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 does “nothing” for regime change, said Dr. Meir Javedanfar, an Iranian lecturer at Reichman University, as he explained that the impact would largely be domestic.
New details emerged about Ghahremani who is being held in Kermanshah Central Prison in Western Iran. Ynet reported about the postponement of Arvin Nathaniel’s execution until next month.
Ben Artzi warned, "Have mercy on yourselves, God said enough is enough, You have angered Him," indicating that the incident was a result of spiritual retribution for actions taken by Raisi.
The Iranian president's rhetoric has revisited not only historical controversies but also heightened current geopolitical tensions.
While apologists of the regime expressed hope for Raisi’s well-being, others implied that the regime itself was behind an assassination attempt, and many others expressed joy at the unconfirmed news.
Ex-IDF intel chief Farkash: Khamenei, not Raisi, makes policy
While Israeli leaders seek to do something about the Hezbollah threat, politicians cannot decide on a 'day after' plan for Gaza, which hampers the ability to come up with a plan for Hezbollah.
Foggy weather and huge boulders complicated rescue efforts for the president's helicopter, according to Iranian reports.
Iran has significantly increased executions in 2024, targeting dissenters like rapper Toomaj Salehi, reflecting the regime’s harsh stance on freedom of expression.
Pro-Iranian influences are muddying the waters of ideology in the Middle East, and the rest of the world.
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