Zagros Mountains

Zagros Mountains, mountain system, western Iran, extending from the Turkey-Iran-Iraq border in the north, south-eastwards to near the Strait of Hormuz on the Persian Gulf. A complex of many parallel ranges separated by valleys and plains, the Zagros Mountains have numerous peaks higher than 3,050 m (10,000 ft), some of which have perpetual snow cover. The highest peak is Zard Kūh (4,548 m/14,921 ft). Many of the valleys have fertile soils, and agriculture and livestock raising are important to the region’s economy.