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.
The hacking was conducted via phishing attempts against various individuals, including Israeli politicians, academics, and media personalities.
“Takfiri groups are good news for enemies of the world of Islam," Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei wrote on X.
Battling Israel left Tehran too weak to deal with Syria, researcher says • Airstrikes in northwestern Syria kill 25 people
"The Iranians have paid a very high price for operating all their proxies against Israel over the past year," explained Sabati.
Netanyahu says Israel enforcing Lebanon ceasefire • Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer to visit US for hostage deal and Iran talks
How Iran’s rulers use terror and deceit to spread instability across the Middle East.
A weakened Assad would be a severe blow to Iran’s hegemonic designs in the region, already reeling as a result of the losses Israel inflicted on Hamas and Hezbollah.
Syrian rebels claim entry into Aleppo for the first time since 2016, reigniting conflict with advanced tactics and weaponry. Analysts say the offensive could shift regional power dynamics.
Many wheels are in motion in Syria, which could leave Kurds and other minorities exposed.
Now that Damascus has lost Aleppo, it is clear the regime is not stable. However, the regime will need all the help it can get from Iraq and the Gulf, as well as its allies in Iran and Russia.
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