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.
Hamas leader Haniyeh welcomed the UNSC resolution demanding a ceasefire but failed to mention the obligation to release the hostages.
The Houthis have adopted a new narrative in which they now interpret their war in Yemen as part of a regional struggle for the Palestinians.
As the United States navigates this challenging terrain, it must do so with a commitment to the principles of liberty, justice, and the promotion of a stable, peaceful, and just international order.
Syrian state media said seven Syrian soldiers and one civilian were killed in the strikes in the Deir Ezzor region.
This sabotage operation is not the first one carried out at Iranian nuclear facilities.
Iran doesn’t care that much about the tactics in Gaza, it cares more about the grand strategy.
Some sources have told the Post that the Yemen terror group has gone beyond its sponsor’s orders.
If Iran needs a perpetual enemy—the US and Israel—to rally the public to stay in power, they will have to be prepared to face the consequences.
After again stressing that the IDF would carry out its invasion of Rafah, Netanyahu explained that "absolute evil cannot be defeated when it is left to its own devices."
The Iranian FM had previously spoken with Hamas political bureau leader Ismail Haniyeh on Thursday.