The 98 country code belongs to Iran. Whether you're calling business contacts in Tehran, family in Isfahan, or friends in the coastal city of Bandar Abbas on the Persian Gulf, the +98 prefix connects you to this country of over 88 million people.

Quick Answer: The country code +98 is for Iran. Iranian numbers use a leading 0 (trunk prefix) that you must drop when calling internationally. For example, if the local number is 021 1234 5678, dial +98 21 1234 5678.

How to Call Iran: Quick Reference

When calling Iran, remember to drop the leading 0 from the local number. This is one of the most common mistakes people make.

Calling From Dialing Format
US/Canada Mobile +98 [number without leading 0]
US/Canada Landline 011-98-[number without leading 0]
United Kingdom (UK) 00-98-[number without leading 0]
Germany 00-98-[number without leading 0]
UAE 00-98-[number without leading 0]
Turkey 00-98-[number without leading 0]

Iran has a large diaspora community worldwide, particularly in North America, Europe, and the Persian Gulf region.

Understanding Iranian Phone Numbers

Iranian phone numbers have different formats for mobile and landline calls. The trunk prefix 0 must be dropped when calling from abroad.

The Trunk Prefix (0)

Like the UK and Germany, Iran uses a trunk prefix of 0 for domestic calls. When calling internationally:

  • Drop the leading 0 from any Iranian number
  • Local format: 021 1234 5678 (Tehran)
  • International format: +98 21 1234 5678

This is one of the most frequent mistakes when calling Iran. If your call doesn't connect, check whether you accidentally included the 0.

Mobile Numbers

Iranian mobile numbers start with 9:

  • Local format: 09XX XXX XXXX (11 digits including trunk prefix)
  • International format: +98 9XX XXX XXXX (10 digits after +98)
  • Example: Local 0912 345 6789 becomes +98 912 345 6789

Major mobile carriers in Iran include MCI (Hamrah-e-Aval), Irancell, and Rightel.

Landline Numbers

Iranian landlines use area codes that vary by city:

  • Local format: 0[area code] [subscriber number]
  • Tehran example: 021 8888 9999 becomes +98 21 8888 9999
  • Isfahan example: 031 3456 7890 becomes +98 31 3456 7890

Iran Area Codes

Here are the area codes for major Iranian cities:

City Area Code International Format
Tehran 21 +98 21 XXXX XXXX
Isfahan 31 +98 31 XXXX XXXX
Shiraz 71 +98 71 XXXX XXXX
Tabriz 41 +98 41 XXXX XXXX
Mashhad 51 +98 51 XXXX XXXX
Karaj 26 +98 26 XXXX XXXX
Ahvaz 61 +98 61 XXXX XXXX
Rasht 13 +98 13 XXXX XXXX

Mobile vs. Landline: How to Tell the Difference

You can tell mobile from landline by the first digits after dropping the trunk prefix:

  • Starts with 9: Always a mobile number
  • Starts with 1-8: A landline number with an area code

Mobile numbers in Iran are typically more expensive to call than landlines.

Dialing Examples

Here are practical examples showing how to dial Iranian numbers from various countries:

Example 1: Calling a Tehran Landline from the US

  • Iranian Local Number: 021 8765 4321
  • From a US Mobile: +98 21 8765 4321
  • From a US Landline: 011 98 21 8765 4321

Example 2: Calling an Iranian Mobile from the US

  • Iranian Local Number: 0912 345 6789
  • From a US Mobile: +98 912 345 6789
  • From a US Landline: 011 98 912 345 6789

Example 3: Calling Iran from the UK

  • Iranian Local Number: 031 1234 5678 (Isfahan)
  • From the UK: 00 98 31 1234 5678

Example 4: Calling Iran from Germany

  • Iranian Local Number: 0935 123 4567 (mobile)
  • From Germany: 00 98 935 123 4567

Best Times to Call Iran

Iran uses a unique time zone with a half-hour offset:

Time Zone Name UTC Offset
IRST Iran Standard Time UTC+3:30
IRDT Iran Daylight Time UTC+4:30 (summer)

Time differences from major cities:

Your Location Iran Time Difference Call Iran 9 AM - 5 PM
US East Coast (EST) Iran is 8.5 hours ahead 12:30 AM - 8:30 AM your time
US West Coast (PST) Iran is 11.5 hours ahead 9:30 PM - 5:30 AM your time
UK (GMT) Iran is 3.5 hours ahead 5:30 AM - 1:30 PM your time
Germany (CET) Iran is 2.5 hours ahead 6:30 AM - 2:30 PM your time

Tip: Iran observes the Persian calendar. The weekend is Thursday-Friday in many sectors, though some businesses follow the international Friday-Saturday weekend. Business hours are typically Saturday-Thursday.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the most frequent errors when dialing the 98 country code:

  • Keeping the leading 0: This is the most common mistake. Always drop the 0 when calling internationally.
  • Confusing +98 with +91: +98 is Iran, +91 is India. These codes are easy to mix up.
  • Wrong number length: After dropping the 0, Iranian numbers should be 9-10 digits after +98.
  • Forgetting the time difference: Iran's half-hour offset is unusual. Double-check the time before calling.
  • Missing the area code: For landlines, you need the city area code after +98.

Cheapest Ways to Call +98 Numbers

International calls to Iran can be expensive through traditional carriers. Here are better options:

  • VoIP Services: Services like CallSky.io offer competitive per-minute rates to Iran. Check our Iran calling rates.
  • Messaging Apps: WhatsApp, Telegram, and other apps allow free calls over WiFi or data when both parties have the app.
  • International Calling Plans: Some carriers offer Middle East calling bundles. Check our guide on how to make international calls.

Iran has a large diaspora, so affordable calling options exist through various providers.

Prefer calling over WiFi? See our guide to the best apps for WiFi calling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What country has the +98 country code?

The +98 country code is for Iran. This covers all of Iran including Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Tabriz, and Mashhad.

How many digits is an Iranian phone number?

Iranian phone numbers are 10 digits when dialed locally (including the trunk prefix 0). When dialing internationally, drop the leading 0, so you dial 9-10 digits after +98. Mobile numbers start with 9.

Does Iran have area codes?

Yes, Iran uses area codes for landline numbers. Tehran is 21, Isfahan is 31, Shiraz is 71, Tabriz is 41, and Mashhad is 51. Mobile numbers do not use area codes - they start with 9 nationwide.

How do I call Iran from the USA?

From a mobile phone, dial +98 followed by the Iranian number without the leading 0. From a landline, dial the US exit code 011, then 98, then the number without the leading 0.

Do I drop a 0 when calling Iran internationally?

Yes, drop the leading 0 when calling Iran internationally. If the local number is 021 1234 5678 (Tehran), dial +98 21 1234 5678 internationally.

Is +98 Iran or India?

+98 is the country code for Iran. The country code for India is +91. These codes look similar but are for different countries.

Related Country Codes

Looking for other country codes in the region? Check out these guides:

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