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Image: Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto/picture allianceImage: Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto/picture alliance

Iran

Iran is one of the largest and most influential countries in the Middle East. Until 1979, it was a monarchy. Since the revolution, Iran has been an "Islamic Republic."

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All Content on this topic

US charges man in alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Trump

The US Justice Department revealed more details of the alleged plan by Iran's Revolutionary Guard to assassinate Trump.

An Iranian man in Tehran reading a local newspaper, whose frontpage features news about the US presidential election

An Iranian man in Tehran reading a local newspaper, whose frontpage features news about the US presidential election

Trump's comeback poses challenges for Iran

Tehran wants to reassess relations with the US and seeks to cultivate closer ties with Trump's allies in the Arab world.

German-Iranian software developer Jamshid Sharmahd

German-Iranian software developer Jamshid Sharmahd

Tehran says German-Iranian died before execution

The statement contradicts an earlier confirmation from the Iranian regime that Jamshid Sharmahd had been put to death.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks during a meeting with ambassadors of foreign countries in Iran, in the capital Tehran on October 29, 2024.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks during a meeting with ambassadors of foreign countries in Iran, in the capital Tehran on October 29, 2024.

Iran condemns consulate closures in Germany as 'sanction'

The Foreign Ministry has urged German citizens to leave Iran to avoid the risk of being held hostage.

A protest sign featuring the image of Jamshid Sharmahd

A protest sign featuring the image of Jamshid Sharmahd

Germany closes Iranian consulates over Sharmahd execution

Foreign Minister Baerbock announced the measure in response to the recent execution of German citizen Jamshid Sharmahd.

Iranian consulate sign in Munich, Germany

Iranian consulate sign in Munich, Germany

Germany orders shutdown of all Iranian consulates

The German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock says all three of Iran's consulates in the country are to close.

A photograph of Syrian President Bashar Assad hangs in the broken window of a building damagaed by an Israeli strike

A photograph of Syrian President Bashar Assad hangs in the broken window of a building damagaed by an Israeli strike

Syria's dictator caught between Iran and Israel

Israel's direct attacks within Iran over the weekend could force Bashar Assad to open a new front in the conflict.

A poster with Jamshid Shamahd's face has the words "We Are Jimmy" as prosters demonstrate outside the Iranian embassy in Berlin

A poster with Jamshid Shamahd's face has the words "We Are Jimmy" as prosters demonstrate outside the Iranian embassy in Berlin

Germany outraged over Jamshid Sharmahd's execution in Iran

The killing of German citizen Jamshid Sharmahd by the Iranian regime has triggered outrage among German politicians.

In this photo that was presumably taken in an Iranian revolutionary court, Iranian-German national and US resident Jamshid Sharmahd wears a striped, blue prison shirt and looks into the camera.

In this photo that was presumably taken in an Iranian revolutionary court, Iranian-German national and US resident Jamshid Sharmahd wears a striped, blue prison shirt and looks into the camera.

Execution of German citizen in Iran sparks outrage

Iranian-German Jamshid Sharmahd was executed after being kidnapped and subjected to a "sham trial."

Jamshid Sharmahd wearing a mask during trial in 2022

Jamshid Sharmahd wearing a mask during trial in 2022

Was Iran sending a message by executing Jamshid Sharmahd?

The execution of an Iranian-German dissident comes as the regime in Tehran is facing pressure on multiple fronts.

German-Iranian Jamshid Sharmahd

German-Iranian Jamshid Sharmahd

Germany summons Iran's envoy over Jamshid Sharmahd execution

Berlin said it condemns the execution of the German-Iranian software developer "in the strongest possible terms."

Iranian Revolutionary Guard cadets march during an annual military parade

Iranian Revolutionary Guard cadets march during an annual military parade

Iran plans to triple military budget

Tehran plans to radically raise its military budget after Iran and Israel exchanged attacks in recent months.

Sharmahd sits in an Iranian courtroom

Sharmahd sits in an Iranian courtroom

Iran executes German-Iranian Jamshid Sharmahd

German-Iranian dual national Jamshid Sharmahd was executed in Iran on charges linked to a 2008 terror attack.

A picture of former US President Donald Trump next to the Iranian flag

A picture of former US President Donald Trump next to the Iranian flag

Why many in Iran want Donald Trump to win the US election

To Iranians, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris represent vastly different futures for the Middle East.

An Israeli APC manoeuvres along the border, as smoke rises in Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as seen from Israel, October 17, 2024.

An Israeli APC manoeuvres along the border, as smoke rises in Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as seen from Israel, October 17, 2024.

New truce talks begin as dozens killed in Gaza

With Iran yet to retaliate following attacks on military sites, interlocutors seek to restart truce talks for Gaza.

Ballet Dancer Vivian Koohnavard dancing in front of a mirror at the Staatsoper Berlin

Ballet Dancer Vivian Koohnavard dancing in front of a mirror at the Staatsoper Berlin

Vivian Assal Koohnavard: Dancing for freedom

A ballet dancer campaigns for women's rights in Iran — through choreography.

Israel has delivered its long-expected response to Iranian missile attacks earlier this month.

Israel has delivered its long-expected response to Iranian missile attacks earlier this month.

Israeli airstrikes hit military sites in Iran

Israel has delivered its long-expected response to Iranian missile attacks earlier this month.

Khamenei with academic elites and scientific talents in Tehran, Iran, October 2, 2024

Khamenei with academic elites and scientific talents in Tehran, Iran, October 2, 2024

Iranians upset with Tehran over Israel tensions

There's mounting anger as many fear the government is prioritizing conflicts abroad over dire economic needs at home.

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Israeli strike 'fairly proportional'

Middle East security expert Hans-Jakob Schindler of the Berlin-based Counter Extremism Project speaks to DW.

DW Euromaxx (Sendungslogo Composite)

DW Euromaxx (Sendungslogo Composite)

Euromaxx — Lifestyle in Europe

Dancing for freedom in Iran, Germans' famed wanderlust, and an organic farm against organized crime.

Houthi fighters stand with weapons in front of a Palestinian flag

Houthi fighters stand with weapons in front of a Palestinian flag

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis step up crackdown on aid workers

Despite cementing their power in Yemen, the Houthis are escalating arrests of workers. What's scaring the rebel group?

US-based Masih Alinejad in an interview with DW's Farsi language department in Munich, February 14, 2024

US-based Masih Alinejad in an interview with DW's Farsi language department in Munich, February 14, 2024

US charges Iran general in plot to kill dissident journalist

The FBI said Tehran had sought to "silence" the Iranian-American journalist Masih Alinejad.

Berlin-based fashion designer Sepideh Ahadi stands in her shop, next to her designs.

Berlin-based fashion designer Sepideh Ahadi stands in her shop, next to her designs.

Iranian fashion designer: Individuality vs. strict norms

In opposition to her country's strict dress code, Berlin-based Sepideh Ahadi stresses individuality and asymmetry.

DW Euromaxx (Sendungslogo Composite)

DW Euromaxx (Sendungslogo Composite)

Euromaxx — Lifestyle Europe

Pianist Giorgi Gigashvili, a non-alcoholic wine trend, a Berlin fashion designer with Iranian roots.

Nahostkonflikt | Libanon | Beistzungen nach israelischem Beschuss im Jahr 1996

Nahostkonflikt | Libanon | Beistzungen nach israelischem Beschuss im Jahr 1996

Iran has 'not just weakened Hezbollah, but weakened itself'

According to Jordan’s former FM, Tehran has less influence in Lebanon following Israeli strikes.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

EU sets hopes on Saudi Arabia's influence in the Middle East

Western states would like Saudi Arabia to leverage its influence to de-escalate conflicts in the Middle East.

Members of Iranian-backed Hezbollah carry coffins of their comrades at a funeral in Beirut in 1996

Members of Iranian-backed Hezbollah carry coffins of their comrades at a funeral in Beirut in 1996

Iran has 'not just weakened Hezbollah, but weakened itself'

According to Jordan’s former FM, Tehran has less influence in Lebanon following Israeli strikes.

A view of Kharg Island Oil Terminal, 25 km from the Iranian coast in the Persian Gulf, in Iran on March 12, 2017

A view of Kharg Island Oil Terminal, 25 km from the Iranian coast in the Persian Gulf, in Iran on March 12, 2017

Israel-Iran: A strike on oil assets could revive inflation

Oil prices have spiked as speculation mounts that Israel could next target Iran's oil or nuclear facilities.

Iranian labor activist Sharifeh Mohammadi

Iranian labor activist Sharifeh Mohammadi

Iran: Activist removed from death row after court ruling

Iran's top court overturned the death sentence for Sharifeh Mohammadi over alleged links to a Kurdish separatist group.

Gallows ropes shown at a protest in Germany in January 2020

Gallows ropes shown at a protest in Germany in January 2020

Iranian prisoners protest against rising executions

Rights organizations say the number of executions in the country has increased by over 20% in the past year.

Vorschaubild Quixplainer Iran

Vorschaubild Quixplainer Iran

What is Iran's 'Axis of Resistance'?

Iran has built up an anti-Western and anti-Israeli network of militias across the Middle East.

A man carries his bicycle over debris as three others run along

A man carries his bicycle over debris as three others run along

Civilians suffer as war in Lebanon expands

Israel's airstrikes targeting the Hezbollah militant group are trheatening livelihoods and forcing many to flee.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seen next to an Israeli flag

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seen next to an Israeli flag

What might Israel's retaliation look like?

The country has promised a forceful response after a massive Iranian missile attack last week.

xplosions take place on the deck of the Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion on the Red Sea.

xplosions take place on the deck of the Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion on the Red Sea.

Yemen's Houthis to play bigger role in Middle East conflict?

The Yemen-based group is the only one of various Iran-backed militias not to have suffered serious setbacks this year.

Smoke and flames rise in Beirut's southern suburbs, after Israeli air strikes, amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, as seen from Sin El Fil, Lebanon, October 6, 2024.

Smoke and flames rise in Beirut's southern suburbs, after Israeli air strikes, amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, as seen from Sin El Fil, Lebanon, October 6, 2024.

Israel bombs Beirut on eve of October 7 anniversary

A year on, Israel is deep into a war with Hamas in Gaza and fighting Hezbollah, another Iranian-backed group in Lebanon.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (L) shakes hands with a group of officials upon arrival at Beirut, Lebanon,

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (L) shakes hands with a group of officials upon arrival at Beirut, Lebanon,

Iranian minister in Beirut as Israel targets Hezbollah

Iran's Araghchi held talks with Lebanon's caretaker government as Israel struck Hezbollah strongholds in south Beirut.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaking at a large pro-Palestinian rally in Istanbul in October 2023

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaking at a large pro-Palestinian rally in Istanbul in October 2023

Iran-Israel: Will Turkey get involved?

Experts say that several factors make Turkey unlikely to enter the growing regional conflict.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, uses a diagram of a bomb to describe Iran's nuclear program in 2012

Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, uses a diagram of a bomb to describe Iran's nuclear program in 2012

How Israel prevents its neighbors from getting nuclear arms

Here's an overview of how Israel has historically sought to curb the nuclear ambitions of its regional adversaries.

US President Joe Biden (right) shaking Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's hand in the Oval Office

US President Joe Biden (right) shaking Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's hand in the Oval Office

What does supporting Israel mean for the US?

The US remains steadfast by Israel's side. It might even support its ally in a war against Iran.

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Iran addresses 'a shared grievance to project its power'

"To end the cycle of trauma" is essential for transformation in the region, says Middle East expert John Lyndon.

Israeli soldiers block their ears as an artillery unit fires a 155mm shell towards south Lebanon

Israeli soldiers block their ears as an artillery unit fires a 155mm shell towards south Lebanon

Iran's proxies threaten Israel on multiple fronts

Since the start of the war in Gaza, almost all of Iran's proxies have stepped up their attacks on Israel.

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets after Iran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets after Iran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles

How will Israel respond after Iran's missile attack?

US President Joe Biden has said he will not support Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear sites.

Officials walk through a heavily-damaged school, seen behind a pane of cracked glass

Officials walk through a heavily-damaged school, seen behind a pane of cracked glass

EU calls for deescalation after Iran attacks Israel

The UN and EU have urged Iran and Israel to stop the conflict from escalating further. Will their pleas be heard?

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets after Iran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets after Iran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel

Do these videos show Iran's attack on Israel?

In the aftermath of Iran's attacks, videos have sprung up on social media. But some are in fact several years old.

Damage at an Israeli restaurant in the aftermath of an Iranian missile attack on Israel

Damage at an Israeli restaurant in the aftermath of an Iranian missile attack on Israel

Iran-Israel: What are the two sides' defense strategies?

What are the strategic and military considerations that could drive Iran and Israel to either escalate, or deescalate?

An Iranian flag in front of a tan building

An Iranian flag in front of a tan building

Are Iran's nuclear sites potential targets for Israel?

With Israel vowing retaliation for Iran's missile attack, nuclear facilities could be potential targets.

An illustratzion with an oil pump jack and oil barrels painted with an Iranian flag

An illustratzion with an oil pump jack and oil barrels painted with an Iranian flag

Iran and the cost of a war with Israel

Even before the escalation of tensions with Israel, Iran's economy was suffering. Can it sustain a prolonged conflict?

The shadow of an Iranian missile seen during a defense expo in September

The shadow of an Iranian missile seen during a defense expo in September

What next for Iran after strike on Israel?

Tehran is waiting for Israel's response to its massive missile attack, as the regional conflict threatens to escalate.

A view of people taking cover by the side of a road, after Iran fired a barrage of missiles at Israel

A view of people taking cover by the side of a road, after Iran fired a barrage of missiles at Israel

Israel vows retaliation for Iranian missile attack

It's the second time Iran has fired missiles at Israel since April as tensions between the two powers deepen.

A view of projectiles being intercepted by Israel in the sky over Tel Aviv

A view of projectiles being intercepted by Israel in the sky over Tel Aviv

Israelis take cover as missiles launched from Iran

DW's Shani Rozanes and Tania Krämer report, and Kasra Aarabi of United Against Nuclear Iran speaks to DW's Phil Gayle.