History of Iran in Timeline

Iran, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a West Asian country bordering several nations and bodies of water. With a population of approximately 86 million, it ranks as the 17th largest country in the world by both area and population. It is the sixth-largest country entirely in Asia and boasts a largely mountainous terrain. Iran is an Islamic republic with a Muslim-majority population and is divided into 31 provinces across five regions. Tehran serves as its capital, largest city, and financial hub.

1925: Establishment of the Pahlavi dynasty

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

1925: Mandatory military service

Since 1925, it has been mandatory for all male citizens aged 18 to serve around 14 months in the IRIAF or IRGC.

1935: Request to use name Iran

In 1935, Reza Shah requested that the international community use the native name Iran instead of Persia.

1952: Government control of commercial fishing

In 1952, the government assumed control of commercial fishing.

1953: Anglo-American coup

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

1960: Invention of the first gas laser

In 1960, Ali Javan co-invented the first gas laser.

1976: Increased fish production in 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.

April 1979: Establishment of the Islamic Republic

On April 1, 1979, Iran officially became an Islamic republic following the Iranian Revolution.

1979: Iran derecognizes Israel

In 1979, Iran derecognized Israel.

1979: Iranian Revolution

In 1979, the Iranian Revolution led to the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran by Ruhollah Khomeini.

1980: Invasion of Iran by Iraq

In 1980, Iraq invaded Iran, initiating the Iran-Iraq War.

1980: Iran-Iraq War

In 1980, the Iran-Iraq War began, shaping Iran's foreign relations.

1982: Hezbollah established in Lebanon

In 1982, Iran started building a network of state and non-state actors with Hezbollah in Lebanon.

1988: End of Iran-Iraq War

In 1988, the Iran-Iraq War came to an end.

1989: Rafsanjani's pro-business policy

In 1989, Akbar Rafsanjani concentrated on a pro-business policy to rebuild the economy, favoring privatization and a moderate international position.

1989: Formation of the SNSC

The Supreme National Security Council was formed during the 1989 Iranian constitutional referendum.

1991: First time Israel attacked by State Force

First time since 1991, Israel was directly attacked by a state force.

1996: Increase in publication output

Iran increased its publication output nearly tenfold from 1996 through 2004.

1997: Election of Mohammad Khatami

In 1997, Mohammad Khatami, a moderate reformist, succeeded Rafsanjani, advocating for freedom of expression and constructive diplomatic relations.

2000: Linz description of Iranian regime

In 2000, Juan José Linz wrote that "the Iranian regime combines the ideological bent of totalitarianism with the limited pluralism of authoritarianism".

2001: Exported technical and engineering services

Iran exported over $20 billion worth of technical and engineering services over 2001–2011.

2003: Bam earthquake

In 2003, the Bam earthquake occurred in Iran, causing widespread devastation.

2003: Instability in Iraq allows Iran to build alliances

Since 2003, the instability in Iraq has allowed Iran to build strong alliances and footholds beyond its borders.

2003: US invasion of Iraq

Since the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, Iran has financed and trained militia groups in Iraq.

2004: Increased fish production in 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.

2004: Civil war in Yemen

During Yemen's civil war, since 2004, Iran provided military support to the Houthis, a Zaydi Shiite movement fighting Yemen's Sunni government.

2004: First wind-powered and geothermal plants opened

In 2004, Iran opened its first wind-powered and geothermal plants.

2004: Increased publication output

Iran increased its publication output nearly tenfold from 1996 through 2004.

2004: Establishment of the Iranian Space Agency

The Iranian Space Agency (ISA) was established in 2004.

2005: Record temperature in Lut Desert

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

2005: Election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

The 2005 presidential election brought Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to power, known for his hardline views.

2006: Iran's influence elevated after the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah War

Hezbollah's strategic successes against Israel, such as its symbolic victory during the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah War, elevated Iran's influence in the Levant and strengthened its appeal across the Muslim World.

2006: Cloning of a sheep

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

2006: Disputed election results

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

2008: Industrial Production Growth Rate

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

2008: Passenger cars

In 2008 there were nearly 100 passenger cars for every 1,000 inhabitants.

2009: Industrial Production Growth Rate

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

2009: First solar thermal plant began

In 2009, the first solar thermal plant began in Iran.

2009: Omid satellite placed into orbit

Iran became an orbital-launch-capable nation in 2009, and placed its domestically built satellite Omid into orbit on the 30th anniversary of the Revolution.

2010: Economic reform plan

In 2010, the economic reform plan was to cut subsidies gradually and replace them with targeted social assistance.

2010: Unveiling of the Sorena 2 robot

The Iranian humanoid robot Sorena 2, which was designed by engineers at the University of Tehran, was unveiled in 2010.

2010: Government's goal

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: Industrial companies

As of 2011, some 66 Iranian industrial companies are carrying out projects in 27 countries.

2011: Roads

In 2011 Iran had 173,000 kilometres (107,000 mi) of roads, of which 73% were paved.

2011: First nuclear power plant went online

Iran's first nuclear power plant went online in 2011.

2012: Iran's research output

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

2013: Election of Hassan Rouhani

In 2013, Hassan Rouhani was elected president, encouraging personal freedom and improved diplomatic relations.

2013: Estimation of Setad's value

In 2013, Reuters estimated Setad's value at $95 billion.

2014: Iran shapes Iraq's politics

Following Iraq's struggle against ISIS in 2014, companies linked to the IRGC, started building roads, power plants, hotels and businesses in Iraq, creating an economic corridor worth around $9 billion before COVID-19.

2014: Maryam Mirzakhani received Fields Medal

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

2014: Instability in Yemen allows Iran to build alliances

Since 2014, the instability in Yemen has allowed Iran to build strong alliances and footholds beyond its borders.

2015: Agreement on JCPOA

In 2015, Iran and the P5+1 agreed to the Joint Comprehensive Plan on Action (JCPOA) to restrict uranium enrichment in exchange for ending economic sanctions.

2015: JCPOA reached in Vienna

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

2016: Qeshm designated as UNESCO Global Geopark

In 2016, Qeshm Island was designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark.

2016: Launch of Simorgh

Simorgh's launch in 2016, is the successor of Safir.

2017: Iranian protests

The 2017–18 Iranian protests swept across the country in response to the economic and political situation.

2018: Projected research output ranking

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

2018: Tehran Metro

In 2018, Tehran Metro carries more than 3 million passengers daily.

2018: US withdrawal from JCPOA

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

2019: Oil field discovered

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

2019: Iranian protests

The 2019–20 Iranian protests started on 15 November in Ahvaz, and spread across the country after the government announced increases in fuel prices of up to 300%.

2019: Tourism

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.

January 2020: Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 shot down

On 8 January 2020, Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, was shot down by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) shortly after takeoff, killing all 176 occupants on board and leading to protests.

2020: Iran's announcement on JCPOA limits

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

2020: Assassination of Qasem Soleimani

In 2020, Qasem Soleimani was assassinated by the US, heightening tensions between Iran and the US.

January 2021: Authorities block social media platforms

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

2021: Election of Ebrahim Raisi

In 2021, Ebrahim Raisi succeeded Hassan Rouhani as president.

2021: Iran-China 25-year cooperation agreement

In 2021, Iran and China signed a 25-year cooperation agreement to strengthen relations.

2021: Increase in military spending

In 2021, Iran's military spending increased to $24.6 billion, 2.3% of the national GDP.

2021: Domestic tourism

Iranian tourists spent $33bn in 2021 on domestic tourism.

September 2022: Protests begin after death of Mahsa Amini

Protests against the government began on 16 September 2022 after a woman named Mahsa Amini died in police custody following her arrest by the Guidance Patrol.

2022: Large state subsidies

Budget deficits have been a chronic problem, mostly due to large state subsidies, that include foodstuffs and especially petrol, totalling $100 billion in 2022 for energy alone.

2022: Iran's rank in Democracy Index

In 2022, Iran ranked 154th in The Economist Democracy Index.

2022: Tourism's share

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

2022: UN experts urge Iran to stop persecution of religious minorities

In 2022, a group of UN experts urged Iran to stop the "systematic persecution" of religious minorities, adding that members of the Baháʼí Faith were arrested, barred from universities, or had their homes demolished.

2022: Unemployment rate

In 2022, unemployment was 9%.

November 2023: Iran's uranium enrichment status

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

November 2023: Finalization of arrangements to acquire Russian fighter jets

In November 2023, the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force finalized arrangements to acquire Russian Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets, Mil Mi-28 attack helicopters, air defence and missile systems.

2023: Oil production

As of 2023, Iran produced 4% of the world's crude oil (3.6 million barrels (570,000 m) per day), which generates US$36bn of export revenue and is the main source of foreign currency.

2023: Car manufacturing

In 2023, Iran outputted 1.188 million cars, a 12% growth compared to the previous years.

2023: Travellers from other West Asian countries grew 31%

Travellers from other West Asian countries grew 31% in the first seven months of 2023, surpassing Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.

April 2024: Israel airstrike on Iranian consulate and Iranian retaliation

In April 2024, Israel's airstrike on an Iranian consulate led to Iranian retaliation with UAVs, cruise and ballistic missiles.

April 2024: NIOC discovered giant shale oil deposits

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

May 2024: Death of President Raisi

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

October 2024: Iran missile attack on Israel in retaliation for assassinations

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

2024: Iran's Economy

As of 2024, Iran has the world's 19th largest economy (by PPP).

2024: Global Innovation Index Ranking

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

February 2025: Report on parallel regimes in Iran

In February 2025, the New York Times reported on the existence of two parallel regimes in Iran, one ruled by the military and intelligence forces and the other by diplomats and politicians.