national Geographic / parsepolisCertain climatic conditions produce a type of algae that periodically turns Lake Urmia bright red.PHOTOGRAPH BY FRIEDRICHSMEIER, ALAMY STOCK PHOT Margoon Waterfall—meaning “snake like”—surges through Iran’s Fars province. PHOTOGRAPH BY ALI MAJDFAR, GETTY IMAGESThe verdant hills of Turkmen Sahra in Golestan Province, Iran. PHOTOGRAPH BY ALI MAJDFAR, GETTY IMAGESQeshm’s salt caves are among the world’s longest. PHOTOGRAPH BY ARV, ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
A rock formation rises from the desert floor in Dasht-e Lut, Iran.
PHOTOGRAPH BY JAKOB FISCHER, ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
The rising sun illuminates the stacked terraces of Badab-e Surt, Iran.
PHOTOGRAPH BY JAKOB FISCHER, ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
Hikers descend Mount Mount Damāvand, the highest peak in the Middle East.
PHOTOGRAPH BY DIETMAR DENGER, LAIF/REDUX
