ping to odds and n-t-i
The story told by local inhabitants in Iran to Marco Polo in 12th century AD, concerning the Magi, Stone, Fire & "Christian' Fire-worshippers, I think is an impression & closer to folklore & myth than "perfectly true".
The Magi (Moghaan in Persian) were a priestly caste (a mixture of Medes, Medians i.e. current Kurds, and Persians), who adopted Zoroaster's teachings, once it spread in the Iranian Plateau (a few centuries before Christ was born). Zoroaster is also commonly known as Pir_e Moghaan (the wise elder of the Magi). However, a Zoroastrian priest is called "Mobed".
Fire has been a significant symbol of light (and divinity) in Iran from pre-Zoroastrian times. Fire temples & sacred fire also have a very long history in Iran (at least 2000 yrs pre-Christ).
The Magi, similar to Zoroaster himself, were ancient astronomers (& astrologers) & were quite knowledgeable about many subjects.
Interestingly, for main Zoroastrian-Iranian festivals (Norooz & Mehrgaan), one finds Gold coins, Frankincense or Espand (Esfand), and sometimes Myrrh, on the traditional sofreh (spread). Frankincense, Myrrh, or Espand are more common in the Zoroastrian household than Iranians of other faiths.
Gold is for good fortune & prosperity. Myrrh has healing qualities. Frankincense or Espand (wild rue) were/are used for different purposes, including to kill bacteria, for inhalation therapy, and so on .. Some believe Espand drives away "evil eye" or "negative energy".
Actually, herbs, fruits & plants have a very long history in Iran too. That's another reason why I think the 3 wise men were indeed from Iran (Persia) -- History of Medicine in Ancient Persia