The history between Iran and Israel is complex and rooted in ideology rather than geopolitics. Despite having no bilateral land or resource disputes, their modern animosity is due to the rise of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who led the 1979 revolution transforming Iran into an anti-American theocracy. The Iranian regime’s ideology is based on death to America and death to Israel, with a commitment to abolishing another nation rather than advancing its own interests. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Mr. Khomeini’s successor, continues this stance and denounces Zionism in virtually every speech.
The conflict between Iran and Israel has escalated over the years, with Iran spending billions arming, training, and financing proxy militias in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, Iraq, and Yemen. These groups, known as the Axis of Resistance, are dedicated to opposing America and Israel. However, Iran’s hostility towards Israel is more of a tool to gain leadership in the region rather than a genuine concern for the well-being of Palestinians. Despite the regime’s commitment to its ideology, it is equally committed to maintaining power, often tactically retreating when faced with the possibility of full-blown war or economic pressure.
The Iranian people, disillusioned with their government’s priorities, recognize that the true obstacle to a normal life is their own leadership, not America or Israel. Mass uprisings over the years have highlighted the disconnect between Iran’s potential and the reality experienced by its citizens. Meanwhile, Iran’s actions have empowered right-wing Israeli politicians and stoked Israeli anxieties, further complicating the conflict. The threat of Iran’s regional and nuclear ambitions has diverted attention from Palestinian suffering and facilitated normalization agreements between Israel and Arab governments.
Despite the ongoing conflict, there is a hope for normal relations between Israel and Iran in the future. Israeli leaders dream of restoring normal relations with a future Iranian government, while Iran’s Islamist leaders remain dedicated to ending Israel’s existence. The conflict won’t be resolved until Iran’s leadership prioritizes the interests of its own citizens over the destruction of Israel. The ideological roots of the conflict between Iran and Israel run deep, but there is a potential for peace if future leaders are willing to prioritize stability and cooperation over aggression.
