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.
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that Iran would be in "great danger" if ongoing direct talks between the US and the Middle East country fail.
The militias suffered a setback when the Assad regime fell in Syria. There is now pressure on them to disarm or become more regularized within the Iraqi state.
The move to defuse tensions follows repeated warnings issued privately by US officials to the Iraqi government since Trump took power in January.
"Indirect talks offer a chance to evaluate Washington's seriousness about a political solution with Iran," said an official.
The document was intercepted by Israeli soldiers during the invasion of Gaza and forwarded to the IDF intelligence Catalogue unit.
Although Iran has rejected US President Donald Trump's demand for direct talks, it wants to continue indirect negotiation.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi said, "We remain committed to diplomacy and are ready to try the path of indirect negotiations."
IRGC officials met with known drug trafficker Agil Aslanov last fall, the Washington Post reported on Saturday. The officials gave Aslanov a photo of the rabbi and instructions on the killing.
Iran reportedly ordered its military personnel to leave Yemen to avoid a confrontation with the US as it continues attacking Houthi assets.
IDF expands op. in Gaza • Netanyahu to visit White House • Hamas smuggles drones through the Negev • Footage contradicts IDF version of killing of aid workers in Gaza
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