World Without Iran
World Without Iran: Let us imagine a world where Iran never existed. This is only an assumption. It is not a real claim. This idea helps us explore history and politics in a different way.
Iran Historical Impact
Without Iran, many cultural and historical works would not exist. Firdausi might not have written the Shahnameh. Zoroastrianism would not take its known form. Alexander the Great would take a different route. Safavid rule and Ayatollah Khomeini’s role would not exist in history.
Many conflicts would also change. Genghis Khan would face different regions. Middle Eastern disputes would take another shape. Iran’s geography and identity would not influence these events.
History and Colonial Impact
The idea also compares other regions. It shows how removing any country changes history. India’s past would also look different without its empires and rulers. History always connects many forces together.
Colonial powers also shaped the Gulf region. Oil changed political power. Some leaders resisted change. Others pushed modernization. Foreign powers influenced leadership and decisions.
Gulf Geopolitics Shift
Gulf states formed alliances later. They reacted to regional threats and global politics. Relations between Sunni Arab states and Shia Iran involve politics and economics, not only religion.
Wars, oil wealth, and foreign intervention shaped the Middle East. Countries often changed alliances based on their interests. These factors still affect the region today.
Iran Global Role
In the end, Iran plays a major role in history. Removing it creates an unrealistic picture. Its culture and politics remain deeply tied to global events.
Published in Dawn, 21st April 2026
