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.
Soldiers come to the network's clinics to receive treatment and sick leave approval.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir has left his mark already - what other changes are to come?
John Bolton, the lead negotiator for the initiative when it was formed, told Reuters "it would be fully justified" to use the initiative to slow down Iran oil exports.
Iran has also been investing in a north-south economic corridor that will link the Caucasus and Russia with the Persian Gulf.
Iran is laser-focused on what the Trump administration is doing and acting in accordance to salvage regional influence.
Zamir tours Gaza on first official day as IDF chief • Trump threatens Hamas to release hostages as deal talks advance • IDF continues op. in West Bank
New IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir moves to restructure IDF strategy on Gaza, Iran.
Head of MI5 said at least 20 Iran-backed plots to kidnap or kill Brits or individuals based in the UK were thwarted in past three years.
The seven weapons experts were booked to travel from Moscow to Tehran aboard two flights on April 24 and September 17 last year.
The US must permanently end MEK’s influence in Washington before its deception leads to irreversible consequences.
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