Iran

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. 

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German police investigate political motivation for gang rape of Iranian dissident

All the suspects are originally from Iran, but some hold additional citizenship, Dutch and Danish, according to statements they gave to the police, but refused to comment on their charges.

Five key challenges for Israel after latest Houthi missile attack

In the wake of Sunday's Houthi missile attack on central Israel, here are five challenges Israel faces as it continues to confront Iran and its regional proxies.

 The Israeli-Iranian proxy war (illustration)

Houthi missile attack on Israel: Iranian axis is not deterred

Iran wants to push its pawns closer to Israel’s center, and throughout 2024 it has continued to accomplish this strategy.

Egypt prepares to host Houthi delegation in effort to reduce tensions - report

Egypt is allegedly seeking to consolidate its strategic interests amid Houthi maritime attacks, which have significantly affected the Egyptian economy.

Iran says it is open to talks but rejects pressure as US, EU impose sanctions

Araqchi said on Wednesday that Tehran had not delivered any ballistic missiles to Russia and sanctions imposed on Iran by the US and three European powers would not solve any problems between them.

By REUTERS
14/09/2024

Iran launches second satellite this year into orbit, state media says

Tehran denies its satellite activities are a cover for ballistic missile development and says it has never pursued the development of nuclear weapons.

By REUTERS
14/09/2024

Iran hires Hells Angels, other criminal gangs to hunt down regime critics

Iran has reportedly commissioned criminal networks in Eastern Europe and Canada to attack targets throughout the West and Middle East.

US shifts one of two aircraft carriers away from Middle East

The Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group has now departed the Middle East and is headed to the Asia-Pacific region.

By REUTERS
12/09/2024

IDF destroys Iran’s 'Deep Layer' facility in Syria in boldest operation yet

The IDF's General Staff Reconnaissance Unit destroyed a Syrian underground missile factory built by Iran, a significant blow to their covert operations.

By WALLA!
12/09/2024

Iran's foreign minister says Tehran did not deliver missiles to Russia

Iran's foreign minister denied supplying ballistic missiles to Russia, criticizing US and E3 sanctions as ineffective.

By REUTERS
11/09/2024
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