The phenomenon of desertification is one of the main environmental challenges in Iran's semi-arid regions. Tarom County in Zanjan Province, with an approximate area of 2235 km², features diverse topography including along the margins of the Qezel-Owzan River and surrounding highlands. Annual precipitation averages about 200 mm in the valleys and 400–450 mm in the highlands. Vegetation in the valleys (especially in Manjil and Mahneshan) is weak and desert-like, whereas the highlands have adequate cover including juniper forests (Jish Abad), pistachio-almond stands (Shirmisheh), and olive orchards along river margins. This study evaluated the desertification potential of Tarom with the Iranian IMDPA model and focused on climate and vegetation criteria. The value of each criterion was calculated from the geometric mean of the indicators and the overall intensity was calculated from the geometric mean of the criteria, and maps were prepared. Final maps were prepared. Results indicate the climate criterion by value 2.83 has the greatest role in exacerbating desertification, mainly from low rainfall and high evaporation in valleys. The vegetation cover criterion is in a better condition with a value of 1.89, which is due togood Vegetation cover of highland and orchard. The overall intensity of desertification was calculated to be 2.31, which places the area in moderate class, near severe.The climate criterion showed that about 89 percent of the area is in the arid and semi-arid classes, and creates a high risk.Vegetation cover is suitable, The final map of desertification intensity shows that 20–25% of the area (mainly valleys) is in the severe class, 50–55% in the moderate class, and 25–30% (mainly highlands) in the low class.. This spatial pattern highlights the key role of topography; Therefore, conservation measures focused on valleys and maintaining the Vegetation cover of highlands are essential to control desertification.