Why Iran Opposes Israel: Roots of the Conflict

The animosity between Iran and Israel is a defining feature of Middle Eastern geopolitics, rooted in ideological, religious, and strategic differences that emerged prominently after the Iranian Revolution of 1978–1979. While the two nations had a cooperative relationship under Iran’s Pahlavi monarchy, the establishment of the Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini marked a sharp shift toward hostility. This article examines the key reasons behind Iran’s opposition to Israel, exploring historical, ideological, and geopolitical factors that sustain this rivalry.

Historical Context: From Alliance to Enmity

Before 1979, Iran and Israel maintained a strategic partnership. Under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Iran supplied oil to Israel, and the two collaborated on military and intelligence projects, including missile development. This alignment stemmed from shared interests: both were non-Arab states wary of Arab nationalism and Soviet influence in the region. However, the Iranian Revolution fundamentally altered this dynamic (Britannica, 2025).

The revolution ousted the pro-Western Shah and brought Khomeini to power, who reframed Iran’s foreign policy around anti-imperialism and Islamic solidarity. Israel, closely allied with the United States, became a primary target of Iran’s ideological opposition, transforming a former ally into a perceived adversary.

Key Reasons for Iran’s Opposition to Israel

1. Ideological and Religious Foundations

Khomeini’s revolutionary ideology, grounded in Twelver Shia Islam and anti-Zionism, branded Israel as an illegitimate state occupying Palestinian land. He viewed Israel as a Western imperialist outpost, dubbing it the “Little Satan” alongside the U.S. (“Great Satan”). This stance resonated with Iran’s support for the Palestinian cause, which became a cornerstone of its foreign policy. Khomeini’s doctrine of Velâyat-e Faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist) emphasized resistance against perceived oppressors, with Israel as a primary target (Council on Foreign Relations, 2023).

Iran’s leadership frames its opposition in religious terms, citing Islamic solidarity with Palestinians and the significance of Jerusalem (Al-Quds) in Islam. Annual Al-Quds Day rallies, initiated by Khomeini in 1979, underscore Iran’s commitment to opposing Israel’s control over Jerusalem.

2. Support for Palestinian and Regional Resistance

Iran’s opposition manifests through its support for anti-Israel groups, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza. Hezbollah, established with Iranian backing in 1982, has grown into a formidable force, engaging Israel in conflicts like the 2006 Lebanon War. Iran provides these groups with funding, weapons, and training, viewing them as part of an “Axis of Resistance” against Israel and Western influence (BBC News, 2024).

This proxy warfare allows Iran to challenge Israel indirectly, avoiding full-scale conflict while amplifying its regional influence. For Iran, supporting these groups is both a strategic tool and a moral imperative aligned with its revolutionary ideals.

3. Geopolitical Rivalry and Regional Ambitions

Iran’s quest for regional dominance fuels its opposition to Israel. As a non-Arab, Shia-majority state, Iran seeks to counter Sunni Arab powers like Saudi Arabia and Israel’s regional allies. By opposing Israel, Iran gains favor among Arab populations sympathetic to the Palestinian cause, enhancing its soft power. Iran’s alliances with Syria, Iraq, and Yemen’s Houthis create a network that encircles Israel’s allies, intensifying strategic tensions (Foreign Affairs, 2024).

Israel’s military dominance and U.S. backing make it a significant obstacle to Iran’s ambitions. Iran perceives Israel’s actions—such as airstrikes on Iranian targets in Syria or cyberattacks like Stuxnet—as efforts to curb its influence, further entrenching hostility.

4. Domestic Political Consolidation

Anti-Israel rhetoric serves as a unifying tool for Iran’s leadership. By framing Israel as an existential threat, the Islamic Republic rallies domestic support, particularly during economic or political crises. This narrative deflects attention from internal issues like economic sanctions or public discontent, reinforcing the regime’s legitimacy as a defender of Islamic values and oppressed peoples (Wilson Center, 2023).

Practical Implications of Iran’s Stance

Iran’s opposition to Israel shapes its foreign policy and regional dynamics. Its support for proxies has led to prolonged conflicts, such as Hezbollah’s clashes with Israel and Hamas’s rocket attacks from Gaza. Iran’s ballistic missile program and nuclear ambitions, while officially for defense, are seen by Israel as direct threats, prompting preemptive actions like Israeli strikes on Iranian facilities in Syria. The 2024 Israeli airstrike on Iran’s Damascus consulate exemplifies the ongoing shadow war, with both sides avoiding all-out conflict but risking escalation.

Globally, Iran’s stance complicates diplomacy. Its defiance of Western powers, partly rooted in anti-Israel sentiment, has led to sanctions and isolation, impacting its economy and global standing. Yet, Iran’s leadership remains committed to this position, viewing it as integral to its revolutionary identity.

Conclusion

Iran’s opposition to Israel stems from a blend of ideological zeal, religious solidarity, geopolitical strategy, and domestic politics. The Iranian Revolution transformed a cooperative relationship into a deep-seated rivalry, driven by Khomeini’s anti-Zionist vision and sustained by Iran’s support for resistance groups and regional ambitions. This conflict continues to shape Middle Eastern stability, with implications for global security. What are your thoughts on how Iran’s policies affect the broader Middle East? Ask our AI assistant for more 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
• Foreign Affairs. (2024). Iran’s Axis of Resistance. Retrieved from https://www.foreignaffairs.com/middle-east/irans-axis-resistance
• BBC News. (2024). Hezbollah and Israel: A Timeline. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east
• Wilson Center. (2023). Iran’s Domestic Politics and Foreign Policy. Retrieved from https://www.wilsoncenter.org/publication/irans-domestic-politics