1. Brief History of Iran

2. Age of Imperialism Russia & Britain gained Spheres of Influence in Iran after WWI Increasing dislike of Western powers

3. Made himself shah in 1925 Ended western control in Iran and began modernizing the country Shah Reza Khan

4. Used oil money to modernize Many changes, US became ally U.S. supported him over a leader elected by the people Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi

5. Rich got richer, poor got poorer People didn’t like change, or the influence of US, and were unhappy about the economy 1979 Shah treated in US for cancer while mobs in Tehran sacked US embassy, demanded return of Shah to stand trial

6. Returned from exile in France to overthrow shah - Iran's Islamic Revolution Iran's Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Khomeini

7. Established a theocracy & was its first leader Islamic fundamentalist – believed Shariah (law based on Koran) should be law of the country Protested U.S. support of Shah - Hostage CrisisHostage Crisis U.S. supported Iraq in the Iran-Iraq war from 1980-1988

8. President of Iran from 1989 until 1997 Renews ties with West, maintain Islamic state but modernizes President Akbar Rafsanjani

9. Leader of Iran whose ideas and policies are controversial President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

10. Decreased relations with US Supported nuclear energy and weapons programs Opposed the existence of Israel Claimed US was behind 9/11 attacks

11. Current religious leader of Iran (Supreme Leader) He and council of elders validated election of Ahmadinejad Ayatollah Khamenei

12. Hassan Rouhani Current president of Iran (elected June 2013) Increased Iran’s diplomatic relations Encourages personal freedom and free access to information