A country in Western Asia, officially known as the Islamic Republic of Iran. Historically referred to as "Persia", the country is a regional military and cultural centre, as well as a hub for Shia Islam. The country is ruled by monarchy (or "shah") for over 2,500 years until it was replaced with a pseudo-theocratic republic regime in 1979.
Internationally the Iranian leadership's staunch anti-American and anti-Zionism stance, as well as its support of several insurgent group around the middle east is well known.
