Palaeogeographic and geodynamic control on the Iranian karst-type bauxite deposits

•The Iranian bauxites are related to tectonic and palaeogeographic environments.•The Permian–Triassic bauxites correspond to the rift and drift of Cimmeria.•The Triassic–Jurassic bauxites are linked to the collision of Cimmeria and Eurasia.•The Late Cretaceous bauxites are related to arc–continent collision.