Iran Flashcards

What is the official name of Iran?

The Islamic Republic of Iran (formerly known as Persia).

What is the dominant ethnic group in Iran?

Persian.

What is the official language of Iran?

Persian (Farsi).

Where is Iran geographically located?

Transition zone between the Arab Middle East and Central Asia.

Which countries border Iran to the west?

Iraq.

Which countries border Iran to the east?

Afghanistan and Turkey.

How large is Iran compared to a U.S. state?

Approximately twice the size of Texas.

What is the capital of Iran?

Tehran.

How many people live in Tehran?

Over 9 million people.

What is Tehran's significance in Iran?

It's the political and economic hub.

What is Iran's global ranking by population?

17th largest, with approximately 90 million people.

Describe Iran's topography.

Characterized by rugged mountain ranges, including snow-capped peaks near Tehran.

What percentage of Iranians are Muslim?

Over 99%.

Which branch of Islam is predominant in Iran?

Shia Islam.

Name other majority Shia countries besides Iran.

Iraq, Bahrain, and Azerbaijan.

How does Shia Islam influence Iran's governance?

It plays a central role in governance, politics, and societal norms.

What is Iran's relationship with Israel?

Tense relations, often escalating into violent skirmishes.

Which Sunni-majority country is Iran's regional rival?

Saudi Arabia.

Why does Iran have rivalries with Saudi Arabia?

Due to ideological and geopolitical differences.

Which groups does Iran support to expand its influence?

Shia militias like Hezbollah and Sunni organizations like Hamas.

What type of government system does Iran have?

A dual authority system combining religious and political leadership.

Who is the highest authority in Iran?

The Supreme Leader.

What are the primary responsibilities of the Supreme Leader?

Focusing on defense, foreign policy, and cultural matters.

Who is the elected leader in Iran's government?

The President.

How does the President's authority compare to the Supreme Leader's?

The President is subordinate to the Supreme Leader.

What is the Assembly of Experts?

A body of religious clerics advising the Supreme Leader.

What is the role of Iran's bicameral legislature?

Responsible for law-making.

Who was the first Supreme Leader of Iran?

Ayatollah Khomeini.

Who has been the Supreme Leader since 1989?

Ali Khamenei.

Why are discussions underway about the Supreme Leader's succession?

Due to Ali Khamenei's advanced age.

What is Iran's rank in global natural gas reserves?

2nd largest.

What is Iran's rank in global oil reserves?

3rd largest proven oil reserves.

How have fossil fuels impacted Iran's history?

Source of wealth and external intervention.

Which company was central to the 1953 coup narrative?

Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (now BP).

What is significant about Iran's geography near the Persian Gulf?

Rich in oil and gas fields connected by pipelines.

Who was overthrown in the 1953 coup?

Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadegh.

Which countries orchestrated the 1953 coup?

The United States (CIA) and Britain (MI6).

Why was Mossadegh ousted?

For attempting to nationalize Iranian oil.

Who was reinstalled as leader after the coup?

Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi.

How did the coup affect Iranian sentiment towards the West?

Increased anti-Western sentiment.

What was the outcome of the 1979 Islamic Revolution?

Overthrow of the Shah and establishment of the Islamic Republic.

Who led the 1979 Islamic Revolution?

Ayatollah Khomeini.

What type of government was established after the revolution?

A theocratic government based on Islamic principles.

How did the revolution affect Iran's relations with the West?

Led to increased tensions and hostility.

How did the Shah maintain power after 1953?

Through centralized authority and suppression of dissent.

What was SAVAK?

The Shah's secret police trained by American and Israeli advisors.

What was the public perception of the Shah?

Seen as a corrupt, Western-backed authoritarian.

What was the 'expectation gap' during the Shah's rule?

Rising aspirations clashing with limited political freedoms.

What were the goals of the White Revolution?

Economic modernization, land redistribution, and women's rights.

What were some achievements of the White Revolution?

Improved literacy, land reforms, and women's suffrage.

Why did the White Revolution fail?

It led to rural poverty, urban unemployment, and political disillusionment.

How did the White Revolution affect wealth inequality?

It heightened wealth inequality and corruption.

Which groups united against the Shah leading up to 1979?

Nationalists, Marxists, socialists, and religious conservatives.

How did global revolutions influence Iranian revolutionaries?

Inspired by Cuban, Vietnamese, and Maoist movements.

What ideology did Ayatollah Khomeini promote?

Shia revolutionary ideology blending Islamic principles with social justice.

When was Khomeini exiled by the Shah?

In 1964.

What event marked the Shah's loss of power?

Increasing protests and strikes between 1977 and 1979.

What was 'Black Friday' in 1978?

Military forces killed protesters in Tehran's Jaleh Square.

What happened to the U.S. Embassy in 1979?

It was seized by radical students, and hostages were taken.

What did the 1979 referendum establish?

The Islamic Republic of Iran.

What is the 'Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist'?

The concept that religious leaders hold ultimate authority.

How did the new regime impact women?

Enforced strict dress codes and limited leadership roles.

What was the regime's stance on exporting revolution?

Sought to inspire Shia movements abroad.

What triggered the Iran-Iraq War?

Iraq's fear of Shia influence and border disputes.

Which countries supported Iran during the war?

North Korea, Libya, Syria, and indirectly, Israel.

What was the outcome of the Iran-Iraq War?

A stalemate with a U.N.-brokered ceasefire.

How did the war affect both countries?

Catastrophic human and economic losses.

What restrictions did the revolution impose on women?

Mandatory hijabs and legal limitations on leadership roles.

Who is Nasrin Sotoudeh?

A human rights lawyer advocating for women's rights in Iran.

What challenges has Nasrin Sotoudeh faced?

Multiple arrests and imprisonment for her activism.

How are LGBTQ+ rights in Iran?

Severely repressed, with harsh penalties including the death penalty.

What is the JCPOA?

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, also known as the Iran Nuclear Deal.

What were Iran's goals in the JCPOA?

Relief from economic sanctions.

Why did the U.S. withdraw from the JCPOA in 2018?

The Trump administration considered it inadequate.

How did the withdrawal affect Iran-U.S. relations?

Further strained relations and escalated tensions.

Who was Mahsa Amini?

A woman whose death in custody sparked nationwide protests in 2022.

What do these protests signify?

Opposition to authoritarianism and restrictions on freedoms.

What is the 'Green Movement'?

A 2009 national protest against electoral fraud and authoritarianism.

How does Iran view its position in the Middle East?

As a leader of Shia Islam opposing Western and Saudi influence.

Which regional groups does Iran support?

Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.

What is Iran's relationship with Syria?

Supports the Assad regime in the civil war.

Which global powers are Iran's strategic partners?

Russia and China.

What are recurring themes in Iran's modern history?

Neo-imperialism, authoritarianism, economic inequality, and resistance movements.

How has economic inequality affected Iran's society?

Undermined the legitimacy of regimes and fueled discontent.

What role has authoritarianism played in Iran?

Centralization of power and suppression of dissent.

How have resistance movements shaped Iran?

Led to significant political changes like the 1979 revolution.

What was Mohammed Mossadegh known for?

Nationalizing oil and being ousted in the 1953 coup.

How is Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi remembered?

As a Western-backed leader criticized for repression.

What is Ayatollah Khomeini's legacy?

Establishing Iran's theocratic system after the 1979 revolution.

What challenges does Iran face regarding human rights?

Criticism for suppressing freedoms and harsh penalties for dissent.

How does Iran's government view Western influence?

As a negative force undermining Islamic values and sovereignty.

What is Iran's stance on modernization?

Seeks to modernize while maintaining strict theocratic governance.

How does Iran use alliances to expand influence?

Supports armed groups and forms strategic partnerships.

What are the three key ideological foundations of the Islamic Republic established after 1979?

Anti-monarchism, anti-imperialism, and Islamism.

What does anti-monarchism signify in the context of Iran's revolution?

Rejection of monarchy in favor of a theocratic state.

How did the new regime view Western influence?

It aimed to dismantle Western influence, particularly from the U.S. and Israel.

What is Islamism in the context of post-revolution Iran?

Governance based on Shia Islamic principles, resisting secularism.

What was the main purpose of Khomeini's 'The Uprising of Khurdad 15' speech?

To emphasize Islam as the central force behind the revolution.

Who are 'xenomaniacs' according to Khomeini?

Iranians infatuated with Western culture.

What did Khomeini urge intellectuals to do?

Resist Westernization and uphold Islamic principles.