Iran is a country in the Middle East that borders seven countries, including Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey, and Turkmenistan. It also borders the Gulf of Oman, the Caspian Sea and the Persian Sea. The country is mostly arid or semi-arid and experiences the subtropical climate especially along the Caspian coast. The country has an average altitude of 1,035 meters, and the highest point is Kuh-e Damavand with a height of 5,670 meters while the lowest point is in the Caspian Sea with a height of 28 meters below sea level . Iran has an area of 1,648,195 square kilometers and is one of the most mountainous countries in the world. The Iranian plateau covers an extensive area in the country. The mountain ranges of the Caucasus, Zagros and Elburz are home to some of the tallest mountains in Iran.
Damavand
Mount Damavand sits at 18,410 feet. The volcanic mountain is located in the middle of the Elburz range. The Elburz mountain range stretches from west to east of Iran along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea. The Elburz mountain range offers a natural barrier between the arid highlands of central Iran and the wet slopes of the Caspian coast. Mount Damavand is an integral part of Persian mythology. According to a popular legend, a three-headed dragon was chained to the mountain to remain there until the end of time. The mountain is so significant that it is printed on the Iranian 10,000 Rial banknote. Mount Damavand is also believed to have magical powers. The hot springs found on either side of the mountain indicate volcanic activity beneath the surface. The mountain has a wealth of wildlife which includes wild goats and sheep, bears and leopards. Multiple bird species are also found on the mountain. Wild flowers such as mountain tulips can be found all over Damavand. A group of climbers proposed to have Mount Damavand declared a national heritage. An ancient holiday known as Tabari Nowruz is meant to be named after the mountain.
Alam-Kuh
Mount Alam-Kuh is the second tallest mountain in Iran at the height of 15,906 feet. It is also part of the Elburz mountain range in northern Iran. The northern slopes overlooking the Caspian Sea are wet and covered with vegetation while the southern slopes overlooking the Iranian desert are dry and arid. The top of the mountain is covered with snow all year round.
Sabalan
Mount Sabalan is an inactive volcano, also in the Elburz mountain range. It stands at 15,748 feet and is the third highest mountain in Iran. The mountain is endowed with magnificent scenes. The mountain has a lake on top that is frozen for most of the year. The mineral springs are claimed to have healing properties that run down the mountain slopes. The mountain has a majestic statue of the eagle sculpted by nature. The mountain is a famous tourist attraction in Iran. Furthermore, it has religious significance for people who practice Zoroastrianism. These people believe that Zoroaster, founder of Zoroastrianism, meditated on Mount Sabalan.
Azad-Kuh
Mount Azud Kuh is among the tallest mountains in Iran, standing at a height of 14,288 feet. Azud Kuh means ‘free mountain’ in Persian. Native Iranians gave it its name due to its prominent peak which stands alone. The mountain has a beautiful vegetation consisting of meadows. Mount Azud Kuh is often visited by climbers due to its unique landscapes.
Geopolitical significance of the Iranian mountains
Half of the Iranian landscape is covered with mountain ranges. Elburz and Zagros are the two most significant of these mountain ranges. Mountain ranges offer huge benefits to Iran. The mountains form natural barriers to the central region of Iran. The spring waters flowing down from the mountains are said to have healing properties. Nomadic communities graze on the mountain slopes. Additionally, the ardent climbers who flock to Iran contribute to the country’s ecotourism sector. Iran has protested Afghanistan’s limited flow of water on the Helmand River due to the tributaries of the dammed river, particularly during the dry season. Iraq’s lack of a maritime border with Iran has created some jurisdiction disputes between the two countries that go beyond the mouth of the Shatt al Arab into the Persian Gulf. On the other hand, the UAE and Iran contested the Abu Musa Island and the Tunb Islands. The Caspian Sea has been at the center of a dispute between some countries, including Azerbaijan, Russia and Kazakhstan, which have ratified the Caspian Sea delimitation treaty based on each country’s equidistant proximity, although Iran insists on a share of the fifth sea.
The highest mountains in Iran
| Grade | The highest mountains in Iran | Elevate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Damavand | food 18,406 |
| 2 | Alam-Kuh | food 15,906 |
| 3 | Sabalan | food 15,784 |
| 4 | Zard Kuh | food 14,921 |
| 5 | Kuh-e Hazar | food 14,764 |
| 6 | dena | food 14,465 |
| 7 | Kuh-e Palvar | food 13,875 |
| 8 | Kuh-e Jupar | food 13,615 |
| 9 | Shir Kuh | food 13,287 |
| 10 | Taftan | food 12,930 |
THE most mountainous part of IRAN is the western and northern western, covered by the Caucasus range and the Zagros Mountains, with the climate of the Zard Kuh as the highest point 4,548 meters. To the north of the country, south of the Caspian, is the very high chain of the Alborz mountains which with the summit of Mount Damavand reaches even 5,610 m and is the highest mountain in Eurasia west of the Hindu kuh. A third chain, to the east, divides Iran from Afghanistan and culminates in the Teftan volcano.