Iran, the second-largest country in the Middle East, is a multi-ethnic Islamic theocracy with the ultimate decision maker being the country's prime religious authority, its Supreme Leader. It infuses elements of democracy, such as an elected president. With one of the longest and storied histories of civilization, the current Islamic Republic of Iran was established by Ruhollah Khomeini in 1979 following the Islamic Revolution. Kohmeini became Iran's first Supreme Leader.
Iran is considered authoritarian in its suppression of rights for women and children and the violent squandering of opposing political protests.
Strategically located between the water bodies of the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Caspian sea, it is bordered by key middle-eastern players, such as Turkey, Afghanistan and Iraq.
Iran holds the world's second-largest natural gas supply as well as a massive oil reserve, a key element often discussed in its role in international relations and political leverage.
Before 1979, Iran maintained friendly relations with Israel via pro-Western leader Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. However, after the Islamic Revolution, Iran severed all ties with Israel and by the 1990s relations turned hostile.
Iran has escalated its nuclear technology development over the years while also funding and supporting Islamic-extremist proxy groups much closer to Israel, such as Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and Hezbollah.
France's foreign minister continues diplomatic efforts for a truce in the Israel-Hamas conflict, seeking release of hostages, coordinating with Egypt.
For almost seven months the Iranian-backed Lebanese terrorist group has carried out thousands of attacks on Israel.
Nika Shakarami disappeared at a protest in Tehran in September 2022 before her body was found a few days later.
This is Blinken’s eighth trip to Israel since October 7.
Iran is succeeding in disrupting websites and minor disruptions of operations at ports, but not in significant infrastructure damage.
Iran-backed Houthis have increased their attacks and made several claims of targeting numerous ships in recent days, including claims, without evidence, that they were targeting Israel-linked ships.
Gaza humanitarian pier revealed • Hamas further pressured to accept ceasefire deal • Houthis had also attacked four ships in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea
A nuanced understanding of Iran’s actions and intentions over the past two decades is necessary to resolve current crises in the Middle East.
Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu claimed that Iran's mass aerial attack on Israel was part of the Islamic Republic's "right to legitimate defense."
Iran expands influence in Africa via trade and arms sales, leveraging global chaos. Reports detail its strategies, including partnerships in Sudan and Niger.
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