Iran
Iran was the center of a great empire of the ancient world and remained a monarchy until the Islamic revolution of 1979 and the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Known as Persia, the government requested the name 'Iran' in 1935. Iran became Muslim after the Arab conquest in the 7th century, and Shiite Islam became its official religion in the 16th century. Iran is bordered by Turkmenistan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Its southern coastline of 2,043 km (1,270 mi.) and control of a dozen islands commands navigation of the surrounding seas. Below are articles that provide information about Iran.
Iran's Ahmadinejad Signals Willingness to Discuss Nuclear Program with West
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has stated recently that his country is prepared to engage the West in discussions about Iran's nuclear program and ambitions.
EU Bans Iranian Oil as Tensions Rise
The European Union banned imports of Iranian oil in an effort to deter Iran from continuing its alleged pursuit of nuclear weapons.
Iran Claims to Receive Letter from President Obama
Top Iranian lawmakers revealed that they received a letter from President Barack Obama suggesting direct dialog and warning against Iran's threats to close the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Nuclear Scientist Killed By Car Bomb
A prominent Iranian nuclear scientist was killed by a car bomb yesterday and Iran is accusing Israeli and U.S. intelligence agencies of the assassination.
Tensions Rise as Iran Threatens U.S. Navy
Iranian military officials have threatened to take action against U.S. Navy ships if any return to the Persian Gulf.
U.S. Navy Will Not Allow Iranian Disruption in Strait of Hormuz
The U.S. Navy command in Bahrain stated that it would not allow any disruption to commercial shipping traffic in the all-important Strait of Hormuz.
Ron Paul and Michele Bachmann Clash Over Nuclear Iran
In a heated exchange with Michele Bachmann, Ron Paul expanded on his view that the greatest threat to the U.S. would be another pointless war in the Middle East.
Iran Claims to be Mining Data from Downed U.S. Drone
Iranian officials have announced that they are almost finished "decoding" their downed U.S. drone and that they could probably produce one of their own through reverse engineering.
David Cameron Slams Iran’s Failure to Defend Embassy
Attacks on the British embassy in Iran have led Prime Minister David Cameron to roundly condemn the government in Tehran.
Biden Indicates All Options Open on Iran Terror Plot
Vice President Biden has said that all means necessary are available in combating Iranian terror plot.
Iran Claims it Shot Down Unmanned U.S. Spy Drone
State-run Iranian news outlets are reporting that a U.S. spy drone was shot down while attempting to get information about an underground uranium enrichment facility.
Iran Begins War Games
Iran has begun a five-day war games program, and its footage is being shown by Iran's Al-Alam TV.
Iran and Syria Deny Israel Claims
Iran and Syria have denied all allegations made by the Israelis on the arms and ammunition contained in an Antigua-flagged Francop vessel intercepted at the port of Ashdod yesterday. Here are the details on the story.
Iran Contra Scandal
What began as an operation to improve US-Iran relations, turned into an embarrassment for the Reagan administration. Read on to know more..
Iran At The Crossroads
Something ominous is going on in Iran right now - and it has nothing to do with nuclear weapons. The ruling clerics - and their pet poodle, Ahmadinejad - are striking back. And they are not going to bother about niceties like fundamental rights and due process of law.
Hundreds Protest in Iran Despite Presence of Hardline Security Forces
Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Iran in a show of support and solidarity with the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt.
American Hiker Released from Iran Prison Ecstatic to be Free
American hiker Sarah Shourd was freed from an Iranian prison in a complex diplomatic deal that left her fiance and another man in custody.
Iran Begins Fueling First Nuclear Reactor with Russian Help
Despite U.N. sanctions and demands that uranium enrichment stop, Iran has launched its first nuclear power plant.
Iran Nearly Able to Produce Nuclear Warheads
Iran has announced its intentions to further enrich uranium, leaving many world powers threatening further sanctions.
Iran Police Fire on and Kill Protestors, Four Left Dead
Protests in Iran have heated up again after the death of a vocal critic of the regime, and the protests are turning increasingly violent.
Iran Whistleblower Killed with Drugged Salad
A doctor who testified on the matter of torture at an Iranian prison has been killed, though officials in Iran have not yet ruled out "suicide."
British Sailors Could be Prosecuted for Entering Iranian Waters
British sailors who entered Iranian waters after having problems with their vessel are being held and will possibly be prosecuted if they are proven to have had "bad intentions."
Iranian Negotiators Show Support for Uranium Deal
A group consisting of Iranian, Russian, American and French negotiators has been meeting in Vienna, Austria for several days, and appears to have reached a breakthrough plan regarding Iranian uranium enrichment.
U.S. and Allies Seek "Unfettered Access" to Iran Site
The U.S. and its allies are becoming increasingly adamant about full disclosure of nuclear facilities in Iran, on the heels of a discovered site that was kept secret for years.
Ahmadinejad Launches Gambit to Make U.S. a Friend
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, speaking before an address of the United Nations, noted that he wants his country and the U.S. to become friends.
Iran is Ready to Enter Negotiations on its Nuclear Program
Iran's top nuclear negotiator has indicated that the country is ready to address the U.S. and other nations regarding its nuclear program.
Israel Will Stop at Nothing to Keep Nuclear Weapons from Iran
Trying to play peacemaker with Iran and Israel, the U.S. could not help but be dismayed by Israel’s hawkish stance on appropriate responses to their arch enemy in the Middle East.
Iranian Plane Crash Kills 168 People
A Caspian Airlines plane crashed in Iran, killing everyone on board, in another reminder of the effects of the U.S. trade sanctions that prevent Iran from accessing safer flight technologies.
British Embassy Staff to go on Trial in Iran
Iran's powerful theocracy is accusing British Embassy staffers of inciting the post-election riots and violence that engulfed Tehran and other Iranian cities.
Taking Crazy to New Heights, Iran Detains British Embassy Staff
Protests in Iran have been violently suppressed over the past several weeks, international reporters barred from doing their jobs and threats lobbed by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at multiple Western countries - now, several British embassy staff members have been arrested.
Iran Slams Obama, Likens Him to Bush
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called out President Barack Obama yesterday, saying that Obama's comments on Iran are a mistake.
Iran Police React to Continued Election Protests with Violence
Iranian protestors largely quieted by brutal tactics employed by Ahmadinejad and Khamenei.
Iranian Citizens Increase Protests, More Violence Expected
The Iranian government is trying to silence those who are questioning the recent election results, but modern technology is making that impossible.
Disputed Iran Election Causes Chaos and Violence
Ahmadinejad declared the winner of the vote in Iran, but supporters of reform candidates Mir Hossein Mousavi are claiming widespread fraud and took to the streets to protest over the weekend.
Iran Welcomes Nuclear Talks in Official Statement
Relations between Iran, the U.S. and other Western countries appears to be thawing just a bit as Iran has announced that it will take part in talks over its uranium enrichment program.
U.S. Journalist Charged with Espionage by Iran
An American journalist who also has Iranian citizenship has been charged with espionage by officials in Iran, lending a much greater weight to the case.
Iran Official Says There is "Too Much Oil" on Market
OPEC officials may cut oil production further after an Iran official has noted that there is simply too much oil on the market.
U.S. to Invite Iran to Conference on Future of Afghanistan
In a new type of diplomacy in the Middle East, Pakistan and Iran will be invited to talks on the future of Afghanistan.
Former Liberal Iranian President to Run for Office Again
Reform-minded Momammed Khatami, former president of Iran, is poised to run for the office of president again in the country's June 12 elections.
Iran Gets Pushy, Calls for End of U.S. Support for Israel
President Barack Obama has signaled a shift in U.S. thinking with his willingness to engage Iran, but the calls for reform by Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad may go just a bit beyond what Obama, and the U.S., are willing to concede.
Superpowers Call for Sanctions on Iran
Iran’s lack of response to incentives package to end atomic activity may cause world superpowers to impose sanctions.
Trade Remains Stronger Than Ever Between the US and Iran
Many Americans are surprised to find out how much trade takes place between the U.S. and Iran.
Iran Backs Out of Peace Talks
Iran has announced that it will not participate in a new round of peace talks with the U.S. and Iraq.
American Hostage Released
After four long months, American Haleh Esfandiari was released from an Iranian prison on Tuesday.
Iranian Man Stoned to Death for Committing Adultery
Iranian officials confirmed Monday that a father of two was stoned to death on charges of adultery, even though the charges referred to his relationship with his wife. The court did not consider his marriage to be legitimate, and his wife will also be executed.
Iran Native Drives Through Crowd on UNC-Chapel Hill Campus
A former UNC student from Iran intentionally drove through a crowded area of the UNC campus Friday, injuring six people, purportedly to avenge the American treatment of Muslims.
Iran Calls for End to Violence While Students Attend Suicide Bomber Seminars
At the same time that Iran’s foreign minister is calling for an end to the violent protests of the cartoons of the prophet Muhammad, students at Khajeh Nasir University in Tehran are attending seminars about how to be a good suicide bomber.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has stated recently that his country is prepared to engage the West in discussions about Iran's nuclear program and ambitions.
EU Bans Iranian Oil as Tensions Rise
The European Union banned imports of Iranian oil in an effort to deter Iran from continuing its alleged pursuit of nuclear weapons.
Iran Claims to Receive Letter from President Obama
Top Iranian lawmakers revealed that they received a letter from President Barack Obama suggesting direct dialog and warning against Iran's threats to close the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Nuclear Scientist Killed By Car Bomb
A prominent Iranian nuclear scientist was killed by a car bomb yesterday and Iran is accusing Israeli and U.S. intelligence agencies of the assassination.
Tensions Rise as Iran Threatens U.S. Navy
Iranian military officials have threatened to take action against U.S. Navy ships if any return to the Persian Gulf.
U.S. Navy Will Not Allow Iranian Disruption in Strait of Hormuz
The U.S. Navy command in Bahrain stated that it would not allow any disruption to commercial shipping traffic in the all-important Strait of Hormuz.
Ron Paul and Michele Bachmann Clash Over Nuclear Iran
In a heated exchange with Michele Bachmann, Ron Paul expanded on his view that the greatest threat to the U.S. would be another pointless war in the Middle East.
Iran Claims to be Mining Data from Downed U.S. Drone
Iranian officials have announced that they are almost finished "decoding" their downed U.S. drone and that they could probably produce one of their own through reverse engineering.
David Cameron Slams Iran’s Failure to Defend Embassy
Attacks on the British embassy in Iran have led Prime Minister David Cameron to roundly condemn the government in Tehran.
Biden Indicates All Options Open on Iran Terror Plot
Vice President Biden has said that all means necessary are available in combating Iranian terror plot.
Iran Claims it Shot Down Unmanned U.S. Spy Drone
State-run Iranian news outlets are reporting that a U.S. spy drone was shot down while attempting to get information about an underground uranium enrichment facility.
Iran Begins War Games
Iran has begun a five-day war games program, and its footage is being shown by Iran's Al-Alam TV.
Iran and Syria Deny Israel Claims
Iran and Syria have denied all allegations made by the Israelis on the arms and ammunition contained in an Antigua-flagged Francop vessel intercepted at the port of Ashdod yesterday. Here are the details on the story.
Iran Contra Scandal
What began as an operation to improve US-Iran relations, turned into an embarrassment for the Reagan administration. Read on to know more..
Iran At The Crossroads
Something ominous is going on in Iran right now - and it has nothing to do with nuclear weapons. The ruling clerics - and their pet poodle, Ahmadinejad - are striking back. And they are not going to bother about niceties like fundamental rights and due process of law.
Hundreds Protest in Iran Despite Presence of Hardline Security Forces
Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Iran in a show of support and solidarity with the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt.
American Hiker Released from Iran Prison Ecstatic to be Free
American hiker Sarah Shourd was freed from an Iranian prison in a complex diplomatic deal that left her fiance and another man in custody.
Iran Begins Fueling First Nuclear Reactor with Russian Help
Despite U.N. sanctions and demands that uranium enrichment stop, Iran has launched its first nuclear power plant.
Iran Nearly Able to Produce Nuclear Warheads
Iran has announced its intentions to further enrich uranium, leaving many world powers threatening further sanctions.
Iran Police Fire on and Kill Protestors, Four Left Dead
Protests in Iran have heated up again after the death of a vocal critic of the regime, and the protests are turning increasingly violent.
Iran Whistleblower Killed with Drugged Salad
A doctor who testified on the matter of torture at an Iranian prison has been killed, though officials in Iran have not yet ruled out "suicide."
British Sailors Could be Prosecuted for Entering Iranian Waters
British sailors who entered Iranian waters after having problems with their vessel are being held and will possibly be prosecuted if they are proven to have had "bad intentions."
Iranian Negotiators Show Support for Uranium Deal
A group consisting of Iranian, Russian, American and French negotiators has been meeting in Vienna, Austria for several days, and appears to have reached a breakthrough plan regarding Iranian uranium enrichment.
U.S. and Allies Seek "Unfettered Access" to Iran Site
The U.S. and its allies are becoming increasingly adamant about full disclosure of nuclear facilities in Iran, on the heels of a discovered site that was kept secret for years.
Ahmadinejad Launches Gambit to Make U.S. a Friend
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, speaking before an address of the United Nations, noted that he wants his country and the U.S. to become friends.
Iran is Ready to Enter Negotiations on its Nuclear Program
Iran's top nuclear negotiator has indicated that the country is ready to address the U.S. and other nations regarding its nuclear program.
Israel Will Stop at Nothing to Keep Nuclear Weapons from Iran
Trying to play peacemaker with Iran and Israel, the U.S. could not help but be dismayed by Israel’s hawkish stance on appropriate responses to their arch enemy in the Middle East.
Iranian Plane Crash Kills 168 People
A Caspian Airlines plane crashed in Iran, killing everyone on board, in another reminder of the effects of the U.S. trade sanctions that prevent Iran from accessing safer flight technologies.
British Embassy Staff to go on Trial in Iran
Iran's powerful theocracy is accusing British Embassy staffers of inciting the post-election riots and violence that engulfed Tehran and other Iranian cities.
Taking Crazy to New Heights, Iran Detains British Embassy Staff
Protests in Iran have been violently suppressed over the past several weeks, international reporters barred from doing their jobs and threats lobbed by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at multiple Western countries - now, several British embassy staff members have been arrested.
Iran Slams Obama, Likens Him to Bush
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called out President Barack Obama yesterday, saying that Obama's comments on Iran are a mistake.
Iran Police React to Continued Election Protests with Violence
Iranian protestors largely quieted by brutal tactics employed by Ahmadinejad and Khamenei.
Iranian Citizens Increase Protests, More Violence Expected
The Iranian government is trying to silence those who are questioning the recent election results, but modern technology is making that impossible.
Disputed Iran Election Causes Chaos and Violence
Ahmadinejad declared the winner of the vote in Iran, but supporters of reform candidates Mir Hossein Mousavi are claiming widespread fraud and took to the streets to protest over the weekend.
Iran Welcomes Nuclear Talks in Official Statement
Relations between Iran, the U.S. and other Western countries appears to be thawing just a bit as Iran has announced that it will take part in talks over its uranium enrichment program.
U.S. Journalist Charged with Espionage by Iran
An American journalist who also has Iranian citizenship has been charged with espionage by officials in Iran, lending a much greater weight to the case.
Iran Official Says There is "Too Much Oil" on Market
OPEC officials may cut oil production further after an Iran official has noted that there is simply too much oil on the market.
U.S. to Invite Iran to Conference on Future of Afghanistan
In a new type of diplomacy in the Middle East, Pakistan and Iran will be invited to talks on the future of Afghanistan.
Former Liberal Iranian President to Run for Office Again
Reform-minded Momammed Khatami, former president of Iran, is poised to run for the office of president again in the country's June 12 elections.
Iran Gets Pushy, Calls for End of U.S. Support for Israel
President Barack Obama has signaled a shift in U.S. thinking with his willingness to engage Iran, but the calls for reform by Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad may go just a bit beyond what Obama, and the U.S., are willing to concede.
Superpowers Call for Sanctions on Iran
Iran’s lack of response to incentives package to end atomic activity may cause world superpowers to impose sanctions.
Trade Remains Stronger Than Ever Between the US and Iran
Many Americans are surprised to find out how much trade takes place between the U.S. and Iran.
Iran Backs Out of Peace Talks
Iran has announced that it will not participate in a new round of peace talks with the U.S. and Iraq.
American Hostage Released
After four long months, American Haleh Esfandiari was released from an Iranian prison on Tuesday.
Iranian Man Stoned to Death for Committing Adultery
Iranian officials confirmed Monday that a father of two was stoned to death on charges of adultery, even though the charges referred to his relationship with his wife. The court did not consider his marriage to be legitimate, and his wife will also be executed.
Iran Native Drives Through Crowd on UNC-Chapel Hill Campus
A former UNC student from Iran intentionally drove through a crowded area of the UNC campus Friday, injuring six people, purportedly to avenge the American treatment of Muslims.
Iran Calls for End to Violence While Students Attend Suicide Bomber Seminars
At the same time that Iran’s foreign minister is calling for an end to the violent protests of the cartoons of the prophet Muhammad, students at Khajeh Nasir University in Tehran are attending seminars about how to be a good suicide bomber.