1. Group Prompt In groups of 2 or 3, make a list of nations in the world that have developed nuclear weapons. Put your list on the white boards. Hint: There are 9 and the United States is one of them.

3. Unit 2: The Arab World Iran

4. Background: Iran For much of its history, Iran was known as Persia. Today, Shiites make up Iran’s religious majority. Most Iranians are Persian, not Arab. Most Iranians speak Farsi, not Arabic.

6. Iran’s Wealth 1900s: As petroleum became increasingly important to the world economy, Iran’s wealth grew.

7. The Shah: Mohammad Reza Pahlavi 1900s: As petroleum became increasingly important to the world economy, Iran’s wealth grew. The Shah (king) ruled Iran for decades. Had an alliance w/USA Economic partner of USA Secular leader (non-religious) Recognized Israel’s right to exist Associated by many Muslims w/materialism Mohammad Reza Pahlavi Shah of Iran (1941-1979)

8. The Shah and America

9. Islamic Reaction to Wealth Materialism angered many Muslims in Iran. Wanted a return to traditional Shi’a Islamic ways. Shiite clerics were especially unhappy with secular government of the Shah. Protests occurred throughout 1970s.

10. Islamic Revolution of 1979 The Shah was ousted from power. Clerics took control of Iran Imams (religious leaders ) still hold true power today

11. Islamic Republic of Iran: Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini Led Islamic Revolution of 1979 Cleric (Religious Leader) - Fundamentalist Anti-American Anti-Israeli Anti-Materialist Returned Iran to traditional Islamic culture Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini Supreme Leader of Iran (1979-1989)

12. Iran Hostage Crisis Following the Iranian Revolution, Iranian students stormed the U.S. Embassy and took over 50 Americans hostage. WHY? Hostages were finally released after a year in captivity (1980). Top: An American Hostage Left: The defaced seal of the United States at the former embassy in Iran.

14. The Ayatollah died in 1989. He is buried here.

15. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Current Supreme Leader: Works w/Iran’s “democratically” elected president During the 1990s, some reforms occurred In the past decade, more conservative clerics have reversed many of those reforms. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Supreme Leader of Iran (1989-present)

16. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad President of Iran (2005-2013) Answered to Imams (Ayatollah) Called an extremist by many Called the west: materialistic, arrogant powers Denied the Holocaust Pushed for Nuclear Program Caused economic sanctions to be placed on Iran by many western nations. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad President of Iran (2005-2013)

17. Islamic Republic of Iran: TODAY President Hassan Rouhani (2013-present) Considered more moderate than Ahmadinejad In 2015, the United States and Iran reached a deal that could: End the economic sanctions End Iran’s nuclear program The deal is VERY controversial and must be further approved by both sides before it takes effect. Only time will tell...

18. Netanyahu’s Response Israel’s Prime Minister isn’t buying it! Iran and Israel have been enemies for decades. He called Ahmadinejad a wolf in wolf’s clothing. He calls Rouhani a wolf in sheep’s clothing.