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.
"Instead of Palestinians, try to expel Israelis, take them to Greenland so they can kill two birds with one stone."
In the government’s statement, it was said that the resolution’s section regarding the IRGC was “completely unjustified.”
Iran’s regional influence weakens as the Shia crescent collapses post-October 7.
Tehran ramps up its diplomatic outreach and explores talks with the US, Afghanistan, and Turkey.
Tehran faces mounting challenges as its proxy strategies falter, domestic discontent rises, and new regional alliances threaten its influence.
This is the first time an Iranian official has confirmed the purchase of Su-35 jets.
The goal of Hezbollah was to keep quiet and make it seem that the ceasefire deal was achieving something.
Israel must prepare for swift negotiations between the US and Iran, senior Middle East researcher Dr. Shay Har-Zvi told Maariv.
Situated within the "golden triangle" formed by Shiraz, Yazd, and Isfahan, Abarkuh is known for its historical sites, including an iconic 4,000-year-old cypress tree.
The suspects were reportedly aware of the nature of their actions and understood they were working for an Iranian operative.
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