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.
Mideast security expert: Are the Abraham Accords still a win-win? - interview
"If we look deeper, we must ask: Are these truly agreements that benefit both sides, or is Israel facing the danger that what it gives is not always reciprocated?”
'Enemy of Allah': Iran-linked group crowdfunds $40 million for assassination of Trump - report
What can Israel expect in its next war with Iran? - analysis
Iran says it has replaced air defenses damaged in Israel war
Iran’s post-war energy crisis: How sanctions and sabotage are squeezing the regime - opinion
For years, the West has oscillated between deterrence and diplomacy. The June war and the economic aftershocks that followed offer a third way: erosion.
Katz pushes bill improving IDF soldiers' conditions, Iran to hold nuclear talks with Europe
IDF shares footage of Gazans cheering for Israeli soldiers • IDF disputes Hamas casualties count in Gaza • Israeli recounts emotional encounter with Iranians at Tomorrowland
Iraq works to rein in culprits after sequence of drone attacks on energy and oil sites - analysis
The Iraqis claimed they had ”launched a wide-scale search operation” in response to these attacks.
Israel and Diaspora Jews united in the face of fear, chaos of Iran war - opinion
When the US joined the military effort, attacking Iranian nuclear facilities, a wave of relief rushed in. We could finally breathe. This time, something felt different.
Striking civilian targets: Iran's violation of international law must be punished - opinion
If Iran’s campaign of civilian targeting remains unchallenged, the next war may bring further crossing of red lines. However, with one important difference: Next time, it may not be about Israel.
Fire contained at Iran's Abadan refinery, one dead, SHANA says
The refinery, like almost all Iranian oil and gas processing plants, needs major works and renovation.
The price of peace: The human side of Israel's war against Iran - opinion
The missiles fall, and the headlines speak of strategy, of retaliation, of deterrence. But beneath the headlines, there is the quiet, stubborn pulse of human life.
The Middle East's post-Iran era has begun, no matter how hard Islamic regime denies it - opinion
The Islamic Republic is eroding in Iran, not geographically, but in terms of its influence and dominance. Now it looks more like a crisis-ridden state burning down.
IDF confirms false identification following sirens, two IDF soldiers severely wounded in Gaza
Hezbollah chief says group won't relinquish arms to Israel • IDF strikes 90 targets in Gaza Strip• Israeli-Druze group crosses border into Syria
On this day in history: Hezbollah terror cell bombs AMIA building in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Argentina's AMIA building was bombed by terrorists 31 years ago today. The attack and the absence of real justice to this day are still open wounds in Argentina.
Israel adopts superpower mindset in Middle East as it upgrades war doctrine - opinion
Israel will apply its updated defense doctrine, its regional superpower prism, of preventively downgrading enemy capabilities and preempting enemy threats.
