diff --git a/openevolve/controller.py b/openevolve/controller.py
index d1907a0f3..9d8aaae59 100644
--- a/openevolve/controller.py
+++ b/openevolve/controller.py
@@ -144,6 +144,7 @@ async def run(
             self.initial_program_code, initial_program_id
         )
 
+        start_iteration = 0
         initial_program = Program(
             id=initial_program_id,
             code=self.initial_program_code,