According to petwithsupplies, Iran is a country with a rich culture and history, and it is home to some of the most populous cities in the world. Some of the largest cities in Iran include Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, Karaj, Tabriz, Shiraz, Ahvaz and Qom. Tehran is the capital of Iran and one of its largest cities. It has an estimated population of 8.7 million people and is located in northern Iran. Tehran is home to many important cultural sites such as Golestan Palace and National Museum of Iran as well as important government buildings like the Iranian Parliament Building. The city has many parks and gardens including Jamshidiyeh Park which is a popular spot for locals to gather for picnics on weekends. Mashhad is another large city located in northeastern Iran with an estimated population of 3 million people. It is home to one of the holiest sites in Shia Islam – Imam Reza Shrine – which draws millions of pilgrims each year from across the globe. The city also has many other attractions such as Tombak Square which features an impressive fountain, Ferdowsi Square which features a statue dedicated to Persian poet Ferdowsi, and several museums like Khorasan Museum which houses artifacts from ancient times up until present day. Isfahan is located in central Iran with an estimated population of 1.8 million people. It was once known as “half the world” due to its beautiful architecture and artistry that can be seen throughout the city’s squares such as Naqsh-e Jahan Square (also known as Imam Square) or Hasht Behesht Palace. Isfahan also has other attractions such as Si-o-se Pol Bridge (also known as Allahverdi Khan Bridge) which spans over Zayandeh River connecting two sides of Isfahan together or Vank Cathedral which was built by Armenian Christians during Safavid Dynasty era to celebrate their faith in public without fear or persecution from authorities at that time period. Karaj is located in northwestern Iran with an estimated population of 1 million people making it one of Iran’s smaller cities but still very important due to its proximity to Tehran (only 45 minutes away). This city was once home to many Persians who were forced out during Saddam Hussein’s reign over Iraq but have since made their way back after his fall from power in 2003 making Karaj a vibrant mix between old and new. The city’s main attractions include Alborz Mountain Range which provides a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, Chitgar Lake which is a popular spot for locals to go fishing, and Karaj Dam which is a popular spot to go camping or hiking. In 2008, Iran was a theocracy led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The country was governed by Islamic laws and the Iranian Constitution of 1979. Iran’s foreign policy was based on its support for Shia Muslims around the world, its opposition to Israel, and its pursuit of nuclear power. Domestically, Iran had been under international pressure to stop enriching uranium for nuclear weapons since 2003. This pressure came from the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which had put sanctions on Iran in 2006 in an effort to get it to stop pursuing nuclear technology. The UNSC also demanded that Iran suspend uranium enrichment and provide access to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors. In 2008, France, Germany, and Britain proposed a package of incentives in exchange for the suspension of uranium enrichment activities. However, this proposal was rejected by the Iranian government who argued that its right to pursue nuclear technology was guaranteed under international law. In response to this rejection, the UNSC imposed additional sanctions on Iran in 2008 which targeted its banking sector and energy industry. The United States had long-standing tensions with Iran due to its support for militant groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas as well as its human rights record which had been criticized by international human rights organizations including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. In 2008, US President George W Bush signed into law legislation that imposed new economic sanctions against Iran over its refusal to halt uranium enrichment activities. Internationally, Iran’s relations with other countries in the region were mixed in 2008 with some states such as Oman maintaining close ties while others like Saudi Arabia viewed it as a threat due to its support for Shia groups throughout the Middle East. In addition, Iraq had just emerged from a bloody civil war between Sunni and Shia factions which had further deepened tensions between Iraq’s Shia-led government and neighboring Sunni countries such as Saudi Arabia who saw Iraq’s government as an ally of Iran’s government due to their shared faith. Overall, in 2008 Iran faced significant geopolitical challenges both domestically and internationally due to its pursuit of nuclear technology which led to increased economic sanctions from both regional powers like Saudi Arabia as well as global powers like United States; coupled with ongoing tensions with countries like Iraq over religious differences; all while attempting maintain close ties with other regional allies such as Oman. Check eningbo for Iraq in 2012.