A single iodine atom, in its neutral state, has seven valence electrons. Each electron can participate in bonding or remain as a lone pair.
In the case of iodine (I), it belongs to Group 17 (Group 7A or the halogens) of the periodic table, and it typically forms a single covalent bond. Therefore, it tends to share one electron with another atom to achieve a stable electron configuration.
So, in a single iodine atom, there would be one covalent bond, and the remaining six valence electrons would be present as three lone pairs.