Contrary to the common belief that the enmity between Iran and Israel is merely a post-Islamic Revolution phenomenon, historical and analytical evidence shows that the roots of this confrontation run much deeper, extending beyond post-1979 political issues. This conflict has persisted since the very formation of the Zionist regime, rooted in geopolitical interests, historical threats, and the ambitious goals of Zionism.
The Islamic Republic of Iran’s confrontation with the Zionist regime is not solely a product of the last four decades but is deeply embedded in history, ideology, and the geopolitical realities of the region. From the early warnings of Imam Khomeini and Martyr Motahhari about the danger of “Greater Israel” to today’s analyses of Zionist expansionist schemes, all emphasize that the issue of Israel is not limited to a political or religious dispute. Rather, it is a colonial and separatist project that threatens the future of all regional nations—a project not only opposed by Iran but also recognized by many peoples of the world as a threat to humanity.
When the name of Iran and Israel are mentioned together, the first assumption many might make is that the enmity between them stems solely from the Islamic Republic’s opposition to Israel, beginning after the Islamic Revolution’s victory. However, this is entirely mistaken. Iranians opposed the Zionist regime from its very inception. Imam Khomeini, despite being barred from speaking about Israel, declared his opposition as early as 1963, even at the risk of his life. On that year, he expressed the Iranian people’s hostility toward Israel:
“I declare to the leaders of Islamic nations, Arab and non-Arab states: The scholars of Islam, religious authorities, and the devout people of Iran, along with its noble military, stand in brotherhood with Islamic nations, sharing their benefits and burdens. They detest and abhor any alliance with Israel, the enemy of Islam and Iran. I have stated this explicitly. Let the agents of Israel end my life if they wish.”
Throughout his life, Imam Khomeini outlined various dimensions of this enmity. One of his key statements was: “The sinister plan (of Israel) is to establish a Greater Israel from the Nile to the Euphrates.” Years before the establishment of the Islamic Republic, Martyr Motahhari similarly warned: “The goal is not merely the formation of a small state… It is a Greater Israel, whose reach will extend to Iran.”
Moreover, as repeatedly stated by Iran’s leaders, the Palestinian issue is a matter for the entire Islamic world. Iran, as an Islamic nation and today the sole representative of political Islam on the global stage, cannot remain indifferent to the establishment of a Jewish state in the heart of the Muslim world. In reality, the tragedy of Palestine and the rise of Zionist schemes emerged in the wake of the Ottoman Empire’s collapse—the last Islamic empire. Consequently, the West has no choice but to fully support its proxy within the Muslim world. This is evident today in Zionist leaders’ open declarations that the West must back this regime because Israel is the sole representative of Western values in the region!
However, Iranians’ enmity with Zionism (the world-devouring Jews of history) dates back thousands of years, as seen in historical accounts from the era of Xerxes. According to some Jewish texts, their influence and lobbying in the Persian court led to the order to massacre tens of thousands of Iranians.
Yet, Iran’s current stance against Israel and refusal to recognize it is not based on historical grievances or religious hostility. Rather, it stems from Israel’s very raison d’être and its declared goal of establishing a “Greater Israel,” as outlined by Zionist leaders. This vision represents a real and existential threat to the future of Iran and other regional Islamic nations. As Martyr Motahhari noted, if the Yom al-Nakba (Nakba Day) was initially about forming a small state, today the world witnesses Israel’s refusal to remain confined, instead expanding through occupation, moving closer to realizing its “Greater Israel” dream.
Had Israel been content with a small Jewish state, it would not have needed to build its foundations on the massacre of Palestinians, the assassination of Muslim nuclear scientists, and military aggression. Today, it openly declares that Gazans must leave Gaza so that the strip can fall under Israeli control. With this occupation, a major step toward the “Nile to Euphrates” plan is being taken.
Years before the Islamic Republic’s establishment, Iran’s religious leaders foresaw with remarkable insight that if this menace were not crushed in its infancy, it would become a scourge for all regional nations—including Iran. Back then, Iran was geographically distant from Israel, but today, due to Israel’s relentless expansion, that distance is shrinking.
In conclusion, the claim that “Iran has a problem with Israel” is misleading. In truth, Iran’s challenge with Israel stems from Israel’s challenge to humanity—a reality now evident to the world. Even Israel’s Western allies can no longer defend it unconditionally and have, at times, been forced to condemn its blatant human rights violations.
Though Gaza has paid a heavy price today, the world has come to see that Iran opposes Israel because of this fabricated regime’s inhumane and expansionist nature. The struggle is not Iran’s alone—it is a resistance against a threat to all humanity.