Iran, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a key country in Western Asia with a long history, a diverse society, and major geopolitical influence. Its strategic location, vast natural resources (especially oil and gas), and complex political system make it significant in global affairs. These 50 Key MCQs about Iran cover key facts on geography, economy, government structure, society, global relations, and current events. Each question includes a detailed explanation to help students and competitive exam aspirants deepen their understanding of this influential nation.
Key Fact Sheet about Iran
| Official Name | Islamic Republic of Iran |
|---|---|
| Capital | Tehran |
| Official Language | Persian (Farsi) |
| Government Type | Islamic Republic |
| Supreme Leader | Ayatollah Ali Khamenei |
| President | Elected Head of Government |
| Legislature | Majlis (Islamic Consultative Assembly) |
| Religion | Shia Islam (Twelver) |
| Currency | Iranian Rial |
| Major Exports | Oil, Gas, Petrochemicals, Pistachios, Saffron |
| Major Organizations | OPEC, SCO, UN |
| Strategic Importance | Middle East geopolitics, nuclear program, energy routes |
1. What is the official name of Iran?
A. Republic of Persia
B. Islamic Republic of Iran
C. United States of Iran
D. Federal Republic of Iran
Details: Iran officially adopted the name Islamic Republic of Iran after the 1979 Revolution. The system combines religious authority with elected institutions. The constitution reflects Islamic principles. This structure makes Iran unique in global politics.
2. Which city is the capital of Iran?
A. Isfahan
B. Mashhad
C. Tehran
D. Shiraz
Details: Tehran is Iran’s political, administrative, and economic center. It hosts major government institutions and embassies. The city is also the most populous in Iran. It plays a key role in regional decision-making.
3. Who is the highest authority in Iran?
A. President
B. Speaker of Parliament
C. Supreme Leader
D. Chief Justice
Details: The Supreme Leader holds ultimate authority over state affairs. He controls the military, judiciary, and key media outlets. His decisions override those of elected officials. This position defines Iran’s political system.
4. Which body elects the Supreme Leader?
A. Parliament
B. Guardian Council
C. Assembly of Experts
D. Supreme Court
Details: The Assembly of Experts is a clerical body elected by the public. Its primary role is appointing and supervising the Supreme Leader. Members must be Islamic scholars. This ensures religious oversight in leadership selection.
5. What is the official language of Iran?
A. Arabic
B. Kurdish
C. Persian (Farsi)
D. Turkish
Details: Persian is spoken by the majority of the population. It belongs to the Indo-European language family. Persian literature has a rich global heritage. The language unifies Iran’s diverse ethnic groups.
6. Iran is located in which region?
A. South Asia
B. Central Asia
C. Middle East (West Asia)
D. Eastern Europe
Details: Iran lies at the crossroads of the Middle East and Central Asia. Its location gives it strategic importance. It borders several key countries. Geography plays a major role in its foreign policy.
7. Which religion is officially followed in Iran?
A. Sunni Islam
B. Shia Islam
C. Christianity
D. Judaism
Details: Iran is the world’s largest Shia-majority country. Twelver Shia Islam is the state religion. Religious doctrine influences law and governance. This shapes Iran’s domestic and foreign policies.
8. Which council vets election candidates in Iran?
A. Parliament
B. Guardian Council
C. Supreme Court
D. Interior Ministry
Details: The Guardian Council reviews candidates for presidential and parliamentary elections. It ensures ideological compatibility with Islamic principles. This process limits who can contest elections. It significantly influences Iran’s political landscape.
9. What is Iran’s main export commodity?
A. Gold
B. Oil and Gas
C. Machinery
D. Steel
Details: Iran has some of the largest energy reserves in the world. Oil and gas generate major state revenue. Sanctions often target this sector. Energy exports shape Iran’s economy.
10. Iran is a founding member of which oil organization?
A. IEA
B. OPEC
C. WTO
D. OECD
Details: Iran helped establish OPEC in 1960. The organization coordinates oil production policies. OPEC decisions affect global oil prices. Iran’s role remains significant despite sanctions.
11. What type of legislature does Iran have?
A. Bicameral
B. Tricameral
C. Unicameral
D. Federal Council
Details: Iran has a single legislative chamber known as the Majlis. It is responsible for lawmaking and approving budgets. However, its laws are subject to review by the Guardian Council. This limits full parliamentary sovereignty.
12. What is the Iranian parliament officially called?
A. Senate
B. Shura Council
C. Majlis-e-Shura
D. Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majlis)
Details: The Majlis represents the legislative authority of Iran. Members are elected through popular vote. It debates and passes laws related to national governance. All legislation must conform to Islamic principles.
13. Which body resolves disputes between the Majlis and the Guardian Council?
A. Supreme Court
B. Assembly of Experts
C. Expediency Discernment Council
D. Interior Ministry
Details: This council acts as a mediator when disagreements arise. It ensures continuity of governance. The council also advises the Supreme Leader on policy matters. Its role strengthens institutional balance.
14. Which mountain range runs along western Iran?
A. Alborz
B. Himalayas
C. Zagros
D. Andes
Details: The Zagros Mountains stretch across western Iran. They influence climate and rainfall patterns. The range also contains rich oil and gas reserves. It has strategic and economic importance.
15. Iran shares its longest border with which country?
A. Iraq
B. Afghanistan
C. Pakistan
D. Turkey
Details: Iran shares a long western border with Iraq. The border has historical, religious, and political significance. Trade and pilgrimage routes run through this region. It is also strategically sensitive.
16. Which water body lies to the south of Iran?
A. Caspian Sea
B. Black Sea
C. Persian Gulf
D. Mediterranean Sea
Details: The Persian Gulf is vital for global oil transport. Iran controls part of the Strait of Hormuz. This gives Iran strategic leverage. The region is geopolitically sensitive.
17. What is the name of Iran’s constitution adopted after 1979?
A. Civil Constitution
B. Islamic Constitution
C. Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran
D. Revolutionary Charter
Details: The constitution was approved after the Islamic Revolution. It establishes clerical authority alongside elected institutions. Islamic law plays a central role. Amendments were later added in 1989.
18. Who appoints the head of the judiciary in Iran?
A. President
B. Parliament
C. Supreme Leader
D. Chief Justice Council
Details: The judiciary is directly under the Supreme Leader’s authority. This ensures ideological alignment. Courts operate under Islamic law. Judicial independence is limited by design.
19. What is Iran’s currency called?
A. Dinar
B. Dirham
C. Rial
D. Toman
Details: The Iranian rial is the official currency. Informally, the toman is commonly used. Inflation has reduced purchasing power. Currency reforms are often discussed.
20. Which city is a major Shia religious center?
A. Shiraz
B. Qom
C. Tabriz
D. Isfahan
Details: Qom hosts major Islamic seminaries. It attracts scholars from around the world. Many senior clerics are educated here. The city influences religious policymaking.
21. Iran’s nuclear agreement signed in 2015 is known as?
A. NPT
B. JCPOA
C. START
D. CTBT
Details: The JCPOA aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear activities. In return, sanctions relief was offered. The agreement faced challenges after US withdrawal. It remains central to Iran’s foreign policy.
22. Which ethnic group is the largest in Iran?
A. Azeris
B. Kurds
C. Persians
D. Arabs
Details: Persians form the majority population. Persian culture dominates national identity. Other ethnic groups coexist across provinces. Diversity shapes Iran’s social structure.
23. What is Iran’s main form of military force?
A. Regular Army only
B. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
C. NATO forces
D. UN Peacekeepers
Details: The IRGC protects the Islamic system. It operates independently of the regular army. The force has economic and political influence. It plays a key regional role.
24. Which strait is crucial for Iran’s strategic importance?
A. Bosphorus
B. Bab-el-Mandeb
C. Strait of Hormuz
D. Malacca Strait
Details: A large share of global oil passes through Hormuz. Iran’s proximity gives it leverage. Any disruption affects world markets. The strait is geopolitically sensitive.
25. Which international body monitors Iran’s nuclear program?
A. WHO
B. IAEA
C. IMF
D. World Bank
Details: The IAEA inspects nuclear facilities. It ensures compliance with agreements. Its reports influence sanctions. Monitoring remains controversial.
26. Iran became an official member of which organization in 2023?
A. NATO
B. EU
C. SCO
D. G7
Details: Iran joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. This expanded its ties with China and Russia. Membership boosts regional influence. It reduces isolation.
27. What is the main objective of Iran’s “Resistance Economy”?
A. Free trade expansion
B. Sanctions resilience
C. Privatization
D. Tourism growth
Details: The strategy focuses on self-reliance. It reduces dependency on foreign economies. Local production is encouraged. It counters economic pressure.
28. Which lake in Iran has significantly dried up?
A. Lake Van
B. Lake Urmia
C. Dead Sea
D. Aral Sea
Details: Lake Urmia faces environmental decline. Drought and dams worsened the situation. Ecosystems were damaged. Restoration efforts continue.
29. Which poet is a major symbol of Persian literature?
A. Rumi
B. Homer
C. Chaucer
D. Milton
Details: Rumi’s poetry emphasizes spirituality. His works are globally celebrated. Persian literature has deep influence. Cultural heritage remains strong.
30. Iran’s official religion follows which school of Shia Islam?
A. Ismaili
B. Zaidi
C. Twelver
D. Ibadi
Details: Twelver Shia doctrine dominates Iran. It influences law and governance. Religious authority is central. It defines national identity.
31. Which ancient empire laid the foundation of modern Iranian identity?
A. Roman Empire
B. Persian Empire
C. Ottoman Empire
D. Byzantine Empire
Details: The Persian Empire was one of the world’s earliest superpowers. It introduced advanced administration, law, and infrastructure. Cyrus the Great is a central historical figure. Persian heritage strongly shapes Iran’s national identity.
32. Which Iranian city was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire?
A. Tehran
B. Isfahan
C. Persepolis
D. Shiraz
Details: Persepolis served as the ceremonial capital of ancient Persia. It symbolized imperial authority and culture. The ruins remain a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They reflect Iran’s ancient architectural brilliance.
33. What form of law primarily governs Iran’s judicial system?
A. Common law
B. Civil law
C. Islamic law (Sharia)
D. Customary law
Details: Iran’s legal system is based on Sharia and constitutional law. Religious principles guide judicial decisions. Judges interpret laws within Islamic frameworks. This defines Iran’s legal identity.
34. Which Iranian province is richest in oil resources?
A. Fars
B. Khuzestan
C. Kerman
D. Yazd
Details: Khuzestan hosts Iran’s largest oil fields. The province is economically strategic. Energy production drives national revenue. It also holds geopolitical importance.
35. Which sea lies to the north of Iran?
A. Arabian Sea
B. Mediterranean Sea
C. Caspian Sea
D. Black Sea
Details: The Caspian Sea is the world’s largest inland water body. Iran shares its coastline with several states. It supports fishing and energy resources. The region affects Iran’s climate.
36. Iran’s president is elected for how many years?
A. 3 years
B. 4 years
C. 5 years
D. 6 years
Details: The president serves a four-year term. One re-election is allowed. The role handles executive governance. Authority remains under the Supreme Leader.
37. Which body supervises Iran’s armed forces?
A. President
B. Parliament
C. Supreme Leader
D. Defense Ministry
Details: The Supreme Leader controls the military. This includes the IRGC and regular army. Military decisions follow ideological alignment. Civilian oversight is limited.
38. What is Iran’s approximate population rank globally?
A. Top 5
B. Top 10
C. Top 20
D. Top 50
Details: Iran is among the world’s twenty most populous countries. Population size impacts regional influence. Demographics shape labor and economy. Youth form a significant share.
39. Which Iranian city is famous for poetry and gardens?
A. Tabriz
B. Shiraz
C. Qom
D. Karaj
Details: Shiraz is known for poets like Hafez and Saadi. It represents Persian culture and literature. Gardens and architecture attract tourists. Cultural heritage is prominent.
40. Iran’s national currency is issued by which institution?
A. Ministry of Finance
B. Bank Melli Iran
C. Central Bank of Iran
D. Treasury Department
Details: The Central Bank manages monetary policy. It controls inflation and currency supply. Sanctions complicate financial management. Economic stability is a major challenge.
41. Which Iranian group has significant influence in regional conflicts?
A. Parliamentarians
B. IRGC Quds Force
C. Municipal councils
D. Trade unions
Details: The Quds Force operates outside Iran. It supports allied groups regionally. Its activities shape Middle East geopolitics. It reports directly to the Supreme Leader.
42. What is Iran’s stance toward Israel?
A. Formal ally
B. Neutral
C. Recognizes Israel officially
D. Opposes Israel’s legitimacy
Details: Iran does not recognize Israel. It supports Palestinian causes. This stance affects regional alliances. It shapes Iran’s foreign policy narrative.
43. Which crop is Iran a leading global producer of?
A. Wheat only
B. Rice only
C. Saffron
D. Coffee
Details: Iran produces most of the world’s saffron. The crop has high export value. It supports rural economies. Agricultural exports diversify income.
44. Which Iranian holiday marks the Persian New Year?
A. Ashura
B. Nowruz
C. Eid-ul-Fitr
D. Yalda Night
Details: Nowruz begins at the spring equinox. It predates Islam. Families celebrate renewal and harmony. UNESCO recognizes it globally.
45. Which international agency inspects Iran’s nuclear facilities?
A. UNDP
B. WHO
C. IAEA
D. IMF
Details: The IAEA monitors nuclear compliance. Inspections affect sanctions policy. Reports influence diplomacy. Oversight remains sensitive.
46. Iran’s economic system can best be described as:
A. Fully capitalist
B. Socialist
C. Mixed with strong state control
D. Free market only
Details: The state controls key industries. Private sector exists under regulation. Sanctions increase state role. Economic reforms are gradual.
47. Which body approves Iran’s annual budget?
A. Supreme Leader only
B. Guardian Council only
C. Parliament (Majlis)
D. Central Bank
Details: The Majlis debates and passes budgets. Guardian Council reviews legality. Budget allocation affects governance. Fiscal policy is politically sensitive.
48. Which Iranian city is closest to the Strait of Hormuz?
A. Bandar Abbas
B. Isfahan
C. Qazvin
D. Kashan
Details: Bandar Abbas is a major port city. It supports maritime trade. Proximity to Hormuz adds strategic value. The port boosts logistics.
49. Which factor most affects Iran’s foreign relations?
A. Tourism
B. Sports diplomacy
C. Nuclear program
D. Education policy
Details: Iran’s nuclear ambitions drive diplomacy. Sanctions are linked to it. Negotiations dominate foreign policy. It shapes alliances.
50. Iran officially celebrates its Islamic Republic Day on:
A. 1 January
B. 11 February
C. 1 April
D. 21 March
Details: The Islamic Republic was approved by referendum. April 1 marks its establishment. It symbolizes revolutionary success. National ceremonies are held.
These 50 key MCQs about Iran cover essential facts on its geography, government, society, economy, and current events shaping its present and future. From natural resources and strategic location to recent economic crises and global relations, these questions are ideal for competitive exams, general knowledge preparation, and understanding global affairs. Keep practicing and revising to strengthen your grasp of Iran’s role in regional and international contexts. For more updated MCQs on world countries and contemporary issues, feel free to ask!