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.
“I don't think that we can pretend that nothing really happened because we managed to defend ourselves," Yuli Edelstein said.
For Israeli deterrence to endure for decades to come, Iran must face the full extent of Israel’s military and security capabilities.
Israel tells partners response to Iran won't endanger them • Iran warns of new weapons • Israeli strikes in Rafah kill three • IAEA worried Israel could strike Iranian nuclear facilities
It was the first time that this coalition of forces had acted as a military defensive force both in the region and in defense of Israel.
Sunday's technical glitch is not the first time the BBC has made a mistake since the Israel-Hamas War broke out following the terrorist group's attacks on Israel on October 7.
Wang also said he noted Iran had described its actions as limited and carried out in self-defense.
Ryder said US focus right now remains on the defense of Israel and on the protection of US forces.
International community urges restraint as war cabinet debates action
On April 14, Hezbollah showed it acts on Iranian guidance by causing its attack to coincide with the one launched from Tehran. But will it choose to be an Iranian pawn?
Since the beginning of the war in Gaza, anti-Israel sentiment in Jordan has grown significantly, but Jordanians consider Iran’s threat a problem of its own.
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