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 unfortunate reality made me leave Europe with a bad taste in my mouth. I was honored to have helped their son become a full member of the Jewish community, but I worried for his future.
Iran's missile attack on Israel sparks regional tensions, amplifying internal oppression and calls for international action against the regime.
We didn’t need to ask Mah Nishtanah, why is this night different? Jews worldwide felt the added burden this Passover.
Iran appears to have replaced a damaged radar with a different, incompatible radar in order to hide the impact of the strike.
Rapper Toomaj Salehi was arrested in October 2022 amid nationwide protests against the regime.
The fact is that these kinds of reports have been floated in the past.
Former Shin Bet officer Yossi Amrosi discussed the Iran attack, emphasizing the need for a heavy and powerful response.
As long as Israel keeps moving without a strategic vision, we are providing the Iranians with optimal conditions for influence.
Is America’s ironclad relationship with Israel actually more malleable than so adamantly advertised by the Biden White House?
Iran’s leaders want to destroy the world as we know it. They want to dominate the Middle East, overthrow Western-style democracy, wipe out Israel, and impose Shia Islam on the world.
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