to the shootdown, calling it a "human error".

2020: Mobile Internet Usage

As of 2020, 70 million Iranians use high-speed mobile internet.

2020: Iran Ends JCPOA Limits

By 2020, Iran announced it would no longer observe any limits set by the JCPOA agreement.

2020: The Last Fiction at the Academy Awards

In 2020, Ashkan Rahgozar's "The Last Fiction" became the first representative of Iranian animated cinema in the competition section, in Best Animated Feature and Best Picture categories at the Academy Awards.

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2020: Soleimani assassinated

In 2020, IRGC general Qasem Soleimani was assassinated by the US, heightening tensions, and Iran retaliated against US airbases in Iraq.

January 2021: Iran Blocks Social Media Platforms

Since January 2021, Iranian authorities have blocked a list of social media platforms; Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, Twitter and YouTube.

2021: Raisi succeeds Rouhani

In 2021, Ebrahim Raisi succeeded Hassan Rouhani as president.

2021: Iran and China Sign 25-Year Cooperation Agreement

In 2021, Iran and China signed a 25-year cooperation agreement to strengthen relations in political, strategic, and economic areas.

2021: Increase in Military Spending

In 2021, Iran's military spending increased to $24.6 billion, accounting for 2.3% of the national GDP, with the IRGC receiving 34% of the total military budget.

2021: Iranian tourist spending

In 2021, Iranian tourists spent $33 billion on domestic tourism, showcasing one of the world's largest domestic tourism markets.

August 2022: Khayyam Satellite Launch

In August 2022, Russia launched the Iranian remote-sensing Khayyam satellite into orbit from Kazakhstan, reflecting scientific cooperation between the countries.

September 2022: Protests After Mahsa Amini's Death

On 16 September 2022, protests against the Iranian government began after Mahsa Amini died in police custody following her arrest by the Guidance Patrol.

2022: UN Experts on Persecution of Religious Minorities

In 2022, a group of UN experts urged Iran to stop the "systematic persecution" of religious minorities, noting arrests, university bans, and home demolitions targeting the Baháʼí Faith.

2022: State Subsidies in Iran

In 2022, state subsidies in Iran, including foodstuffs and petrol, totalled $100 billion for energy alone.

2022: Tourism's Share of the Economy

In 2022, tourism in Iran expanded its share to 5% of the economy.

2022: Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate in Iran was 9% in 2022.

February 2023: Population Growth

By February 2023, Iran's population had grown to about 85 million.

November 2023: Iran Nears Nuclear Threshold

As of November 2023, Iran has enriched uranium to up to 60% fissile content, approaching weapon grade.

November 2023: Iran to Acquire Russian Military Aircraft

In November 2023, Iran finalized arrangements to acquire Russian Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets, Mil Mi-28 attack helicopters, and air defence/missile systems.

2023: Oil Production

As of 2023, Iran produced 4% of the world's crude oil (3.6 million barrels per day), generating US$36bn of export revenue and is the main source of foreign currency.

2023: Collapse of Iranian allies and proxies

In 2023, Iran's economic struggles and the collapse of its key allies and proxies began, weakening and isolating the Iranian government.

2023: Tourism Growth and Visa Policy

In 2023, Iran's tourism experienced a growth of 43%, attracting 6 million foreign tourists, and the government ended visa requirements for 60 countries.

2023: Retraction Rates

Media reports from 2023 indicate that Iran continues to rank among the countries with the highest retraction rates in scientific publications.

January 2024: Soraya Satellite Launch

In January 2024, Iran launched the Soraya satellite into its highest orbit yet (750 km) using the Qaem 100 rocket. Iran also successfully launched 3 indigenous satellites, The Mahda, Kayan and Hatef, into orbit using the Simorgh carrier rocket. It was the first time in the country's history that it simultaneously sent three satellites into space. The three satellites are designed for testing advanced satellite subsystems, space-based positioning technology, and narrowband communication.

February 2024: Pars 1 Satellite Launch

In February 2024, Iran launched its domestically developed imaging satellite, Pars 1, from Russia into orbit.

April 2024: Israeli airstrike on Iranian consulate in Damascus

In April 2024, the Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, killed an IRGC commander. Iran retaliated with UAVs, cruise and ballistic missiles; 9 hit Israel.

April 2024: Shale oil deposits discovery

In April 2024, the NIOC discovered 10 giant shale oil deposits, totaling 2.6 bn barrels.

May 2024: President Raisi killed in helicopter crash

In May 2024, President Raisi was killed in a helicopter crash.

October 2024: Iranian ballistic missile attack on Israel

On 1 October 2024, Iran launched 180 ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for assassinations of Ismail Haniyeh, Hassan Nasrallah and Abbas Nilforoushan. On 27 October, Israel struck Iranian military sites.

December 2024: Setback in Syria for Iran

In December 2024, the potential fall of the Assad regime in Syria represented a setback for Iran's political influence in the region.

2024: Iran's Economy

As of 2024, Iran has the world's 19th largest economy (by PPP), characterized by a mixture of central planning, state ownership, agriculture, and small-scale private ventures.

2024: Iran's Electoral Democracy Ranking

In 2024, Iran was ranked 158th in electoral democracy according to V-Dem Democracy Indices, classifying it as an electoral autocracy.

2024: Car Manufacturing Ranking

In 2024, Iran was ranked 16th in global car manufacturing, surpassing the UK, Italy, and Russia.

2024: Global Innovation Index Ranking

In 2024, Iran was ranked 64th in the Global Innovation Index.

January 2025: Men's national volleyball team is 2nd strongest in Asia, and 15th in the FIVB World Rankings

As of January 2025, the men's national volleyball team is the 2nd strongest in Asia, and 15th in the FIVB World Rankings.

February 2025: Report on Parallel Systems in Iran

In February 2025, The New York Times reported Karim Sadjadpour's analysis of Iran having two parallel systems: one controlled by the military/intelligence, and another by diplomats/politicians.

April 2025: Men's national football team ranks 2nd in Asia and 18th in the FIFA World Rankings

As of April 2025, the men's national football team ranks 2nd in Asia and 18th in the FIFA World Rankings.

June 2025: Israeli strikes on Iran

On 13 June 2025, Israel launched strikes across Iran, targeting nuclear facilities and killing top military leaders. Early on 22 June, the United States joined the war and struck the Iranian nuclear facilities of Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.