Iran protests live: Unrest ‘stoked and fueled’ by foreign elements Tehran
Political Situation
Government structure Iran is an Islamic Republic, with a Supreme Leader (Ayatollah Ali Khamenei) exercising ultimate authority and power, but below whose supervision an elected President (Ebrahim Raisi from his inauguration in August 2021 until his death in May 2024) and Majles (or Parliament), can make all the decisions.
Recent Leadership Change: President Ebrahim Raisi was killed in a helicopter crash in May 2024, prompting a snap presidential election set for June 28, 2024. The election is tightly managed, with candidates subject to vetting by the Guardian Council.
Foreign Relations
Regional Power: Through its support of groups such as the Lebanese Hezbollah, Gaza-based Hamas, the Houthi rebels in Yemen and Shiite militants in Iraq, it wields influence across conflicts from Lebanon to Yemen.
Israel-Hamas War: Iran backed Hamas politically while denying any direct role in the October 7 attacks. Israel has faced heightened tensions, including direct attacks in April 2024.
Russia & China: Iran sends drones to Russia for the Ukraine war and increases trade with China, driving a deeper wedge between itself and Western nations