Mohammad Karim Khan Zand, better known as Karim Khan Zand, is the founder of the Zand Dynasty, ruling from 1751 to 1779. He rules all of Iran except for Khorasan.

He also rules over some Caucasian lands and occupies Basra for some years.

While Karim is ruler, Iran recovers from the devastation of forty years of war, providing the war-ravaged country with a renewed sense of tranquility, security, peace, and prosperity.

The years from 1765 to Karim Khan's death in 1779 mark the zenith of Zand rule.

During his reign, relations with Britain are restored, and he allows the East India Company to have a trading post in southern Iran.

He makes Shiraz his capital and orders the construction of several architectural projects there.

Ciivil war breaks out once more  following Karim Khan's death, and none of his descendants will be able to rule the country as effectively as he had.

The last of these descendants, Lotf Ali Khan, will be killed by Qajar ruler Agha Mohammad Khan, who becomes the sole ruler of Iran.