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Delay in implementation and operation is one of the common problems and challenges of construction projects. Generally, one of the main criteria in assessing the success of a project is delivering it on time and without delay. In most cases, the delay means increased overhead costs and exposure by inflation for contractor. Even with modern technology, project completion time still falls behind the schedule due to delays in running the projects. In the Middle East, due to changes in the structural economy, oil price fluctuations and rising international trade, these delays are more common. One of the reasons for this situation is the traditional style of governing contracts and projects. Since in the traditional styles, contracts are usually awarded to the bidder offering the lowest price. Furthermore, delays and increased costs usually occur during the construction phase rather than the pre-construction phase. To deal with these delays, the project manager needs to know what factors cause delays and try to address these issues. Therefore, with regard to the factors causing delay in general and considering contract and project governing conditions, the main aim of this paper is to identify the major factors leading to delay in contractions in construction projects of Iran by using questionnaires and statistical analysis. The findings indicate that the most significant cause of delay is the lack of enough knowledge about the nature of construction industry among the involved members of the projects. It is concluded that further attention and training are essential for senior managers of construction firms and organizations.