Iran is a country of civilization that has preserved its identity since ancient times. At the same time, it is a strong state that claims to be the leader of the Middle East. Naturally, Iran faces ambitious competitors along the way who are ready for a tough, uncompromising struggle. The long-term antagonism between Tehran and Tel Aviv in the summer of 2025 led to a short-lived, but extremely acute and dangerous armed conflict, which the whole world watched with bated breath. Complex ties connect Iran with other neighbors in the region. Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and other Persian Gulf countries – it is impossible to properly understand the latest Iranian history if you do not pay due attention to its environment. Oil has been another completely independent factor in the fate of the Middle East for many decades. What was Iran's path in the 20th century? How did external forces influence Iranian political and social life? What did the Iranian society come to in the end by creating an Islamic republic instead of the Shah's monarchy? Renowned historian Alex Kaplan is ready to answer all these questions comprehensively.