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.
Nelson told reporters the United States was trying to prevent Malaysia from becoming a jurisdiction where the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas could both fundraise and then move money.
Mahmoud Mehrabi is the latest in a series of activists arrested in connection with the 2022 protests who have been sentenced to death.
Iranian proxies could increase attacks against Israel in a ‘perfect storm’ says pro-Iran Al-Mayadeen.
Iran tried to use OIC meeting against Israel and wording in the final declaration may reflect Iran’s success.
Iranian-backed proxies up attacks amid possible Rafah operation
Today’s protesters idolize Osama bin Laden. Professors at our universities espouse these toxic ideologies. This is a malignancy that cannot be allowed to metastasize across our nation.
Protests calling for hostage deal in Tel Aviv • Hamas will weigh options amid Rafah operation • Hezbollah claims to target Golan Heights
The IDF intercepted a drone headed towards Israel "from the east" overnight.
Passed last month after a lengthy delay following the ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ protests, a new law in Iran increases punishments for women who don’t wear the hijab.
As Israel faces an increasingly contested regional environment, it is indeed worrying that the government overseen by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to lack clear strategic direction.
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