The Iranian Revolution: Key Facts and Israel’s Reaction

The Iranian Revolution of 1978–1979 was a pivotal event that transformed Iran’s political, social, and foreign policy landscape. It ended the Pahlavi monarchy and established an Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. This shift not only reshaped Iran domestically but also turned a former ally, Israel, into a staunch adversary. This article explores key facts about the revolution and analyzes why Israel remains antagonistic toward post-revolutionary Iran.

Key Facts About the Iranian Revolution

1. Overthrow of the Pahlavi Monarchy

• Timeline: The revolution spanned 1978 to February 11, 1979, when Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s monarchy collapsed.
• Causes: Public discontent stemmed from the Shah’s rapid modernization (White Revolution), which disrupted traditional structures and alienated clerics, landowners, and the urban poor. Economic inequality, inflation, and political repression via the SAVAK secret police fueled unrest. The Shah’s close ties to the United States and Israel further angered nationalists and religious groups (Britannica, 2025).
• Outcome: The Shah fled Iran in January 1979, and Khomeini returned from exile to establish an Islamic Republic grounded in Shiʿi Islamic principles and Velâyat-e Faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist).

2. Khomeini’s Leadership and Ideology

• Role: Ayatollah Khomeini, a Twelver Shia cleric, became the revolution’s unifying figure. His speeches, distributed via cassette tapes, condemned the Shah’s secularism and Western affiliations (Wikipedia, 2025).
• Anti-Western and Anti-Zionist Stance: Khomeini branded the U.S. the “Great Satan” and Israel the “Little Satan,” viewing them as imperialist oppressors. He declared Israel an illegitimate state occupying Palestinian land, a position that defined Iran’s foreign policy.

3. Broad Coalition and Key Events

• Diverse Opposition: The revolution united Islamists, communists, nationalists, and intellectuals, though Khomeini’s faction ultimately dominated.
• Turning Points: Protests escalated after Black Friday (September 8, 1978), when security forces killed dozens of demonstrators in Tehran. Strikes, especially in the oil sector, crippled the economy, forcing the Shah’s departure (Wilson Center, 2004).

4. Establishment of the Islamic Republic

• Constitution: A 1979 referendum approved the Islamic Republic, with Khomeini as Supreme Leader. The constitution prioritized Islamic law and clerical oversight.
• Iran Hostage Crisis: In November 1979, students seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, holding 52 Americans hostage for 444 days, signaling Iran’s defiance of Western powers.

Why Israel Is Antagonized by Post-Revolutionary Iran

Before 1979, Iran and Israel enjoyed a strategic partnership. Under the Shah, Iran supplied oil to Israel and cooperated on military and intelligence matters, including joint missile projects. The revolution reversed this relationship, creating enduring tensions.

1. Ideological Hostility

Khomeini’s anti-Zionist ideology framed Israel as an illegitimate occupier of Palestine and a U.S. proxy. Iran’s leadership adopted the Palestinian cause, viewing support for groups like Hezbollah as a moral and strategic imperative. This stance directly threatened Israel’s security and legitimacy (Council on Foreign Relations, 2023).

2. Support for Proxy Groups

Iran’s backing of anti-Israel militant groups, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, heightened tensions. Hezbollah, formed with Iranian support in 1982, has conducted attacks against Israel, including the 2006 Lebanon War. Iran’s financial and military aid to these groups amplifies its regional influence, alarming Israel (BBC News, 2024).

3. Nuclear Ambitions

Israel perceives Iran’s nuclear program as an existential threat. While Iran claims its program is for peaceful purposes, Israel fears a nuclear-armed Iran could embolden its proxies or directly challenge Israel’s survival. This concern has led to Israeli cyberattacks, such as the Stuxnet virus, and assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists (Reuters, 2025).

4. Regional Rivalry

Iran’s quest for regional dominance clashes with Israel’s strategic interests. Iran’s alliances with Syria and Iraq, alongside its influence in Yemen via the Houthis, encircle Israel’s allies, including Saudi Arabia. This “Axis of Resistance” amplifies Israel’s sense of encirclement (Foreign Affairs, 2024).

Practical Implications and Ongoing Tensions

The Iran-Israel rivalry shapes Middle Eastern geopolitics. Israel’s preemptive strikes on Iranian targets in Syria and its lobbying for U.S. sanctions reflect its proactive stance. Meanwhile, Iran’s support for proxies and ballistic missile development escalates the shadow war. Both nations avoid direct large-scale conflict, but incidents like the 2024 Israeli airstrike on Iran’s Damascus consulate highlight the risk of escalation.

Conclusion

The Iranian Revolution replaced a pro-Western monarchy with an anti-Zionist Islamic Republic, fundamentally altering Iran’s relationship with Israel. Khomeini’s ideology, Iran’s proxy warfare, nuclear ambitions, and regional aspirations fuel Israel’s concerns. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for navigating the complex geopolitics of the Middle East. How do you think Iran’s post-revolutionary policies impact global stability? Ask our AI assistant for deeper insights!

References

• Britannica. (2025). Iranian Revolution. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/event/Iranian-Revolution
• Council on Foreign Relations. (2023). Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. Retrieved from https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/irans-revolutionary-guards
• Wilson Center. (2004). The Iranian Revolution at 25. Retrieved from https://www.wilsoncenter.org/publication/iranian-revolution-25