We present the magnetostratigraphy of the Abadeh section (central Iran). Thermal demagnetization shows two magnetic components: one at low unblocking temperatures, which corresponds to a present day-field direction, and another at high temperatures. This second component, which contains both polarities, is interpreted as a primary magnetization acquired during sediment deposition at a paleolatitude of about 7.7 ¿S. A sequence of 14 magnetic polarity zones is obtained in the intervals during the Upper Dzhulfian-Lower Changhsingian (Upper Permian) and during the Griesbachian (Lower Triassic). Combining data from south China, Canada, Pakistan, and Iran, we propose a composite (but still uncomplete) Upper Permian and Lower Triassic geomagnetic polarity timescale. ¿ 2000 American Geophysical Union