Iran is a disputed territory that still has a moderate influence.
Iran . Conflicts with the Russian Empire in 19th century led to significant territorial losses . Growing dissent against foreign influence and political repression led to the 1979 Revolution and the establishment of an Islamic republic , a political system which combines elements of a parliamentary democracy with a theocracy governed by Islamic jurists under the concept of a `` Supreme Leadership '' . In international relations , a middle power is a sovereign state that is not a superpower nor a great power , but still has large or moderate influence and international recognition .