In Iran, the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, controls the military, judiciary, and key oversight bodies, while elected institutions such as the President and Parliament (Majlis) operate under significant constraints. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) functions as a parallel military and security force directly loyal to the Supreme Leader, separate from conventional armed forces and civilian police.
From late December to mid-January, Iran experienced a wave of nationwide political protests, initially triggered by cost-of-living pressures, with participants calling for regime change against Khamenei.
The US has consistently opposed Iran’s nuclear program and uranium enrichment capabilities. It also assisted Israel during its military campaign against Iranian nuclear assets in June 2025. The US is currently pursuing negotiations over limiting Iran's nuclear program