Tehran - As Iran marks National Olive Day on November 25, experts say the country - despite boasting more than 100 native olive varieties and remarkable genetic diversity - has yet to secure a meaningful foothold in the global olive industry.

 

Often described as a land of exceptional contrasts, Iran spans more than 1.5 million square kilometers and encompasses four distinct seasons. From the Alborz foothills to the Zagros highlands, and from the Mediterranean climate of the northern coasts to the warm plains of the south, the country is home to an extraordinary range of plant life.

 

Among these natural treasures stands the olive tree: ancient, resilient, and woven into the cultural and economic history of many Iranian regions. Yet, unlike countries with comparable ecological potential, Iran has not fully tapped into the economic and export capacities of this strategic crop and still lacks a strong presence in global olive markets.