The Lut Desert, also known as Dasht-e Lut, is a large desert located in
southeastern Iran. It is known for being one of the hottest and driest places on Earth, with temperatures that can reach up to 159 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius) and an average annual rainfall of less than 1 inch (25 millimeters).
The Lut Desert covers an area of approximately 51,800 square kilometers (20,000 square miles) and is characterized by its vast expanses of sand dunes, salt flats, and rugged rocky terrain. Despite its extreme conditions, the desert is home to a variety of unique plant and animal species, including the Asiatic cheetah, desert hare, and sand cat.
In 2016, the Lut Desert was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding natural beauty and geological features, which include spectacular sand formations, mountains, and canyons.