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.
Houthi attacks escalate, Iran's influence grows. US responds with airstrikes as tensions rise with joint naval drills involving Russia and China.
Iran's push into AI sparks intrigue and concerns. President Raisi leads discussions on tech's role in the national economy and security.
Iranian Defense Minister also praises Qatar’s role in the region; Doha hosts Hamas, and Iran has frequently met Hamas leaders in Doha
The two leaders deliberated the potential repercussions of an Israeli offensive in Lebanon.
Experts say that the move from Kabul to Iran’s Chabahar Port sends ripples of change across the economic currents of South Asia. Pakistan should streamline border procedures to reduce delays.
This arms laundering was done due to Israeli military pressure on Iranian assets in Syria and Lebanon.
According to experts who spoke with Israel Hayom, the Israeli intelligence community underestimated Hamas' intelligence capabilities and neglected to handle them appropriately.
Iranian Quds Force Commander Esmail Qaani has lashed out at Israel, claiming that Israel is terrified of West Bank violence over Ramadan.
The Iranian Foreign Minister made a point of discussing the importance of developing various ties with Paris.
Russia, Iran, and China have conducted at least four naval drills in the past. However, this year’s are larger, and they come amidst rising tensions in the Red Sea and off the coast of Yemen.