Iran's current standoff against the U.S. was briefed, covering Iran's country profile, recent historical events, current President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and the importance of Iranian affairs to the Department of Defense. Iran has a theocratic republic government and a population of 65.4 million. Recent significant events include the 1979 Islamic Revolution and Iran-Iraq war. President Ahmadinejad is an extremely conservative leader who gains support from the working class and military. The Department of Defense has a strong interest in Iran due to fears over Iran's nuclear program and influence in the region. The future consequences of tensions with Iran could impact U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.

1. Iran's Current Standoff against the U.S. Briefed by ADAN A. NORIEGA, C/3C AFROTC

2. Structure Iran's Country Profile Recent Historical Events Mahmoud Ahmadinejad(Iranian President) Importance of Iranian affairs to Department of Defense Potential future outcomes

3. Country Profile: Iran Official Name: Islamic Republic of Iran Capital: Tehran Government Type: Theocratic republic Chief of State: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, supreme leader Population: 65.4 million Area: Slightly larger than Alaska Languages: Mostly Persian, Turkic and Kurdish; Literacy: Total Population: [77%] Male: [84%]; Female: [70%] GDP Per Capita: $8,700 Year of Independence: 1979; Islamic Republic of Iran proclaimed

4. Recent Significant Events Islamic Revolution and Establishment of Islamic Republic-1979 1979 Seizure of US Embassy 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war Who is the current leader in Power?

5. Iranian President Ahmadinejad Became President in 2005 Controversial Beliefs Extremely Conservative Gains support from Working Class and Military True believer of Islamic Revolution Why does the Department of Defense have a strong interest in Iran?

6. Iran's Significance to Department of Defense U.S. fears Iran is pursuing a Nuclear Weapons Program Concern over Iran's influence in the region Iran is believed to be assisting insurgency forces in Iraq against U.S. Armed forces

7. Future Consequences Influence on U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East Ahmadinejad as an unpredictable leader Iraq?

8. Summary Iran's Profile Recent History of change Leader of Iran Importance to Department of Defense Uncertainty of Future

9. Sources http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/iran/index.html http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.us/time-zone/asia/iran/images/iran-map.gif http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=47399 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/picture_gallery/04/middle_east_iran_hostage_crisis/html/1.stm