Overview
This lecture traces the origins and evolution of the ongoing conflict between Iran and the US/Israel, focusing on ideological, political, and strategic dimensions since the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
The Iranian Revolution and Its Aftermath
- The Iranian Revolution in 1979 overthrew the Shah, ending US and Israeli influence in Iran.
- Ayatollah Khomeini led the revolution, founding the Islamic Republic as a Shiite theocracy.
- Anti-Western sentiment grew due to perceived corruption, oppression, and foreign interference.
- US and Israeli diplomats and citizens fled Iran; diplomatic ties were severed.
Rise of Hostility and Revolutionary Groups
- In 1979, Islamist students seized the US embassy, leading to the 444-day hostage crisis.
- Iran began to support the Palestinian cause, replacing the Israeli embassy with a Palestinian one.
- Hezbollah was founded in Lebanon in 1982 with Iranian Revolutionary Guard support to resist Israel.
- Suicide bombings against Israeli and Western targets became a new Shiite resistance tactic.
Regional Conflicts and Shifting Alliances
- Operation Peace for Galilee (1982): Israel invaded Lebanon to expel the PLO.
- The Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988) drained Iran’s resources, delaying direct confrontation with Israel.
- Iran formed alliances with Syria and Lebanese Shiites, solidifying the Iran-Syria-Hezbollah axis.
Nuclear Ambitions and International Reactions
- After the Gulf War, Iran was excluded from peace talks, increasing its sense of isolation.
- Iran aided US efforts against the Taliban post-2001 but remained mistrusted by Washington.
- US labeled Iran part of the "Axis of Evil," further straining relations.
- Iran accelerated its nuclear program after repeated US rejections of diplomatic overtures.
Diplomatic Attempts and Renewed Tensions
- President Obama pursued a nuclear agreement with Iran, resulting in the 2015 deal limiting Iran’s uranium enrichment.
- Israel, under Netanyahu, vehemently opposed the deal, viewing Iran as an existential threat.
- In 2018, President Trump withdrew the US from the Iran nuclear deal, reigniting hostilities.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Ayatollah Khomeini — Leader of the 1979 Iranian Revolution and founder of the Islamic Republic.
- Hezbollah — Lebanese Shiite militant group founded with Iranian support to fight Israel.
- Theocracy — Government led by religious authorities.
- Hostage Crisis — 1979 event when US diplomats were held captive in Tehran.
- Axis of Evil — Term used by US President Bush for states accused of supporting terrorism and seeking WMDs.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the timeline of key events (1979 Revolution, Iran-Iraq War, formation of Hezbollah, nuclear negotiations).
- Study the causes and consequences of each major diplomatic shift.
- Prepare summary notes on the impact of US and Israeli policy on Iran’s regional role.