Islamic Republic of Iran
Follow the latest news from Iran live on 20 Minutes through our articles and live commentary. Iran is a country located in Western Asia, surrounded by the Caspian Sea to the north, Turkey and Iraq to the west, Afghanistan and Pakistan to the southeast, and Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Armenia to the northeast. The country is also bordered by the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf to the east. Iran is rich in history and culture, with historical monuments such as the mausoleum of Cyrus the Great, the palace of Persepolis, and the Isfahan bazaar.
The population is mainly composed of Persians, but there are also ethnic minorities such as Azeris, Kurds, and Arabs. Iran is a predominantly Shiite country, but it also has significant Sunni and Jewish minorities. The official language is Persian, and the national currency is the Iranian rial.
Genesis of the Islamic Republic of Iran
The Islamic Republic of Iran was born out of the Iranian Revolution of 1979, which overthrew the monarchic regime led by Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The revolution was led by religious, political, and popular leaders, the most famous being Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
The revolution began in 1978, when popular demonstrations erupted throughout the country in response to government repression, corruption, and the suppression of civil liberties. The demonstrations continued to escalate in intensity and numbers, leading the Shah to flee the country in January 1979.
In that same year, Khomeini returned to Iran after 15 years in exile and was welcomed as a hero by the population. He quickly took control of the revolution and proclaimed the creation of an Islamic Republic on April 1, 1979.
In the early years of the Islamic Republic, Iran experienced significant political and economic instability, with internal conflicts between different revolutionary groups and social unrest. The country also had to face a war with Iraq that lasted nearly 8 years, between 1980 and 1988.
Since then, the Islamic Republic of Iran has experienced some political and economic stability, but has also faced tensions with Western countries and neighboring nations. The country remains a key player in the region, with close ties to political movements and armed groups in neighboring countries, particularly in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. Since the late 2000s, Iran has also faced increasing tensions with the United States and its allies due to its nuclear program.
