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.
CIA director confirms severe damage to Iran's nuclear program
The “CIA can confirm that credible intelligence indicates that Iran’s nuclear program has been significantly damaged by the recent, targeted strikes,” Ratcliffe said.
Impossible to know how much uranium was razed in strikes on Iran nuke sites, officials tell 'Post'
MAGA influencer gives Trump the biggest slap in the face
How Iranians see the war: CT residents born in Iran express anger, hope
IDF commandos covertly operated in Iran, Zamir reveals
"These forces operated covertly in the heart of enemy territory, securing operational freedom of action."
Not every wartime victory translates into political one - analysis
Whether Netanyahu chooses to ride the wave or bow out at the crest of his success in Iran, one thing is clear: the man largely written off after October 7 has reshaped the narrative.
Zamir: IDF intel officials, nuclear experts assess Iran's nuclear program systematically destroyed
"We will not allow Iran to produce weapons of mass destruction," Zamir declared.
Iran's 'paper tiger' leadership will fall, predicts Nobel peace laureate Ebadi
Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi said Iran's war with Israel had revealed the weakness of its "paper tiger" leadership.
Hundreds of Iranian drones intercepted 'around the clock' by IAF during Op. Rising Lion
Aerial Control Array personnel were deployed across Israel and are responsible for detecting suspicious aerial targets both inside Israeli airspace and out.
Iran turns to internal crackdown in wake of 12-day war
Iranian authorities are pivoting from a ceasefire with Israel to intensify an internal security crackdown across the country with mass arrests, executions and military deployments.
Israel will be in Iran for years to come, Mossad head David Barnea says
In a talk to agents, he said they have achieved 'unimaginable' heights in Iran ops.
Chief Rabbi denounces South African government for supporting Iran
Pre-emptive attack saved Israel and the Jewish People from “another Holocaust”.
Iran’s propaganda machine: Fake secrets, fictional bases, and phantom jets - opinion
Tehran's latest attempt to shape international opinion relies on recycled emails, AI-generated images, and conspiracy theories involving foreign countries - none of which withstand scrutiny.
Trump announces he will meet with Iranians to close a nuclear deal
Trump said that a nuclear deal with Iran may not be necessary, given the magnitude of destruction the US strikes caused to Iranian nuclear sites.
Netanyahu: Efforts to undermine Iran's regime may not have worked even with more time
In a cabinet meeting, while behind closed doors, Netanyahu said that a revolution to topple the Iranian regime needs to come from within.
