How to pronounce

Iran

The country name “Iran” appears often in global news, and its pronunciation varies.

Step‑by‑Step Pronunciation Guide

Common International / Preferred Variant: /iːˈrɑːn/ → ee‑RAHN
Breaking it down — ee (long “ee”), RAHN (open “ah” vowel, nasal “n”). Stress the second syllable.

Widespread North‑American Variant: /ɪˈræn/ → ih‑RAN
Breaking it down — ih (as in “sit”), RAN (rhymes with “ran”). Stress the second syllable.Tip: Native Persian speakers typically pronounce it ee‑RAHN with a rolled or tapped r. Using that version shows cultural awareness, but ih‑RAN is still common in U S. broadcasting.

Common Mispronunciations

• “EYE‑ran” – stressing the first syllable
• “EE‑ran” – with no “ah” vowel
• “EYE‑ran” (sounds like “I ran”), which many Iranians find incorrect

Practice Sentences

• “Iran and its neighbors share centuries of history.”
• “The capital of Iran is Tehran.”
• “He studied Persian art during his trip to Iran.”

Iran in Global Conversation

From energy markets to UNESCO heritage sites like Persepolis, Iran features regularly in global headlines. Knowing the pronunciation ee‑RAHN (or at least ih‑RAN in U S. English) keeps your speech clear and respectful.

Definition of

Iran

Iran is a large, culturally rich nation in Western Asia, known for its Persian heritage, diverse landscapes, and significant role in regional politics. The capital is Tehran.

What does it mean

Iran

From Persian Īrān, ultimately derived from Proto‑Iranian Aryānām (“Land of the Aryans”). The name came into widespread international use in 1935 when the country requested foreign governments to adopt “Iran” instead of “Persia.”