Current Time in Asia/Tehran Time Zone
IANA Name: Asia/Tehran
Standard Offset: UTC +3:30
Daylight Saving: No
Currently Observing DST: No ❌
Asia/Tehran Time Zone: Iran Standard Time (UTC+03:30)
The Asia/Tehran time zone is the official time zone of Iran, with a standard offset of UTC+03:30. It is used throughout the country and does not observe daylight saving time, making it a constant offset year-round. This zone is known as Iran Standard Time (IRST) and is unique for its half-hour offset from Coordinated Universal Time.
Overview and Usage
The Asia/Tehran time zone applies exclusively to Iran, covering the entire country. The anchor city is Tehran, the capital and largest city. Other major cities in this zone include Mashhad, Isfahan, Tabriz, Shiraz, and Ahvaz. The zone is identified by the abbreviation IRST (Iran Standard Time).
Offset and Abbreviation
The offset of UTC+03:30 means that when it is noon in Tehran, it is 08:30 UTC. This half-hour offset is characteristic of several time zones in the Middle East and South Asia. The abbreviation IRST is used consistently throughout the year, as there is no daylight saving time shift.
Daylight Saving Behavior
Iran previously observed daylight saving time (DST) from 1977 to 2022, but in 2022, the government abolished DST, making the offset constant at UTC+03:30. As a result, there is no spring-forward or fall-back adjustment. The time remains stable all year, simplifying scheduling for residents and international partners.
Countries and Cities
Only Iran uses the Asia/Tehran time zone. Key cities include:
- Tehran (capital, population ~9 million)
- Mashhad (second-largest city)
- Isfahan (historic city)
- Tabriz (northwest)
- Shiraz (south-central)
- Ahvaz (southwest)
Business Hours and Call Scheduling
Iran's standard workweek is Saturday to Wednesday (Thursday and Friday are the weekend). Typical office hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM or 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM IRST. For international calls:
- With UTC+0 (London): Tehran is 3.5 hours ahead. When it's 9 AM in London, it's 12:30 PM in Tehran.
- With UTC+05:30 (India): Tehran is 2 hours behind. When it's 9 AM in Mumbai, it's 6:30 AM in Tehran.
- With UTC+08:00 (China): Tehran is 4.5 hours behind. When it's 9 AM in Beijing, it's 4:30 AM in Tehran.
- With UTC-05:00 (New York): Tehran is 8.5 hours ahead. When it's 9 AM in New York, it's 5:30 PM in Tehran.
Historical Context
Iran has used various offsets historically, including UTC+03:25 and UTC+03:30 with DST. The current constant offset was adopted in 2022 to simplify timekeeping. The Asia/Tehran zone was established in the IANA time zone database to represent Iran's time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Iran observe daylight saving time?
No, Iran abolished daylight saving time in 2022. The offset is constant at UTC+03:30 all year.
What is the time difference between Tehran and New York?
Tehran is 8.5 hours ahead of New York (Eastern Time) during standard time. When it is noon in New York, it is 8:30 PM in Tehran.
Is the Asia/Tehran time zone used in any other country?
No, it is used exclusively in Iran.
What does IRST stand for?
IRST stands for Iran Standard Time, the time zone abbreviation for Asia/Tehran.
What are the typical business hours in Tehran?
Business hours are generally 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM or 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM IRST, Saturday through Wednesday.
How do I convert Tehran time to UTC?
Tehran time is UTC+03:30. To convert, subtract 3 hours and 30 minutes. For example, 12:00 PM IRST is 8:30 AM UTC.