**The intricate and often volatile relationship between Iran, Israel, and Palestine is one of the most enduring and critical geopolitical puzzles of our time. For many observers, the question of "does Iran support Israel or Palestine" seems to have an obvious answer, yet the nuances of this complex dynamic are often overlooked. While official statements and widely reported actions point towards a clear alignment, understanding the historical context, strategic motivations, and internal Iranian perspectives reveals a multi-layered reality that goes beyond simple headlines.** **This article delves deep into Iran's historical and contemporary positions, examining its evolving policies, the rationale behind its alliances, and the significant impact it has on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. By exploring the trajectory of Iran's engagement, from its pre-revolution era to its current role as a major regional player, we aim to provide a comprehensive and authoritative analysis of whether Iran supports Israel or Palestine, shedding light on the motivations and consequences of its foreign policy.** --- ## Table of Contents 1. [Historical Roots: Iran's Pre-Revolution Relationship with Palestine](#historical-roots-irans-pre-revolution-relationship-with-palestine) 2. [The 1979 Revolution: A Pivotal Shift in Policy](#the-1979-revolution-a-pivotal-shift-in-policy) 3. [The Emergence of the "Axis of Resistance"](#the-emergence-of-the-axis-of-resistance) * [Hamas: A Primary Beneficiary of Iranian Support](#hamas-a-primary-beneficiary-of-iranian-support) * [Hezbollah: Iran's Lebanese Proxy](#hezbollah-irans-lebanese-proxy) * [Palestinian Islamic Jihad: Initiating Armed Struggle](#palestinian-islamic-jihad-initiating-armed-struggle) 4. [Iran's Strategic Rationale: Containing Israel and the US](#irans-strategic-rationale-containing-israel-and-the-us) 5. [Official Recognition and Diplomatic Stance](#official-recognition-and-diplomatic-stance) 6. [Reactions to Recent Conflicts: The Gaza War and October 7th](#reactions-to-recent-conflicts-the-gaza-war-and-october-7th) 7. [Divergent Views Within Iran](#divergent-views-within-iran) 8. [Shaping the Future: Iran's Capacity to Influence](#shaping-the-future-irans-capacity-to-influence) 9. [Conclusion: Unwavering Support for Palestine](#conclusion-unwavering-support-for-palestine) --- ## Historical Roots: Iran's Pre-Revolution Relationship with Palestine Before the seismic shift of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran's relationship with the question of Palestine was markedly different from its current stance. In the mid-20th century, as the British Mandate over Palestine drew to a close, Iran played a role in international efforts to determine the territory's future. Iran was one of the 11 members of the special United Nations committee that was formed in 1947 to devise a solution for Palestine after British control of the territory ended. This period saw Iran, under the Shah, maintaining a warmer relationship with Israel compared to many other Islamic countries, driven by geopolitical considerations and shared concerns over Arab nationalism. However, even in this era, Palestine was a central issue in Iranian public concern. The attention toward Palestine was partly a reaction of various opposition groups, including Islamic nationalists, liberals, Marxists, intellectuals, and students, to the warmer relationship between the Shah and Israel. These groups often viewed the Palestinian struggle through the lens of anti-imperialism and self-determination, fostering a nascent sympathy for the Palestinian cause that would later be harnessed and transformed by the revolutionary government. The foundational events in Palestine, such as Britain’s imperial design after World War I, which opened the door to the ongoing Palestinian Nakba (Arabic for catastrophe), and Zionism’s colonizing project begun in 1917 based on Britain’s promise of support for the creation of a Jewish state, ushering in the state of Israel in 1948, were well-observed and discussed within Iranian intellectual circles. ## The 1979 Revolution: A Pivotal Shift in Policy The 1979 Iranian Revolution, led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, marked a profound and irreversible turning point in Iran's foreign policy, fundamentally reshaping its stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The new Iranian government, led by Ayatollah Khomeini, adopted an explicitly anti-Zionist and anti-Israel posture. This ideological shift was rooted in the revolutionary principles of Islamic solidarity, anti-imperialism, and support for oppressed Muslim nations. From this point forward, the question of "does Iran support Israel or Palestine" would be answered with an emphatic endorsement of the latter. One of the first symbolic acts of the revolutionary government was to sever ties with Israel and hand over the Israeli embassy in Tehran to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), transforming it into the Palestinian embassy. This public gesture underscored the new regime's commitment to the Palestinian cause and its rejection of the pre-revolution relationship with Israel. The Islamic Republic of Iran officially recognizes Palestine as a state, a position that aligns with its broader foreign policy objectives of challenging Western influence and supporting what it perceives as legitimate resistance movements in the region. This marked the beginning of Iran's campaign to create new Islamist movements in Palestine and Lebanon while providing more significant support to existing ones, solidifying its position as a staunch supporter of Palestinian aspirations. ## The Emergence of the "Axis of Resistance" Following the revolution, Iran gradually came to support Palestinian armed groups as an integral part of its regional security policy. This strategy was designed to contain and preoccupy Israel, which, along with the United States, it has long perceived as the greatest threat to its security and domestic stability. This policy led to the formation and strengthening of what is now widely known as the "Axis of Resistance," a network of state and non-state actors united by their opposition to Israel and, to varying degrees, the United States. Iran's historical support for groups opposing Israel, such as Hezbollah and Hamas, has not gone unnoticed by the international community. ### Hamas: A Primary Beneficiary of Iranian Support Among the Palestinian factions, Hamas has emerged as a primary recipient of Iranian backing. Tehran became Hamas's primary military and economic supporter, providing significant military and financial aid. This support has been crucial for Hamas's ability to develop its military capabilities, including its rocket arsenal and tunnel networks, and to maintain its operational capacity in Gaza. Iran is, after all, among the top backers of Hamas, both in terms of diplomatic support and as a supplier of military materiel and know-how. This direct and substantial assistance unequivocally answers the question of "does Iran support Israel or Palestine" in favor of the Palestinian militant group. ### Hezbollah: Iran's Lebanese Proxy While not a Palestinian group, Hezbollah in Lebanon is a cornerstone of Iran's regional strategy and a vital component of the Axis of Resistance. With Iran's backing, Hezbollah emerged in Lebanon as a powerful Shiite political party and militant group. Its primary stated objective is resistance against Israel, and it has engaged in numerous conflicts with the Israeli military. Hezbollah serves as a crucial deterrent against potential Israeli aggression towards Iran or its allies, and its significant military capabilities, including a vast rocket arsenal, are seen as a strategic asset by Tehran. The coordination between Iran, Hezbollah, and Palestinian groups like Hamas forms a multi-front pressure point against Israel. ### Palestinian Islamic Jihad: Initiating Armed Struggle Beyond Hamas, the Islamic Jihad for Palestine also initiated its armed struggle with Iran's backing. This group, ideologically aligned with Iran's revolutionary principles, has also received substantial support from Tehran, enabling it to conduct operations against Israel. The support provided to groups like Palestinian Islamic Jihad further illustrates Iran's commitment to fostering and sustaining armed resistance against Israel, reinforcing its position as a key patron of Palestinian militant factions. The strategic goal is to maintain constant pressure on Israel's borders and within Palestinian territories, thereby tying up Israeli resources and attention. ## Iran's Strategic Rationale: Containing Israel and the US Iran's unwavering support for Palestinian groups and its anti-Israel stance are deeply intertwined with its broader regional security doctrine. Iran perceives Israel, along with the United States, as the greatest threat to its security and domestic stability. Therefore, supporting Palestinian armed groups is an integral part of its regional security policy to contain and preoccupy Israel. By funding and arming these proxies, Iran aims to: 1. **Deter Potential Attacks:** The existence of a robust "Axis of Resistance" on Israel's borders serves as a deterrent against any potential pre-emptive strikes by Israel or the U.S. against Iran's nuclear facilities or other strategic assets. 2. **Project Power and Influence:** Through its proxies, Iran extends its influence across the Middle East, challenging the traditional regional order dominated by Western-allied states. This allows Iran to exert pressure without direct military confrontation. 3. **Ideological Commitment:** The Islamic Republic's founding principles include the liberation of Palestine and opposition to Zionism. This ideological commitment provides a strong moral and political justification for its actions, both domestically and internationally. 4. **Diversion and Preoccupation:** By keeping Israel preoccupied with conflicts on its borders, Iran can divert Israeli attention and resources away from other areas, potentially reducing the focus on Iran itself. Though Iran and Israel have been in conflict since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, there has never been outright war between the two. However, Iran does support proxies in the region, including those actively engaged in conflict with Israel. This proxy warfare allows Iran to achieve its strategic objectives without risking direct military confrontation, which could escalate into a devastating regional war. ## Official Recognition and Diplomatic Stance The Islamic Republic of Iran officially recognises Palestine as a state. This recognition is not merely symbolic; it underpins Iran's diplomatic efforts and its narrative on the international stage. Iran consistently advocates for Palestinian rights in international forums and condemns Israeli policies. This diplomatic support goes hand-in-hand with its material assistance to Palestinian groups. On the diplomatic front, Iran actively uses its voice to champion the Palestinian cause. For instance, Iranian President Raisi stated, "Iran supports the legitimate defense of the Palestinian nation," in a statement broadcast on national media, especially in the context of recent escalations. This consistent rhetoric reinforces Iran's position and signals its unwavering commitment to the Palestinian people's struggle for self-determination and resistance against Israeli occupation. This commitment is deeply embedded in the state's identity and foreign policy. ## Reactions to Recent Conflicts: The Gaza War and October 7th The events of October 7, 2023, and the subsequent war in Gaza, starkly highlighted Iran's alignment. A public fireworks celebration at Tehran’s Palestine Square, home of the Palestinian embassy, was organized to celebrate the horrific attacks of October 7 by militant groups Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, both of whom receive significant military and financial support from Iran. This celebratory reaction, while condemned by many, unequivocally demonstrated where Iran's sympathies lie. Furthermore, Iran has greeted the attack by Palestinian militant forces on Israel and, with its backing of Hamas and Hezbollah, has been working to coordinate pressure on Israel, threatening further escalation. The group attributed the Israeli attacks to Iran's stance alongside the Palestinian people and its substantial support for their honorable resistance, and argued that the axis of resistance is a direct consequence of this support. The death toll in Gaza has risen significantly, and Iran's leadership has continued to voice support for the Palestinian side. President Raisi's statement, "we salute Gaza’s legendary and historic resistance," further solidifies Iran's position as a vocal and active supporter of Palestinian resistance. While Tehran does not have a deciding vote on the outcome of the current war in Gaza, it does have plenty of capacity to shape the future course of the conflict through its continued support and influence over its proxies. ## Divergent Views Within Iran While the official stance of the Islamic Republic is unequivocally pro-Palestine and anti-Israel, it is important to acknowledge that not all Iranians share this view. The narrative of a monolithic Iranian perspective can be misleading. Some Iranians, mainly those who support opposition groups and figures outside Iran, express sympathy for Israel and blame the Islamic Republic and Hamas for the war. These individuals often view the government's foreign policy as detrimental to Iran's national interests and believe that the focus on the Palestinian issue distracts from domestic problems. Many others have slammed the government's celebration of the October 7th attacks, indicating a segment of the population that does not align with the hardline anti-Israel stance. These dissenting voices, often found among the younger generation or those yearning for greater political freedoms, highlight the internal complexities and divisions within Iranian society regarding this deeply polarizing issue. Their views might surprise you, demonstrating that public opinion is not always uniform, even under an authoritarian regime. However, it is crucial to distinguish between popular sentiment and state policy, as the latter remains firmly committed to the Palestinian cause. ## Shaping the Future: Iran's Capacity to Influence Iran's role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict extends beyond mere ideological support and financial aid. As a major regional power, Iran possesses a significant capacity to shape the future course of the conflict. Its long-standing strategy of cultivating and empowering proxy groups means that any escalation or de-escalation often involves Iranian influence. While Tehran does not have a deciding vote on the outcome of the current war in Gaza, its consistent diplomatic support and its role as a supplier of military materiel and know-how to groups like Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad give it considerable leverage. The "Axis of Resistance" is not just a rhetorical term; it represents a coordinated network that can be activated or restrained by Tehran. This influence means that Iran's actions and decisions will continue to be a critical factor in the stability and trajectory of the Middle East. Any future peace initiatives or regional security arrangements would inevitably have to contend with Iran's established position and its deep involvement in supporting Palestinian resistance. The dynamic interplay between Iran, its proxies, and Israel will continue to define the regional security landscape for the foreseeable future. ## Conclusion: Unwavering Support for Palestine In conclusion, the question "does Iran support Israel or Palestine" has a clear and unequivocal answer: Iran unequivocally supports Palestine, particularly Palestinian resistance groups, and has maintained an adversarial stance towards Israel since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. This support is rooted in a complex interplay of ideological commitment, strategic imperatives, and regional power projection. From officially recognizing Palestine as a state to providing substantial military and financial aid to groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Iran has consistently positioned itself as a primary backer of the Palestinian cause. Its actions, including celebrations of attacks against Israel and vocal condemnations of Israeli policies, leave no doubt about its alignment. While internal dissent exists within Iran regarding this policy, the state's official posture and strategic actions firmly place it as a central player in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, dedicated to supporting what it terms the "legitimate defense of the Palestinian nation" and challenging the existence of Israel. The intricate web of historical context, strategic alliances, and ideological convictions reveals that Iran's support for Palestine is not merely symbolic but an integral component of its foreign policy, profoundly shaping the dynamics of the Middle East. What are your thoughts on Iran's role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? Do you believe its support for Palestinian groups is a legitimate form of resistance or a destabilizing force in the region? Share your perspectives in the comments below, and explore other articles on our site for more in-depth analyses of geopolitical issues.
