Abstract
Three new species, namely Cousinia boyerahmadica, C. deluensis and C. masulehensis (Asteraceae-Cardueae), are described and illustrated from Iran. The diagnostic characters of these new taxa are compared with their relatives. Their ecology, phytochoria and phenology are presented. Cousinia macrolepis is reported as new to Iran. Cousinia beckeri, which was excluded from C. sect. Cynaroideae on the basis of a wrong citation, is returned to the section. Cousinia subinflata, which was also excluded from the section as an intersectional hybrid, is rehabilitated as a distinct species. The distribution map and conservation status of these taxa according to the IUCN categories are also provided.