Iran
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.
On this day in history: Hezbollah terror cell bombs AMIA building in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Argentina's AMIA building was bombed by terrorists 31 years ago today. The attack and the absence of real justice to this day are still open wounds in Argentina.
Israel adopts superpower mindset in Middle East as it upgrades war doctrine - opinion
Iran rushing to rearm Mideast terror proxies after IDF, US strikes on Tehran - WSJ
Israel and Syria agree to ceasefire, Mossad chief discusses Gazan relocation in US
US strikes destroyed only one of three Iranian nuclear sites - NBC
The two other facilities that the US struck were not as badly damaged and may have been degraded only to a point where nuclear enrichment could resume in the next several months.
Israeli teacher arrested for espionage, accused of aiding Iran’s operations
Abh Samhan joins a consistently growing list of Israeli citizens who knowingly carried out assignments and committed acts at the instruction of Iranian agents.
IDF soldier arrested for contact with Iranian agents, exchanging information for money
IDF soldier suspected of spying for Iran in exchange for financial incentives.
Netanyahu confirms Israeli strike on Gaza church, US 'did not support' Israel's actions in Syria
Police collect testimony from Rotter victim in US with FBI • US strikes reportedly only destroyed one of three Iranian nuclear sites • French court rules for release of Lebanese terrorist
Uri Geller: Israel used secret group of military psychics, AI to attack Iran
Israeli psychic Uri Geller claimed that he and a secret group of military psychics made the Israeli attack on Iran possible - with the help of AI.
Iran has become the paper tiger in the room: Even when cornered, it can still lash out - analysis
For over three decades, Iran has carefully cultivated the image of a fierce regional power with unstoppable momentum, but during the 12-Day War, its image took a major blow.
US-backed Yemeni forces intercept weapons shipment from Iran to Houthis, CENTCOM says
Yemeni National Resistance Forces (NRF) intercepted an Iranian arms shipment containing 750 tons of munitions and hardware, said CENTCOM on Wednesday.
Katz flying to DC to meet with Hegseth on Iran, weapons
Katz is scheduled to meet with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to discuss Iran and various other weaponry and strategic security issues.
Iran's Araghchi visits China in effort to win back Beijing's military support
Iranian Foreign Minister visited China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting, which comes as China and Pakistan also discuss a new economic corridor.
Khamenei warns Iran is ready to respond to any new attack, threatens 'even bigger blow'
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, warned that his country is ready to "respond to any new attack" during comments carried by state TV.
Syria conflict grows as Egypt and Jordan warn of regional instability
As the crisis grows regionally, it is likely that more countries will seek to become involved.
