Member of an ancient empire clearly, says Iran (8)
I believe the answer is:
assyrian
'member' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?
'an ancient empire clearly says iran' is the wordplay.
'says iran' can be anagrammed to 'ASSYRIAN'.
But, I'm not sure how the anagram is indicated.
'of' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for assyrian that I've seen before include "Extinct language" , "race" , "Old middle eastern type" , "The - came down like the wolf on the fold (Byron)" , "one in Iraq once" .)