The Military History of Iran: From Ancient Empires to the Modern Era

This article explores the extensive and complex military history of Iran (historically known as Persia), from the ancient Elamite civilization through the Achaemenid, Parthian, and Sassanid empires, to the Islamic conquests, the Safavid and Qajar dynasties, the Pahlavi era, and the modern Islamic Republic. It examines the evolution of Persian military tactics, key battles, and the enduring geopolitical factors that have shaped Iran's armed forces for thousands of years.