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.
- U.S., Iran Negotiations to Open on Saturday
The latest round of direct nuclear negotiations between Iranian leaders and U.S. diplomats is set to begin on Saturday in Istanbul.
- Study Shows U.S. Would be Pulled into Iran War if Israel Strikes
War games conducted in late February and early March indicate that an Israeli attack on Iran would quickly draw the U.S. into a war.
- President Derides Republicans for "Beating Drums" of War
President Obama is chastising his would-be Republican challengers about their desire to go to war with Iran.
- World Powers Reach Out to Iran to Renew Nuclear Talks
A new letter from the EU invites Iran to direct nuclear negotiations with the US, UK, France, Germany, Russia and China.
- Obama, Netanyahu Discuss Iran, Have Differing Ideas
President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu don’t see exactly eye to eye on the issue of Iran, and are meeting to discuss options.
- Nuclear Inspectors from UN Arrive in Tehran
A team of United Nations' nuclear inspectors arrived in Tehran today to resume a dialog with Iranian leaders about the goals of their nuclear program.
- Iran Halts Oil Exports to Six EU Nations
Iran announced this morning that it would immediately cease shipments of oil to Greece, Spain, Italy, Portugal, France and the Netherlands.
- 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.
- 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 U.S. and Iran relations, turned into an embarrassment for the Reagan administration. Read on to know more.
