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.
"This matter concerns the entire Islamic people," he added. "The Islamic Ummah should set aside their differences on various issues, and stand united against Zionist regime’s crimes in Gaza."
It was Washington's fourth round of sanctions on Iran's oil sales since President Donald Trump said in February he was re-imposing a "maximum pressure" campaign.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected Trump's letter last week as deceptive, saying Trump's excessive demands would 'tighten the knot of sanctions and increase pressure on Iran.'
Iranian authorities detained Grondeau in October 2022 in the city of Shiraz.
IDF expands Gaza ground invasion • Gaza rocket triggers sirens in Tel Aviv area • IDF kills Hamas intelligence chief in Gaza • IDF operates in West Bank against terrorists
‘Zarif’s allegations are based on unfounded quotes redacted by pro-regime lobbyists,’ said Iran expert Dr. Thamar E. Gindin.
Europeans have also warned Iran: If there is no agreement by June-July, "a significant wave of sanctions will be imposed," a source told The Jerusalem Post.
This year, against the backdrop of Ramadan and rising discontent, the celebrations took on an unmistakably political tone.
Hamas likely finds it easier to encourage attacks on Israel and the US abroad. It can then deny responsibility for these attacks.
This momentous period in history heralds the demise of religious despotism in Tehran, the disintegration of the regime of the corrupt, terrorist mullahs.
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