Earliest traces of human presence in country reach back 100,000 years; its monuments preserve the legacy of a civilization that has kept identity through successive conquests

French president urges Tehran to avoid 'military escalation that could aggravate instability in the region' following death of Soleimani

Russian media reports the Turkish leader told his Iranian counterpart that he feels 'sorry for the loss' of the senior military leader

US secretary of state pushes back against reports that the intel underpinning the American strike against the Iranian military commander was 'thin'

But even if the government approves the bill, canceling the US-Iraq agreement requires giving Americans a year's notice for withdrawal

Tehran spokesman doesn't specify what measure will be, as Tehran continues to retreat from 2015 accord despite pleas from remaining parties

Baghdad summons US Ambassador Tueller to condemn American strikes that killed a top Iranian general, an Iraqi commander and other local fighters

The Pentagon insists killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani was self-defense, but there is no formal state of war between US and Iran; international law unclear on matter, says expert

US president's supporters say the real estate tycoon brings a fresh approach to intractable problems, but critics fret that his wildcard strategy may lead to devastating results

Tens of thousands crowd Ahvaz ceremony; remains to be flown to Tehran, elsewhere before burial in Kerman on Tuesday; President says US will respond to any attack without hesitation