The BBC first started a Persian radio service during World War II on 29 December 1940, encouraged by the Foreign Office, as part of its Empire Service. The government reasons for prioritising this was concern that the Iranian king, Reza Shah Pahlavi, was sympathetic to Nazi Germany.

BBC World Service is always available to listen to online, via iPlayer Radio on your computer and mobile phone - simply visit www.bbcworldservice.com on your phone's internet browser. Please use the iPlayer Radio help pages to find out more or if you are having any problems listening.

Now you can use BBC Persian app to access your favorite content from BBC Persian (BBC Farsi) as well as watch BBC Persian Live TV. Discover trending stories and latest happening from the Persian world.

Download the BBC News app, where you'll get top stories and breaking news, live reporting, and the option to follow news topics that match your interests. Our topics range from UK News, Health, Lifestyle, Culture, Business, Technology and Science and Environment. These can all be found in the My News tab in the app.