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 talks were serious, frank, and constructive. We discussed ideas involving certain details in the sanctions-lifting and nuclear fields that are needed for a deal."
IDF announces death of five soldiers in Gaza • Vance says Trump will let IDF 'knock out' Hamas in Gaza if hostages not released
Iran is bolstering the capabilities of its army after the fall of the Assad regime and as it prepares for the incoming Trump administration.
Sources have indicated that the E-3 is still concerned that Israel or Trump may only push Iran over the nuclear weapons line.
The drones were also manufactured within Iran by the Iranian military, scientists, and "innovators," according to the state-run Tasnim news agency.
All signs point to HTS’s commitment to executing its publicly stated goal of ending suffering and forging a new path to peace and security, which the Syrian people desperately long for.
Sa'ar discusses regional developments with British counterpart • Vance says Trump will let IDF 'knock out' Hamas in Gaza if hostages not released
Israel is eagerly anticipating the upcoming Trump administration. However, Donald Trump remains unpredictable in the extreme and somewhat of a maverick, making any predictions unwise.
Despite claims of an agreement being reached, the shipment was reportedly delayed due to Turkey’s close monitoring of threats to drone shipments.
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