Pakistan, Iran, Iraq announce new regulations for pilgrims
TEHRAN: In a major policy shift, the interior ministers of Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq have… Read More
5 months ago
Iran
Iran was known as the Persian Empire. The first great dynasty in Iran was the Achaemenid which ruled from 550 to 330 BC. It was founded by Cyrus the Great. This period was followed by the conquest of Alexander the Great from Greece and the Hellenistic period. In the wake of Alexander’s conquests, the Parthian dynasty ruled for nearly 500 years followed by the Sassanian dynasty until 661 AD.
Today, the Islamic Republic of Iran is one of the more formidable powers in the Middle East region—a land where lyrical Persian poetry vies with strict interpretations of Islam for the soul of a people.
Not surprisingly in such an ethnically diverse nation, Iranians speak dozens of different languages and dialects. The official language is Persian (Farsi), which is part of the Indo-European language family.
Along with the closely related Luri, Gilaki and Mazandarani, Farsi is the native tongue of 58% of Iranians. Azeri and other Turkic languages account for 26%; Kurdish, 9%; and languages like Balochi and Arabic make up about 1% each.
Iran’s majority centrally-planned economy depends upon oil and gas exports for between 50 and 70% of its revenue. The per capita GDP is a robust $12,800 US, but 18% of Iranians live below the poverty line and 20% are unemployed.
Iran has long borders in common with Iraq. Iran defended itself against Iraqi invasion in 1980, a war that lasted till eight years. Many Arab countries including Americans have provided weapon support to Iran for its defense. Iran has hostile relations with Israel. Israel and Iran went to war in 2025
Mohsin Naqvi arrives in Iran on official visit
TEHRAN: Pakistan’s Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Tehran on an official visit, where… Read More
5 months ago
Pak, Iran FMs discuss current developments in region
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Friday met Iranian Foreign… Read More
5 months ago
Pakistan to launch ferry service to Iran, Iraq for ‘Arbaeen’ pilgrimage
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan government has decided to launch a ferry service and increase the number… Read More
5 months ago
Iran enacts law suspending cooperation with IAEA
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian put into effect on Wednesday a law passed by parliament last week to… Read More
5 months ago
Iran made preparations to mine the Strait of Hormuz, US sources say
The Iranian military loaded naval mines onto vessels in the Persian Gulf last month, a… Read More
5 months ago
Over 900 killed in Iran during 12-day war with Israel: state media
TEHRAN: At least 935 people were killed in Iran during its 12-day war with Israel,… Read More
5 months ago
Iran military chief thanks Pakistan in call with Field Marshal Asim Munir
Iranian military chief on Sunday telephoned Field Marshal General Asim Munir to thank Pakistan for… Read More
5 months ago
Netanyahu sees Iran outcome opening door to Gaza hostage return
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday the 12-day war with Iran had created opportunities… Read More
5 months ago
Iran holds funeral for commanders and scientists killed in war with Israel
Large crowds of mourners dressed in black lined streets in Iran's capital Tehran as the… Read More
6 months ago
Trump lambasts Khamenei, says he’d bomb Iran if nuclear activities restart
U.S. President Donald Trump sharply criticized Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamanei, on Friday, dropped plans to lift… Read More
6 months ago
No known intelligence that Iran moved uranium, US defense chief says
WASHINGTON: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday said he was unaware of any intelligence… Read More
6 months ago
PM Shehbaz highlights Pakistan’s role in Iran-Israel ceasefire
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday lauded the entire economic team, particularly Finance… Read More
6 months ago
Iran arrests 26 more Israeli agents
Iran's intelligence services have arrested 26 people, accusing them of collaborating with Israel, state media… Read More
6 months ago
Watch: Iran’s Quds Force commander appears in Tehran after assassination reports
TEHRAN: Brigadier General Esmail Qaani, commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force,… Read More
6 months ago
Trump says US to hold nuclear talks with Iran next week
Trump says US to hold nuclear talks with Iran next week Iranian parliament okays plan… Read More
6 months ago
Trump says US to hold nuclear talks with Iran next week
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he would likely seek a commitment from Iran… Read More
6 months ago
Iran turns to internal crackdown in wake of 12-day war
Iranian authorities are pivoting from a ceasefire with Israel to intensify an internal security crackdown… Read More
6 months ago
Trump threatens to attack if Iran rebuilds nuclear sites
US President Donald Trump has reiterated that airstrikes obliterated Iran's nuclear program while rejecting the… Read More
6 months ago
Iranian parliament okays plan to suspend cooperation with IAEA
Iranian Parliament approved the suspension of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) by… Read More
6 months ago