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.
Iran-linked bot network flooded X with antisemitic and anti-Israel posts during the June conflict to weaken US support, a new report reveals.
Prosecutors said the man spied on three properties in June 2025 in preparation for further intelligence activities, including possibly terrorist attacks on Jewish targets.
Detectives from the Central District Police arrested the couple after covert investigations in cooperation with the Shin Bet.
pro-Iran Iraqi outlet Sabereen News said that five drone strikes occurred, including two that hit an airbase in Iraq.
Israel Katz holds briefing on far-right settler violence with defense staff • Ra'anana couple arrested over spying for Iran • National Unity MK Matan Kahana exits party
Iranian officials have been hunting alleged collaborators with Israel following the recent attacks on Iran and the US’ bombing of the country’s most fortified nuclear facility.
Hackers previously distributed a batch of Trump's emails to the media ahead of the 2024 US elections.
Israel will wait to hear about Dermer's meetings in Washington before considering additional significant steps in Gaza.
FBI: While there are no indications of a coordinated Iranian-linked malicious cyber campaign so far, organizations should ensure their defenses are up to date.
Hours before Operation Rising Lion, Israel was making additional preparations -- secretly moving its fleet of planes from Ben-Gurion to airports in Cyprus, Greece, and the US.
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![Iranian flag and cyber code [Illustrative]](https://images.jpost.com/image/upload/q_auto/c_fill,g_faces:center,h_194,w_290/433124 "Iran-linked hackers threaten to release Trump aides' emails")
