2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Iran BUREAU OF DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND LABOR EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Islamic Republic of Iran is an authoritarian theocratic republic with a Shia Islamic political system based on velayat-e faqih (guardianship of the jurist). Shia clergy – most notably the rahbar (supreme leader) – and political leaders vetted by the clergy dominate key power structures. The supreme leader is ... Read More»

The White House Washington FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 20, 2023 Statement from President Joe Biden Marking Nowruz Today, Jill and I send our best wishes to everyone celebrating Nowruz across the United States and around the world—from the Middle East, to Central and South Asia, to the Caucasus, to Europe. The Nowruz holiday brings loved ... Read More»