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Iran

Lessons 21 · 1 lessons · Sh. Ergashev, B. Xodjayev, J. Abdullayev. World History (1991–2017): textbook for Grade 11 of secondary schools and for students of secondary specialised and vocational institutions. 1st edition. “Turon-Iqbol”, Tashkent, 2018
21

The Islamic Republic of Iran, 1991–2017

Textbook: pp. 94–97
GoalExplain Iran’s political structure, internal changes and foreign relations after 1991.
New words
the supreme leader, the highest authority in Iran’s system · oliy rahbaran Islamic republic, the state form set up in Iran in 1979 · islom respublikasithe nuclear programme, a long-running international dispute · yadro dasturithe JCPOA, the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers · JCPOA
Explanation

After the 1979 revolution an Islamic republic was built in Iran: the highest authority is the supreme leader, and there are also an elected president and parliament (the Majlis). Ayatollah Khomeini died in 1989 and Ali Khamenei became supreme leader. Presidents Khatami, Ahmadinejad, Rouhani and Raisi have led the government; Raisi died in a helicopter crash in 2024 and a new president was chosen in an early election. In 2015 Iran and world powers signed the JCPOA, limiting the nuclear programme; the US withdrew in 2018 and reimposed sanctions, and Iran gradually reduced its commitments. After the 2009 election and again in 2022, following the death of Mahsa Amini, there were large protests; the government says it acted to keep order, while human rights organizations criticize the harsh measures. In June 2025 Israel struck Iran, Iran struck back, and the USA also struck Iranian nuclear facilities; after 12 days a ceasefire took hold. Israel says it acted to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, while Iran calls it aggression.

Worked examples
Governance: the Assembly of Experts chooses the supreme leader, while the president and parliament are elected by popular vote; candidates are vetted by the Guardian Council.
JCPOA: Iran agreed to cut its enriched uranium stock and centrifuges, in return sanctions were to be eased; after the US left in 2018 the deal weakened.
Class activity

Find three turning points in Iran’s foreign policy in 1989–2025 and write each party’s position in a separate sentence.

Practice
1
Who chooses the supreme leader in Iran?
2
When was the JCPOA signed and what did the US do about it?
3
Why did the 2022 protests begin?
4
Why has the nuclear programme caused an international dispute?