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. 

Khamenei’s personal hatred of Azerbaijan - opinion

The Islamic Republic of Iran's animosity toward Azerbaijan, an independent Shi'ite Muslim country, stems directly from its supreme leader.

 IRAN’S SUPREME LEADER Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivers a televised message last month. One could argue that he despises Azerbaijan almost as much as he despises the US, says the writer.
 The IRGC’s control over Iran’s oil industry has grown to such a point, experts now estimate 50% of the country's oil wealth is siphoned to the military organization

Treasury Dept. designates 22 entities linked with selling Iranian oil for IRGC-QF

 IDF soldiers operating throughout the Gaza Strip, July 9, 2025.

IDF responses to war crimes charges delayed again for months due to Iran op.

Mahdieh Esfandiari, a 35-year-old Iranian national, on Monday was arrested on February 28 in Lyon while attempting to leave France.

Paris court extends detention of Iranian woman held on terrorism charges


Mideast security lobby calls to 'take advantage of window' for regional security

"Opportunities like this come once in a century in the Middle East, but the window won't always be open," Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said.

 Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa looks on, in Aleppo, Syria, May 27, 2025

Spanish court says attempt on former politician's life linked to opposition to Iran leadership

Alejo Vidal-Quadras, 80, a founder of Spain's far Right Vox party, and supporter of Iranian dissidents, was shot in the face by a motorbike passenger as he was walking in Madrid in November 2023.

 Alejo Vidal-Quadras (center) attends an anti-Iranian regime rally in Stockholm, Sweden, June 2025; illustrative.

'Iran can't be free unless all women are free': Oppression of women central to Iran - interview

British-Iranian journalist Jonathan Harounoff discusses his new book 'Unveiled: Inside Iran's #WomanLifeFreedom Revolt.'

 People protest in Trafalgar Square on the first anniversary of the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman arrested by the morality police in 2022 for allegedly flouting mandatory dress codes, in London, Britain, September 16, 2023.

Saudi crown prince meets Iranian foreign minister in Jeddah

The two discussed relations and the latest regional developments, Saudi state news agency SPA said.

 Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, July 8, 2025.

We bombed Iran with precision - why can’t we control Gaza with purpose? - opinion

To achieve victory in Gaza, we must establish absolute control over the land, the people, and every critical resource.

 The campaign in Iran—for all its extraordinaryand heroic successes—also highlights our continuing tragic failure in Gaza. Militarily, Operation Rising Lion serves as a remarkable testament to our prowess in what the IDF callsthe “war between the wars” : campaigns based on intelligence, air force, a

IDF announces soldier killed in Gaza, Netanyahu: Good chance we will reach a ceasefire

'Conditions created' to advance hostage deal, IDF Chief of Staff Zamir says • Netanyahu, Hegseth meet at Pentagon • IDF encircles Beit Hanun, conducts targeted ops in Lebanon

 IDF soldiers operating throughout the Gaza Strip, July 9, 2025.

Zionists understand: You can revive reputations, but not dead Israelis - opinion

Israelis welcome the prospect of a future in which they are no longer surrounded by well-armed enemies determined to do them harm, even if it means being viewed negatively by the rest of the world.

 A DEMONSTRATION for the release of the hostages is held outside the US Consulate in Jerusalem on Monday. Hamas chooses to keep hostages, and no one unequivocally knows what pressures will free them, says the writer.

Widespread hatred: The cost of Israel's victory over Iran - opinion

Thinking of our accomplishments against Iran and its proxies brings a smile to my lips. At the same time tears wet my eyes when I ponder the more than 430 soldiers who gave their lives.

 IDF VEHICLES stand on the Israeli side of the Gaza border this week. ‘Thinking of our accomplishments against Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis and Iran brings a smile to my lips,’ the writer asserts.

Iran denies requesting meeting with US, state media reports

US President Donald Trump's Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff said he would meet with Iranian diplomats "next week or so."

 Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaee speaks during a press conference in Tehran, Iran, October 21, 2024.

Gaza deal can be achieved within days, working to secure it, senior Israeli official tells 'Post'

While Hamas rejected the latest Qatari proposal, the official said the differences were “small” and that negotiations remain on track.

 Families of Israelis held hostage in Gaza and supporters protest calling for the release of Israelis held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, outside the US Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv, July 7, 2025.

Israeli residents displaced by Iran missile attacks told to leave temporary hotel housing

Residents evacuated from homes damaged by missile strikes during Operation Rising Lion are now being asked to leave the hotels where they have been temporarily housed.

 Rescue personnel stand next to damaged vehicles as they work at an impact site following missile attack from Iran on Israel, in Rishon LeZion, Israel, June 14, 2025