With a population of over 90 million, Iran ranks 17th globally in both geographic size and population and is the sixth-largest country in Asia. Iran is divided into five regions with 31 provinces. Tehran is the nation's capital, largest city, and financial center.
Iran, a mountainous, arid, and ethnically diverse country of southwestern Asia. The country maintains a rich and distinctive cultural and social continuity dating back to the Achaemenian period, which began in 550 bce. Since 1979 it has become known for its unique brand of Islamic republic.
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Israel responded with a limited strike on Iran that appeared to be calibrated to avoid further escalation. The fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, another key Iranian ally, in December 2024 threatened to cut Iran off from Hezbollah and undermine its ability to project power in the Levant.