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.
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Spending across the Middle East reached an estimated $243 billion in 2024, increasing 15% from 2023, and 19% more than it was in 2015.
Both jobs in the hands of one person are not only unconventional but borderline unworkable. The responsibilities of these two roles often conflict.
Easiest path to normalization is still PA in Gaza, but there are some surprising other options, sources said.
Iran accused the US of "contradictory behavior and provocative statements" after the US warned Iran of consequences for backing the Houthis and imposed new sanctions.
Huge projects were stymied early by corruption, sanctions and money problems, and the plans went spectacularly wrong with the fall of Assad.
Authorities investigating terrorism as motive for arson • Syrian Islamist attacks on Druze could be a collision course with Israel
The vessels were said to have delivered the petroleum on behalf of Iran.
Some fear that handling both Hamas and Iran will be too much for Steve Witkoff.
Trump has threatened to attack Iran unless it agrees to a new nuclear deal. Iran has far exceeded the 2015 agreement's curbs on its nuclear program since the United States withdrew.
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