Harvard Professor Answers Burning Questions About Iranian History

In a brisk WIRED interview, Professor Tarek Masoud answers frequently asked questions about Iran’s history. He explains that Iran is not an Arab country but a predominantly Persian one, with a distinct language and identity. He traces how the country became an Islamic republic after the 1979 revolution, driven by political repression, economic tensions, and resistance to Western influence.

Along the way, he tackles the following questions: Just how liberal/progressive was Iran prior to the 1979 revolution? Why did the Iranian revolution happen? Is Iran the only Middle Eastern country whose modern borders were not created by colonial powers? The son of Iran’s last Shah is rallying protesters, but do Iranians really want another king?

By the end, you’ll know a little bit more about the country at the center of America’s latest military adventure.

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