Iran
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.
After damages from Iran attacks, Israel's small businesses are stuck in Tax Authority limbo
Many small businesses have been hit and are now effectively in limbo as they wait for compensation.
Foreign policy expert: US mistakes stem from misunderstanding of Iranian regime
Trump says he would consider bombing Iran again if necessary
Iran to halt working with nuclear watchdog until 'safety of nuclear activities guaranteed,' FM says
Katz instructs IDF to prepare 'enforcement plan' against Iran
Zamir said that Iran has faced severe setbacks since the war, and that the blow to Iran may advance the IDF's goals in Gaza.
If Israeli leaders act accordingly, this historical turning point will secure our future - opinion
Will this wildcard – this resounding victory on the security front – disperse the dark clouds that hang over other spheres as well?
Battling to survive, Hamas faces defiant clans and doubts over Iran
Hamas fighters are operating autonomously under orders to hold out as long as possible, three sources close to the terror group said
China's Iran oil imports surge in June on rising shipments, teapot demand
The world's top oil importer and biggest buyer of Iranian crude brought in more than 1.8 million barrels per day from June 1-20.
Israel’s Mossad issues urgent safety guidelines to Iranians to avoid IRGC
The Israeli spy agency told residents that if an IRGC affiliate "suddenly receives a phone call or message on their personal phone," they should move away from them immediately.
WATCH: IDF releases details of damage to Iran's nuclear, missile production sites
IDF Spox. Brig.-Gen. Effie Defrin warned that despite the success of the operation in preventing Iran's existential threat to Israel, the regime would still attempt to destroy Israel.
Tefillin of Iranian missile attack victim found, returned to daughters
The mayor of Bat Yam confirmed that the tefillin were found in good condition, with a few small tears.
Lessons from Shabbat under fire: Halacha and mental health during war - opinion
As the guarantors of Torah, we are compelled to examine every phenomenon that occurs in our lives through its prism, including using Torah knowledge to safeguard life and mental health.
History rhymes: Israel's strike on Iran and its echoes of the Six Day War
NATIONAL AFFAIRS: Israel’s June 2025 campaign wasn’t a repeat of 1967, but it carried the same spirit of preemption, speed, and strategic transformation.
Israel's Iran war saw 'peace through appeasement' shift to 'peace through strength' - opinion
While “peace through appeasement” (1920-2025) is a short-term fix that buys a few years of quiet until the next round, “peace through strength” (2025-) leads to long-term stability.
FedEx restarts full express service to Israel after two-week airspace shutdown
FedEx has returned to normal import-export operations in Israel following the reopening of the country’s airspace, the company said on Wednesday.
