a theocratic Islamic republic in the Middle East in western Asia; Iran was the core of the ancient empire that was known as Persia until 1935; rich in oil
"Iran, a theocratic Islamic republic in the Middle East rich in oil, was once the heart of the ancient Persian Empire."
A country in Western Asia. Official name: Islamic Republic of Iran.
"Iran, officially known as the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country located in Western Asia."
The name Iran comes from Old Persian ērān, which originally meant "of the Aryans." It evolved in the 3rd century to refer to the political entity inhabited by the various Iranian-speaking tribes.