Iran is a major regional power, due to its large reserves of fossil fuels (including the world's second largest natural gas supply and third largest proven oil reserves), its geopolitically significant location, and role as the world's focal point of Shia Islam.

Iranian explanations for the animosity with the United States include “the natural and unavoidable conflict between the Islamic system” and “such an oppressive power as the United States, which is trying to establish a global dictatorship and further its own interests by dominating other nations and trampling on their ...

U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bombers dropped a total of 14 “massive ordnance penetrator” bombs on Iranian nuclear sites during Operation Midnight Hammer early Sunday local time, according to senior officials.