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 Sahand frigade is part of the Southern Fleet of Iran's Navy.
The new 77-mile pipeline, which will be constructed by Iranian companies, will allow Turkmenistan to ship an additional 10 million cubic meters of gas into Iraq through Iran.
Northern residents live in uncertainty, and it appears they will be unable to return home for the coming school year.
Israel kills Hamas terrorist in UNRWA school • Hamas drops demand for ceasefire ahead of talks • Thousands rally for deal
Luna al-Shibl, Syrian President Assad's adviser, died after a suspected deliberate car accident in Damascus, amid political intrigues and military reforms in Syria.
Sharifeh Mohammadi, who has been imprisoned since December 2023, has not been granted visits and phone calls by family members.
Israel needs to strike these weapon transfers to limit Hezbollah’s ability to benefit from the strategic backing provided by Tehran as much as possible.
Maj. Gen. Israel Ziv warns Hezbollah is comfortable with starting war, advises against deeper involvement in Rafah or escalation with Iran while stressing the need for clear goals.
Videos on social media showed supporters of Pezeshkian dancing in streets in many cities and towns across the country and motorists honking car horns to cheer his victory.
The question is whether the Israeli government will opt for a diplomatic arrangement, a limited operation with ground incursions to create a security buffer zone, or a full-scale war.
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