u/Better_Space_2366

Looking at the map of ancient civilizations and the common trend is that larger settlements/cities were founded near water due to irrigation and ease of transportation (Yellow and Yangtze, Mesopotamia, Rhine, Danube, even the Volga), but upon looking at the map of the Middle East I saw little no no rivers flowing through modern day Iran but am aware of the longevity of Persia dating back many millennia.

My question is can someone explain how their civilization because so powerful without the use of rivers like other civilizations. What was their grain they ate and how did they build structures without using waterways for transporting goods and materials?

*Please correct me if I made any errors in my assumptions or statements.