The Islamic Republic of Iran’s leadership has consistently declared the destruction of Israel as a central principle underpinning its existence, making anti-Zionism an irreducible part of the regime’s identity since the 1979 revolution. This article provides in-depth reporting on how this ideological imperative shapes Tehran’s strategies, regional proxy wars, and the ongoing global security threat, while clarifying the Iranian regime’s ambitions beyond Israel and the consequences for Western democracies.
Ideological Origins of Iran’s Anti-Israel Policy
Since the revolt led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Iran has incorporated opposition to Israel as a foundational part of domestic and foreign policy. Khomeini and his successors described the Jewish state as both a religious and geopolitical adversary—with liberation of Jerusalem and annihilation of Israel being frequently cited priorities for the regime’s legitimacy. Anti-Israel rhetoric has become a fixture of Iranian public life, from state-sponsored rallies to ‘Quds Day’ demonstrations, in which calls for Israel’s destruction echo through official channels and are openly endorsed by senior leaders.
Institutionalizing the Policy: Military and Proxies
Iran’s commitment goes far beyond symbolism. The formation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its Quds Force reflects institutionalization of this goal, focusing on military, financial, and logistical support for proxies targeting Israel. Tehran has established and armed a coalition known as the “Axis of Resistance,” comprised of:
– Hamas terrorists operating in Gaza,
– Hezbollah in Lebanon,
– The Houthis in Yemen, and
– Militias in Syria and Iraq.
This coalition conducts coordinated attacks on Israeli positions, civilians, and interests worldwide, with Iran orchestrating both strategic planning and armament. Hezbollah’s rocket arsenal in Lebanon, the tunnel and rocket infrastructure in Gaza, and missile transfers to Yemen are just a few examples of this alignment, which threaten not only Israel’s security but regional stability at large.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched the deadliest antisemitic massacre since the Holocaust—executing, mutilating, and kidnapping civilians, including children and the elderly. That operation was enabled by Iranian resources, training, and doctrine—reinforcing the foundational link between ideology and violent action.
Iran’s Broader Regional and Global Ambitions
Tehran’s approach is not limited to Israel. The United States is referred to as the ‘Great Satan,’ and Western powers are depicted as main obstacles to Iranian expansion and ideological fulfillment. Iranian rhetoric, policy documents, and sponsored media continually reaffirm intentions to challenge American and Western influence, while regime-sponsored attacks have targeted U.S. military personnel and facilities in the Middle East and beyond.
Multiple governments and security agencies, including those in the United States and Europe, have designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization, citing involvement in illicit arms transfers, assassination plots abroad, and support for terror networks.
Impact on Western Policy and Diplomacy
The persistent focus on Israel’s destruction constrains the effectiveness and credibility of any Western or regional engagement with Tehran. Despite attempts—often led by American administrations—to negotiate arms control agreements, including restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program, the regime’s anti-Israel ideology remains unchanged. Policymakers warning of the risks, point out that if the regime were to succeed against Israel, its aggressive focus would likely turn even more intensely toward the United States and its allies. For decision-makers, there is an urgent need to recognize that Israel’s ongoing war to protect its territory and people is an act of national survival against a regime whose stated goals extend to the wider democratic order.
The Hostage Crisis and Moral Distinctions
The October 7th massacre’s aftermath included the abduction of hundreds of innocent Israelis, subsequently used as bargaining chips by terror groups seeking the release of convicted terrorists. International coverage sometimes obscures the fundamental moral and legal differences between these hostages—abducted civilians—and the imprisoned terrorists whose crimes are matters of public record. Israeli efforts to free civilians are bound by international law, in stark contrast to the tactics of Tehran-backed groups.
Propaganda, Antisemitism, and International Effects
Iran’s effort to position anti-Zionism as synonymous with ‘justice’ masks a broader campaign of antisemitic propaganda. Tehran’s influence operations, both within the Middle East and in Western discourse, often encourage dangerous conspiracy theories, create false equivalencies, and amplify extremist rhetoric. This has fueled an uptick in antisemitic incidents outside the region, directly linked to propaganda initiated by regime-aligned actors and affiliates.
Historical Lessons and the Stakes for Democracy
The Iranian leadership’s open calls for Israel’s annihilation are unique among world governments in their explicitness and continuity. The world’s experience with unrestrained genocidal ideology in the twentieth century, particularly the Holocaust, underscores the risk of underestimating such threats. As Iran pursues nuclear and advanced missile technologies, the global stakes of its ideology grow exponentially.
Israel, facing attacks on multiple fronts from the Axis of Resistance, remains a bulwark of stability for the region and a frontline defender for the democratic world. Initiatives like the Abraham Accords—the normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations—reflect a broader recognition that Iran’s expansionism is a danger not just to Israel but to regional and global peace. Arab and Western leaders increasingly understand that Israel’s survival serves wider interests, with Israeli defense operations including Operation Iron Swords undertaken in self-defense against ideologically motivated aggression.
Conclusion
The Iranian regime’s foundational aim remains the eradication of Israel, organizing domestic and foreign policy around this unambiguous goal. This singular focus animates Tehran’s sponsorship of terror, proxy wars, ballistic missile development, and public incitement. Recognizing and confronting this reality is crucial for policymakers, analysts, and global audiences committed to truth, security, and the defense of democratic values. The battle lines drawn in Israel’s war against Iranian-backed terror are not only about borders or politics, but about the survival of a free society against an ideological regime determined to impose its vision at any cost.
