The Islamic Revolution of 1979 transformed Iran from a secular monarchy into an Islamic republic. After the overthrow of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini came to power, who declared America as “Great Satan” and Israel as “Little Satan”. Since then, Iran has continuously considered these two countries as its biggest enemies.
This change occurred due to historical, ideological and geopolitical reasons, which reversed the alliances that existed before the revolution. Before the revolution, Iran was a major ally of America, but the fall of the Shah gave birth to old bitterness. Now we will know the reasons why Iran has continuously called America and Israel its enemy number one.
1. Due to continuous interference in Iran
In 1953, the American intelligence agency CIA, along with Britain, conducted “Operation Ajax” to remove Iran’s democratic Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddek, so that Western control over the oil industry could be maintained. Mosaddek had nationalized Iran’s oil industry. This brought the Shah to power, which the US strengthened with arms, military aid and intelligence support. For Iranians it was a symbol of imperialist intervention, reinforcing the image of the “Great Satan” after the Islamic Revolution. These reasons were related to ideological conflict, where Khomeini considered America a symbol of Western imperialism against Islamic rule.
2. Because of continuous support to Shah
The Shah’s modernization policies in the 1970s increased religious and rural discontent. From exile, Khomeini instigated the rebellion by portraying America as a supporter of the Shah. American intelligence underestimated the movements. Failed to save the Shah, which created a feeling of betrayal towards America among Iranians. This has remained constant since then.
3. US Embassy Hostage Crisis
In November 1979, shortly after the revolution, Iranian students took over the US Embassy in Tehran and held 52 Americans hostage for 444 days. This was done in protest against America’s move to allow Shah to come there for medical treatment. When the Shah arrived in America for treatment, Khomeini declared it “Anti-America Week”, which perpetuated the hostility.
4. Reasons for considering Israel as an enemy
There was a secret alliance between Iran and Israel during the time of Shah. Iran had recognized Israel in 1948 but the revolution completely reversed this. Khomeini made revolution the basis of Islamic leadership, considering Palestinian liberation as part of the Islamic struggle. Called Israel “Little Satan” and severed all ties – turned the Israeli embassy into the Palestinian embassy and declared the last Friday of Ramadan “Quds Day” (Jerusalem Day), a symbol of support for Palestine. It was part of an Islamic solidarity, distinct from Arab nationalism, that challenged US-backed Arab rulers.
5. Considers Israel an illegitimate country
The Iranian leadership considers Israel an illegitimate country that was created by occupying Muslim land (Palestine). Under the Shah, Israel bought oil from Iran under the “Periphery Doctrine” and carried out secret military cooperation, but the revolution considered this an “imperialist conspiracy”. Iran believes that Israel is a “military base” of Western countries in the region, whose purpose is to keep Muslim countries weak.
After the revolution, Iran created the “Axis of Resistance”, in which Iran prepared Hezbollah and Hamas, so that they could always harass Israel. This enmity continues even today, but its roots lie in the 1979 revolution.
To increase its influence in the region, Iran directly faces America and its allies Israel and Saudi Arabia. Iran wants the American army to completely leave the region. America and Israel continue to make military and diplomatic efforts to stop Iran’s growing influence in Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Lebanon, which deepens this conflict.
