Why Are Israel and Iran Enemies?

Israel Iran conflict The animosity between Israel and Iran began with a major change in their relationship after the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran. Before that year, the two nations had strong diplomatic and economic relations. Iran even recognized Israel shortly after it was founded in 1948, which was unusual among Muslim-majority countries at the time. Their cooperation was mainly driven by shared interests, particularly their opposition to Arab nationalist governments and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The 1979 Islamic Revolution: A Turning Point The relationship shifted drastically after the Iranian Revolution overthrew the Shah and set up the Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Khomeini. The new regime adopted a firm anti-Israel ideology, calling Israel the "enemy of Islam" and "Little Satan." Iran stopped recognizing Israel and called for its destruction, making opposition to Israel a key part of its foreign policy. This stance has been upheld by var...