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.
According to the report, repositioning forces will allow the US to avoid restrictions on conducting airstrikes from an air base used by the US in the United Arab Emirates.
Iran seized the container ship, MSC Aries, with a crew of 25, in the Strait of Hormuz in April, days after Tehran vowed to retaliate for a suspected Israeli strike on its consulate in Damascus.
‘This is a message that first and foremost expresses the fact that Israel is not alone,’ says initiator Mike Evans.
The IRGC now claims its missiles are accurate to within 5 meters, which would be an extraordinary achievement if it were true.
Hamas slams Palestinian Authority for killing a Hamas terrorist • IDF strikes Hezbollah terror targets in southern Lebanon • IDF discharges reservists supposed to partake in Rafah operation
Three key trade routes from China - Northern, Southern, and Middle Corridors - reshape geopolitics. Israel leans towards the Middle Corridor for strategic trade security amidst escalating tensions.
France's foreign minister continues diplomatic efforts for a truce in the Israel-Hamas conflict, seeking release of hostages, coordinating with Egypt.
For almost seven months the Iranian-backed Lebanese terrorist group has carried out thousands of attacks on Israel.
Nika Shakarami disappeared at a protest in Tehran in September 2022 before her body was found a few days later.
This is Blinken’s eighth trip to Israel since October 7.
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