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.
This comes as both countries are at a crossroads. Syria is trying to unify itself after years of civil war while both countries face threats from ISIS.
Iran is saying it has a right to develop all the components to build a bomb, and if the US tries to stop it, then Iran will build a bomb.
Family marks Bar Kuperstein’s 23rd birthday in Hamas captivity at Hostages Square • IDF, Shin Bet conduct strikes targeting Hezbollah terrorist in Beirut
The Abraham Peace Corridor would enhance regional and global security and peace through trade and commerce, all within the framework of the Abraham Accords.
When Israel can hold the territory and reassure the inhabitants that there will be no reemergence of Hamas, the rebuilding can begin.
Iran is using the nuclear program to potentially get some concessions, even as it seeks closer ties with Russia and China.
Khamenei referred to Trump's remarks that "If they don't make a deal, there will be bombing...the likes of which they have never seen before."
Netanyahu speaks with parents of Gaza hostage Yosef-Chaim Ohana • Iranian missiles 'ready for launch' Tehran Times reports
We are nearing the endgame leading to an attack on Iran's nuclear program - or to serious new nuclear negotiations.
Iran expert Dr. Sharona Mazalian Levi says prolonged water outages, empty reservoirs, and crop failures may be a recipe for social unrest.
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