Iran, officially known as the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in the Middle East, bordered by Armenia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.  Iran and Israel used to have diplomatic relations during the Pahlavi dynasty, but now remain hostile towards each other.  Iran does not recognize Israel anymore and has severed all diplomatic relations with the country, referring to the land as “occupied territories.”

On this day, November 7, 2002, Iran banned all advertisements of American products from being televised in the country.  This “symbolic gesture” spurred into action due to the United States’ support for Israel. The Culture Ministry of Iran is in charge of making sure the ban is effectively implemented.

To this day, there are no formal diplomatic relations between Iran and the United States. In 2002, American exports to Iran dropped by half.  Efforts have been made to mend relations since the Obama Administration, but nothing have been resolved.