Iran is a unitary Islamic theocracy, a type of state institution, officially known as the Islamic Republic of Iran. The country's history, also known as Persia, is one of the world's oldest continuous major civilizations, with historical settlements dating back to the 5th millennium BC. The modern state was created following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which overthrew the millennia-long monarchy and established a mixed system of government based on the concept of velāyat-e faqīh (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist).
The system works through a dual structure where the ultimate authority rests with the unelected Supreme Leader (rahbar), currently Ayatollah Ali Khamenei since 1989, who is the head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The Supreme Leader controls key institutions like the judiciary, state media, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The 1979 Constitution established a system with a popularly elected President, who is the head of government, and a unicameral legislature, the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majles). However, the Guardian Council, a 12-member body, vets all candidates for the presidency and parliament and has veto power over legislation to ensure compliance with Islam and the Constitution, as per Articles 91-99.
Iran connects to global geopolitics through its strategic location in West Asia, bordering the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. For India, Iran is a crucial partner for energy needs and regional connectivity, notably through the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which bypasses Pakistan. The relationship, formally established on March 15, 1950, is often strained by US sanctions and geopolitical differences, such as Iran's support for anti-India resolutions at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Recently, the political landscape has faced significant internal challenges, including mass protests over the economy and political instability, with the IRGC consolidating power amidst a potential leadership transition.