Iran and its Neighbors in the 20th Century

Iran – a civilization country that has preserved its uniqueness since ancient times. At the same time, it is a strong state aspiring to play the role of a leader in the Middle East. Naturally, in this pursuit, Iran faces ambitious competitors ready for tough, uncompromising struggle. The long-standing antagonism between Tehran and Tel Aviv in the summer of 2025 led to a swift, yet extremely sharp and dangerous armed conflict, which the whole world watched with bated breath. Complex ties connect Iran with its other regional neighbors. Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and other Persian Gulf countries – it is impossible to properly understand modern Iranian history without paying due attention to its surroundings. Another completely sui generis factor in the fate of the Middle East for many decades has been oil.

What was Iran's path in the 20th century? How did external forces influence Iranian political and social life? What has Iranian society ultimately come to, creating an Islamic republic instead of a shah's monarchy? Renowned historian Alex Kaplan is ready to thoroughly answer all these questions.