Why Does Iran Care About Israel? Unpacking A Complex Rivalry

Meggie Padberg DVM 19 Jun 2025

**The intricate and often volatile relationship between Iran and Israel stands as one of the most significant geopolitical flashpoints in the modern Middle East. Far from a simple animosity, the deep-seated tensions between these two nations are a complex tapestry woven from historical shifts, ideological clashes, strategic imperatives, and a relentless pursuit of regional influence.** Understanding "why does Iran care about Israel" requires peeling back layers of rhetoric to reveal the multifaceted motivations driving Tehran's policies and actions. It's a dynamic that has escalated from a cold standoff into open conflict, marked by airstrikes, drone attacks, and a pervasive fear of a wider regional war that could engulf the entire Middle East, with the world watching nervously. What began as a relationship that was cordial for most of the Cold War has dramatically transformed. Following the Iranian Revolution in 1979, the ties worsened considerably, becoming openly hostile since the end of the Gulf War in 1991. This profound shift from allies to adversaries, a journey from recognition to outright delegitimization, is central to grasping the current state of affairs and the core reasons behind Iran's sustained focus on Israel. *** ## Table of Contents * [A History of Shifting Sands: From Allies to Adversaries](#a-history-of-shifting-sands-from-allies-to-adversaries) * [The Unlikely Alliance: Pre-1979](#the-unlikely-alliance-pre-1979) * [The Iranian Revolution: A Paradigm Shift](#the-iranian-revolution-a-paradigm-shift) * [Ideology vs. Geopolitics: Unraveling Iran's Core Motivations](#ideology-vs-geopolitics-unraveling-irans-core-motivations) * [The Ideological Imperative: Non-Recognition and Resistance](#the-ideological-imperative-non-recognition-and-resistance) * [Regional Hegemony: Power Projection in the Middle East](#regional-hegemony-power-projection-in-the-middle-east) * [The Nuclear Shadow: A Central Point of Contention](#the-nuclear-shadow-a-central-point-of-contention) * [Proxy Wars and Regional Influence: The Battle for the Levant](#proxy-wars-and-regional-influence-the-battle-for-the-levant) * [Escalation and the Threat of Wider Conflict](#escalation-and-the-threat-of-wider-conflict) * [The Damascus Attack and its Ramifications](#the-damascus-attack-and-its-ramifications) * [Israel's Perspective: A Matter of Existential Security](#israels-perspective-a-matter-of-existential-security) * [The International Dimension: Washington's Role and Global Concerns](#the-international-dimension-washingtons-role-and-global-concerns) * [Beyond "Hate": Understanding the Nuances](#beyond-hate-understanding-the-nuances) *** ## A History of Shifting Sands: From Allies to Adversaries To truly understand "why does Iran care about Israel" in its current manifestation, one must first look back at the surprising historical trajectory of their relationship. It wasn't always one of animosity; in fact, for decades, they shared a strategic, if often discreet, alliance. ### The Unlikely Alliance: Pre-1979 Before the seismic shift of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Israel and Iran were allies. This might come as a surprise to many, given their current hostile posture. Iran was, remarkably, one of the first states to recognize Israel after it was founded in 1948. This early recognition wasn't merely symbolic; it was rooted in a pragmatic geopolitical alignment. Israel regarded Iran as an ally against the Arab states, many of whom were hostile to both nations. For the Shah's Iran, a relationship with Israel served multiple purposes. It was always Israel that was the proactive party in fostering these ties, but the Shah also wanted a way to improve its relations with the US, and at the time Israel was seen as a good way to achieve that aim. This strategic calculus meant intelligence sharing, military cooperation, and even covert operations, forming a quiet bulwark against shared regional adversaries. The relationship was cordial for most of the Cold War, a testament to the fact that national interests can sometimes override apparent cultural or religious differences. ### The Iranian Revolution: A Paradigm Shift The 1979 Islamic Revolution irrevocably altered the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, and with it, the relationship between Iran and Israel. The new revolutionary government, led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, adopted a fiercely anti-Western and anti-Zionist stance. The Shah's pro-Western policies, including his ties with Israel, were seen as a betrayal of Islamic principles and Iranian sovereignty. The revolution ushered in an era where the current Iranian government does not recognize Israel's legitimacy as a state. This ideological rejection became a cornerstone of the new Islamic Republic's foreign policy. The once cordial ties worsened dramatically and have been openly hostile since the end of the Gulf War in 1991, solidifying a rivalry that would come to define much of Middle Eastern geopolitics for decades to come. This foundational shift is paramount when considering "why does Iran care about Israel" today; it transformed a strategic partnership into an existential ideological conflict. ## Ideology vs. Geopolitics: Unraveling Iran's Core Motivations The question of "why does Iran care about Israel" is often oversimplified into a narrative of pure hatred. While strong ideological components certainly exist, a deeper analysis reveals that Iran's motivations are a complex blend of revolutionary ideals, geopolitical ambitions, and a shrewd calculation of power dynamics in the Middle East. ### The Ideological Imperative: Non-Recognition and Resistance At the heart of Iran's official stance lies a profound ideological rejection of Israel's existence. The Islamic Republic's current government does not recognize Israel's legitimacy as a state. This non-recognition is not merely diplomatic posturing; it is deeply embedded in the revolutionary ethos. Figures like former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, for instance, published a book, "Israel and Beloved Jerusalem," claiming that resistance to the Jewish state was the sacred duty of "every Muslim and anyone who believes in God." This view frames the conflict not just as a political dispute but as a religious and moral obligation. For Iran's ruling elite, particularly the mullahs, the existence of Israel is seen as an affront to Islamic lands and a symbol of Western imperialistic influence in the region. This ideological lens dictates that support for Palestinian liberation and resistance against Israel is a core tenet of their foreign policy. It provides a powerful narrative for domestic consumption, rallying support for the regime, and a basis for establishing legitimacy among various Islamic groups across the globe. This ideological commitment is a significant part of "why does Iran care about Israel," transcending mere strategic interests to touch upon the very identity of the Islamic Republic. ### Regional Hegemony: Power Projection in the Middle East Beyond ideology, a crucial element in understanding "why does Iran care about Israel" is Iran's ambition to exert its power over the Middle East. Washington has often proffered primarily one realist theme: that Iran's actions are driven by a desire for regional hegemony. This perspective suggests that while ideological fervor is present, it often serves as a veneer for pragmatic power politics. Iran seeks to establish itself as the dominant regional power, challenging the traditional influence of Saudi Arabia and the United States. Israel, being a strong, Western-allied military power in the region, is perceived as a direct obstacle to this ambition. By confronting Israel, whether directly or through proxies, Iran aims to demonstrate its strength, rally support from anti-Israel factions, and expand its sphere of influence. This involves disrupting diplomacy aimed at isolating Iran and projecting an image of unwavering resistance. The Gaza war, for instance, has led to another debate about what motivates Iran's ruling elite, with many analysts pointing to a strategic desire to leverage the conflict to their advantage, increase their standing, and undermine their rivals. Iran does not really "hate" Israel in a purely emotional sense; rather, it views Israel as a strategic rival whose weakening would bolster Iran's own regional standing. This geopolitical competition for dominance is a powerful driver behind Iran's sustained focus on Israel. ## The Nuclear Shadow: A Central Point of Contention One of the most pressing and dangerous aspects of the Iran-Israel rivalry revolves around Iran's nuclear program. For years, Israel has threatened to target Tehran's rogue nuclear program, viewing it as an existential threat. This issue is arguably the most significant immediate catalyst for direct military confrontation between the two nations. Israel's position on this is that it has no choice; it believes that in the last few months, Iran was accelerating towards building a nuclear weapon, and that talks aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions were failing or insufficient. This perception drives Israel's proactive and often aggressive stance, including covert operations and overt military threats. Israel launched air strikes into Iran, targeting Iran's nuclear facilities and killing top military leaders, officials, and nuclear scientists in the process, as reported in past escalations. Such actions underscore Israel's determination to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons capability, regardless of the cost. From Iran's perspective, its nuclear program is for peaceful energy purposes, though it has consistently enriched uranium beyond limits set by international agreements. However, the pursuit of nuclear technology, even if ostensibly for civilian use, grants Iran significant leverage and prestige in the region. It is seen as a symbol of national sovereignty and a deterrent against external aggression, particularly from Israel and the United States. The nuclear issue is a core reason "why does Iran care about Israel" so intensely, as Israel's actions directly threaten what Iran considers a sovereign right and a strategic asset. The very existence of this program, and Israel's determination to thwart it, keeps the two nations on a perpetual collision course. ## Proxy Wars and Regional Influence: The Battle for the Levant The direct military confrontation between Iran and Israel, while escalating, often manifests through a complex web of proxy conflicts across the Middle East. This indirect warfare allows Iran to exert pressure on Israel without triggering a full-scale conventional war, while simultaneously expanding its regional influence. Iran has meticulously cultivated a "Axis of Resistance" network, comprising various non-state actors and allied governments, most notably Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza, and various Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria. These groups receive financial, military, and logistical support from Tehran. Through these proxies, Iran can threaten Israel's borders, launch rocket attacks, and engage in asymmetric warfare. This strategy allows Iran to project power far beyond its borders and keep Israel under constant threat, thereby fulfilling both its ideological commitment to resistance and its geopolitical ambition for regional dominance. The presence of Iranian-backed forces in Syria, particularly close to Israel's northern border, is a major source of tension. Israel views these deployments as a direct security threat and has repeatedly launched airstrikes against Iranian targets and their proxies in Syria. This ongoing shadow war in Syria is a clear example of "why does Iran care about Israel" and how it operationalizes its strategy of attrition and encirclement. It's a battle for influence in the Levant, with each side attempting to outmaneuver the other and secure strategic advantages in a volatile neighborhood. ## Escalation and the Threat of Wider Conflict The long-standing tensions between Iran and Israel have recently erupted into open conflict, marked by airstrikes, drone attacks, and fears of a wider regional war. This escalation underscores the precarious balance of power and the constant risk of miscalculation. ### The Damascus Attack and its Ramifications A pivotal moment in the recent escalation was the April 1 attack on the consulate building in Damascus, for which Iran blames Israel. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has said the attack was tantamount to an attack on Iranian territory. This statement is crucial, as it elevates an attack on diplomatic premises to an act of war against the Iranian homeland, justifying a direct response. Iran's subsequent retaliatory missile and drone barrage against Israel, though largely intercepted, marked an unprecedented direct military engagement between the two adversaries. This direct exchange signals a dangerous new phase in the conflict. The big fear is Iran starts striking targets in the Persian Gulf, potentially disrupting global energy supplies and drawing in other regional and international actors. The Gaza war has undeniably exacerbated these tensions, providing a volatile backdrop against which the Iran-Israel rivalry plays out. It has led to another debate about what motivates Iran's ruling elite, with many suggesting that the current instability offers an opportunity to further their strategic goals and demonstrate their capacity for retaliation. The world is watching nervously as this cold standoff, rooted in nuclear ambitions and ideological rivalry, now threatens to ignite the Middle East, highlighting the critical importance of understanding "why does Iran care about Israel" and what that implies for regional stability. ## Israel's Perspective: A Matter of Existential Security While the focus here is "why does Iran care about Israel," it's equally crucial to understand Israel's perspective, as it shapes the reciprocal nature of the conflict. For Israel, the threat posed by Iran is often framed as existential. Iran's current government does not recognize Israel's legitimacy as a state, and its leaders frequently issue statements calling for Israel's destruction. This, coupled with Iran's pursuit of a nuclear program and its extensive network of proxies on Israel's borders, is perceived as a direct and immediate threat to the nation's survival. Israel's position on this is that it has no choice. It believes that Iran's accelerating progress towards building a nuclear weapon necessitates preemptive action, as talks aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions have often faltered. This belief has driven Israel to launch air strikes into Iran, targeting nuclear facilities and key military figures. Its archenemy, Israel, has the reach to damage Iran, and it has repeatedly demonstrated its willingness to use that capability. For Israel, these actions are not about regional hegemony but about self-preservation. The "why does Iran care about Israel" question is answered from Israel's side by the perception that Iran seeks its annihilation, making any Iranian move, whether ideological or strategic, a matter of national security. ## The International Dimension: Washington's Role and Global Concerns The Iran-Israel conflict is not a bilateral issue; it has significant international ramifications, particularly involving the United States. Washington has long been a staunch ally of Israel, providing substantial military and diplomatic support. Its policy towards Iran has largely been one of containment and pressure, often aligning with Israel's concerns about Iran's nuclear program and regional activities. Since 2003, Iran has been surrounded by U.S. troops in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Persian Gulf, and more recently in Syria. This encirclement adds another layer of complexity to Iran's strategic calculations, as it perceives itself as being under constant threat from a powerful adversary and its allies. The potential for the U.S. to be drawn into a direct conflict is a persistent concern. For instance, questions have been raised about whether the U.S. president has the authority to involve the U.S. in Israel's bombing campaign of Iran. This highlights the delicate balance and the high stakes involved for global powers. The international community, particularly the UN and major world powers, are deeply concerned about the escalating tensions. The prospect of a wider regional war, with its potential for disrupting global energy markets, creating massive refugee flows, and even involving nuclear proliferation, is a nightmare scenario. Therefore, understanding "why does Iran care about Israel" is not just an academic exercise; it's vital for international diplomacy aimed at de-escalation and preventing a catastrophic conflict. ## Beyond "Hate": Understanding the Nuances It's easy to fall into the trap of simplistic narratives when discussing the Iran-Israel conflict, often reducing it to pure, unadulterated "hatred." However, a more nuanced understanding reveals that while animosity is certainly present, Iran's motivations are far more complex and strategic. As one perspective notes, Iran does not really "hate" Israel in an emotional, irrational sense; Iran just wants to exert its power over the Middle East. This view suggests that the ideological rhetoric, while deeply held by some, also serves as a tool for geopolitical maneuvering. The complexity is further highlighted by the historical record: "I don’t know how two countries can have so much hatred for each other while simultaneously having secret ties for four decades." This sentiment points to a pragmatism that existed even during periods of apparent hostility, suggesting that national interests and covert cooperation could coexist with public antagonism. The shift from ally to archenemy is a testament to how profoundly the 1979 revolution reshaped Iran's identity and foreign policy, making the non-recognition of Israel a cornerstone. Ultimately, "why does Iran care about Israel" is a question with multiple answers: it's about revolutionary ideology, the pursuit of regional hegemony, the strategic importance of the nuclear program, the battle for influence through proxies, and a perceived existential threat from a powerful adversary. It's a rivalry fueled by history, shaped by power dynamics, and constantly on the brink of wider conflict, demanding a comprehensive and informed understanding from anyone seeking to grasp the complexities of the modern Middle East. ## Conclusion The enduring rivalry between Iran and Israel is a deeply entrenched and multifaceted conflict, driven by a confluence of historical grievances, ideological imperatives, and raw geopolitical ambition. From an unlikely alliance before the 1979 revolution to a state of open hostility and non-recognition today, the transformation in their relationship has profoundly reshaped the Middle East. Iran's commitment to resisting Israel, fueled by both revolutionary zeal and a strategic desire to project power across the region, continues to be a central pillar of its foreign policy. The shadow of Iran's nuclear program, coupled with the intricate web of proxy conflicts in the Levant, ensures that tensions remain perpetually high. Israel, for its part, views Iran as an existential threat, necessitating proactive measures to safeguard its security. As recent events, such as the Damascus consulate attack and subsequent retaliatory strikes, demonstrate, the conflict is escalating, with a very real risk of igniting a wider regional conflagration that would have devastating global consequences. Understanding "why does Iran care about Israel" is not merely an academic exercise; it is crucial for deciphering the dynamics of one of the world's most volatile regions. We encourage you to share your thoughts on this complex issue in the comments below. What do you believe are the primary drivers behind Iran's stance on Israel? Do you think a resolution is possible? For more in-depth analysis of Middle Eastern geopolitics, explore our other articles on regional power struggles and international relations.