When were the production and processing of iron mastered in the countries of the ancient east?

The ancient east was the cradle of mankind, where the very first civilizations arose in their time, which were able to master craft, science and agriculture. The emergence of the first civilizations in these regions is attributed to the beginning of the Bronze Age (3500 BC). Around the 12-10th century BC. there they learned how to process iron, which for several centuries actually replaced all bronze and copper products, including weapons (swords and other weapons made of iron were much sharper and more reliable than bronze).