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.
Sinwar has no intention of reaching deal, officials say • Hamas commander in Lebanon killed • Safieddine reportedly killed in Beirut
Tehran and Moscow bolstering ties should be a security concern.
In his first public appearance since Tuesday's missile attack , Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that Iran's axis of resistance remains undeterred.
“Israel has a compelling need, even an imperative, to respond. I think that no sovereign nation on Earth could fail to respond,” Barak said.
Tehran supports a ceasefire that would be 'acceptable to the Lebanese people' and synchronized with one in Gaza.
Sen. Lindsey Graham criticized Biden's proportional response suggestion, urging Israel to defend itself against Iran's nuclear ambitions and threats.
Biden stated that discussions about Israel potentially targeting Iran's oil facilities are ongoing following Iran's recent rocket attack.
After Iran's attack on Israel, Iranian President Masoud Pezhkian claimed that the country wants peace in the region.
Aziz Salha, photographed preparator of Ramallah lynching, killed in IAF strike in Gaza • Funeral of Hezbollah leader Nasrallah on Friday • Hamas refused to take part in negotiations for several weeks
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei claimed US and the West of helping Israel with financial, logistical, and intelligence support as it battled Iranian proxy groups over the last yea
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