They have played in two previous tournaments - 1978 and 1998 - but have yet to progress to the knock-out stages.
Iran are three times champions of Asia, although their last triumph came way back in 1976.
Manager Branko Ivankovic was originally the assistant to Miroslav Blazevic who stepped down after the team failed to qualify for the 2002 World Cup.
Iran boast the highest scorer in the history of international football - striker Ali Daei who has more than 100 goals for his country and he is expected to feature again despite now being 37 years old.
Coach: Branko Ivankovic
One to watch: Mehdi Mahdavikia
World ranking: 23
Previous tournaments: 2
Best finish: Group stage (1978, 1998)