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.
The Houthis appear to have timed this increase in aggresion with a similarly-felt escalation by Hezbollah in Israel's north.
This was the first round of discussions between the two countries since January. The talks were mediated by Omani officials, with this occurring nearly over a month.
The Iranian Jew, who faces the arbitrary use of the death penalty in the totalitarian Islamic Republic, is named Nethanel ben Ziona Ghahremani.
The raid follows a nationwide crackdown against women accused of flouting Iran's strict Islamic dress code.
Approximately 90,000 liters of Iranian oil are being smuggled daily into Pakistan. This rampant smuggling has led to a staggering loss of at least $816 million for the national treasury.
Arab League summit convenes in Bahrain to address the Gaza conflict and regional integration. Concerns arise over Israel's isolation amid shifting alliances and diplomatic challenges.
Before April 13, observers knew that the Islamic Republic promoted low-grade terrorism in wild and unpredictable ways, but they also knew Tehran avoided large-scale conflicts – carefully.
Iran is seeking outreach to not only Egypt by also Saudi Arabia. Recent reports also indicate that Iran has threatened Jordan.
The weapons were sent by Iranian-backed militias in Syria to a cell of the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan that has links to the military wing of the Palestinian terror group Hamas.
Massive rocket barrage hits Israel's North as IDF kills Hezbollah commander • Hostage families criticize inaction by government
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