Iran is a country in the Middle East region located in Asia. Iran used to be called Persia, with a long history. But today, it’s widely known as the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The ancient Persia, is one of the oldest civilization with a rich history. It helped in shaping the world by the then empire named Cyprus the Great. Till date, he’s still being celebrated for his good leadership and approach towards maintaining peace.
Cyprus the Great respected people’s laws and customs. He never stopped people from practicing their own beliefs. Cyprus the Great even allowed the Jews in Jerusalem to rebuild their temple.
Cyprus the Great was ruled a lot of land including Greece and Indian territories.
Under his leadership, Cyprus the Great built a lot of projects which acquired wealth for the people of Iran.
Furthermore, Iran’s culture, buildings and art attracted and influenced other countries like Egypt, Pakistan and Europe.
Cyprus the Great was indeed a great leader who ruled fairly during his time.
In addition, Zoroastrianism was the main religion of the Iranians before the Muslims came and changed it to Islam. This change occurred in the 7the century.
During the Persian days, a man named Zoroaster was the founder of Zoroastrianism. He made people to worship a god called Ahura Mazda. This made other religions within Persia to join and worship this god.
Ahura Mazda was known as the Wise Lord for fighting good over evil. Ahura Mazda’s symbol is fire and it has eternal flames around the temple.
However, today, Iran is being ruled by Islamic religious leaders who took over the country. Iranian leaders have being ruling the country based on their own understand of the Islamic laws.
Iran’s Economic Growth
Iran is well-known to be into oil and gas, and that’s there major sources of wealth. Iran has a huge oil reserves and they also export these oils to other countries.
In addition, Iranians are also into manufacturing services, including agricultural produce. However, oil is the biggest source of their wealth which generates money to the government.
Despite their huge oil production and exportation, Iran seems be to facing some challenges.
Iran’s Major Challenges are:
- Economic Struggles: The Iranian government seems to be in total control of most private sectors such as industrial and manufacturing services. This tends to hinder business growth because most decisions comes from the government. Also, the heavy dependence on oil for their wealth generation can be unstable. Oil price fluctuates a lot and this makes their income to be unstable. Additionally, some government officials misuse power for their personal interest. They handle projects and resources the way that suits them.
- International Tension: Countries like the Israel and the United States are not among Iran’s Supported Countries. Both countries are not in good relationship with Iran. Iran also has a strong influence in the Middle East and this makes some countries unsettling. Furthermore, due to how Iran’s laws and policies are centered around Islamic laws, their view about politics and religion is entirely different from most countries. This situation often causes rift between Iran and other countries.
- Limited Freedom: There’s a lot of restrictions in Iran. It’s as if the government is in full control of what happens within the country. What the media say online and what the people say in public is generally being controlled by the government. They determine the kind of information or speech the media shares. Residents are also mindful of how they dress and behave in the public. People also have less freedom to make decisions for themselves or speak ill about the government.
- Sanctions: Iran doesn’t have enough oil to generate enough wealth to sustain the country’s economy. They rarely do business with other countries. This hurts the economy of Iran, leading to low money circulation within the country.
- Inflation: Iranians are always struggling to afford basic needs like: food, gas and affordable housing. This has made life even harder for the Iranians.
- Currency Depreciation: Iran’s currency doesn’t worth much. Despite the fluctuation of prices and high standard of living, Iran’s economy is still struggling to keep up.
- Unemployment and Poverty: A lot of Iranians are really struggling financially. Many don’t have jobs to cater to their basic needs like food, clothing and decent housing.
All these problems generally hinders Iran’s growth. It also makes it difficult for the Iranians to live a good life.
Iran’s Financial Support, Allies and Partners
Despite having limited association with many countries, Iran still have partners and gets some financial support from fewer countries.
Iran’s Main Allies are:
- Syria: Syria is one of Iran’s Supported Countries. Iran and Syria support each other even in tougher situations. Both countries seems to be in a very good relationship and often work together for the interest of both countries.
- Lebanon’s Hezbollah: Iran government often assist Lebanon with resources to supports the country.
- Russia and China: Iran does business with China and Russia. They trade businesses and often work together.
- Venezuela: Venezuela is also among Iran’s Supported Countries. This country cooperate and work with Iran in terms of oil production. They trade and do businesses together. Iran and Venezuela frequently collaborate to counter United States influence and sanctions.
Iran have more influence in the Middle East because of support to Houthis, a group in Yemen and Hamas in Palestine.
With the list of Iran Supported Countries, Iran helps to influence Middle East affairs.
Iran’s History of Conflicts
Iran has a long history of conflicts with some countries due to different reasons.
Iran’s Major Conflicts are:
- Iran and Iraq war
- Nuclear dispute causing tension in countries like France, Germany, United Kingdom and United States.
- Iran hostage crisis with the Americans.
- Iran supported the Assad government in Syria’s conflict.
List of Countries Where Iran is Supported
Iran supported countries include:
- Syria
- Lebanon
- Iraq
- Yemen
- Palestine
- China
- Russia
- Pakistan
- India
- Turkey
- Venezuelaza
- Cuba
- North Korea
Conclusion
Previously, Iran was known as Persia before it was led by Islamic religious leaders who rule the country based on Islamic teachings. Today, Iran has a strong influence in the Middle East, part of Asia due to its support to neighbouring countries.
However, Iran supported countries like Lebanon, Syria and Yemen help increase it’s influence in the Middle East.
Iran and the United States don’t have a good relationship. This is because of past conflicts and issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear program. Till date, this relationship hasn’t been settled between these two countries.