These snakes can attain a considerable weight relative to their size, with specimens sometimes exceeding 500 g (1.1 lb).

The supraorbital hornlike structure above each eye consists of small, imbricate scales and is also present in juveniles.

[5] The species name comes from where it is most usually found, Persia (present-day Iran), and the hornlike structures above its eyes.

Pseudocerastes persicus is found in Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, northern Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and throughout Mesopotamia.

[2] This species likes sandy (but not sand dune) or basalt and limestone rock desert and hill country, usually with some vegetation.

These snakes are generally rather slow-moving and may employ various methods of locomotion, including sidewinding, serpentine, and rectilinear.

[3][7] Pseudocerastes persicus venom exhibits strong hemorrhagic activity typical of most vipers.