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.
“What will be the October 7 in the cyber space and are we ready for it? To meet this kind of challenge, we need to build better resilience, improve the culture of sharing, change all of the time."
Hamas publishes hostage video • IDF encircles Tel Sultan in new Gaza ground operations
Since we assume that Iran fears the independence of Southern Azerbaijan and given the strong ties between Northern Azerbaijan and Israel, why shouldn't Israel have ties with Southern Azerbaijan?
Trump’s unveiling of the F-47 fighter sparks global skepticism, with China, Russia, and Iran mocking its design, cost, and political timing.
During the New Year celebration Nowruz, Iranians chose their old traditions, while the regime imposed mourning for Imam Ali. More and more, slogans for Reza Pahlavi as leader of a secular Iran.
Sa'ar to EU envoy: Israel is fighting the war of the free world • Security forces arrest 18 wanted persons in West Bank
What a beautiful image it is – when the embassies of Israel and the United States once again raise their flags in free Tehran.
The Houthi terror group host a pro-Iran conference with Hamas leaders and Western activists, sparking calls to investigate potential terror links.
The Houthis are still not deterred despite a week of US airstrikes, what will it take for them to be defeated?
Trump pushes for a new nuclear deal with Iran to avoid military action, but Khamenei rejects talks, calling it a deception as US sanctions pressure Tehran.