Islamic Revolution Triumph: End of Iran-Israel Alliance
Middle East Historical Team background
Ayatollah Khomeini's Islamic Revolution overthrows Shah, transforming Iran from Israeli ally to enemy
The victory of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s Islamic Revolution on February 11, 1979, marked the end of Iran-Israel relations and the beginning of decades of hostility between the two nations.
Pre-Revolution Alliance
Before 1979, Iran under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi maintained close strategic ties with Israel:
- Joint military cooperation against Arab nationalist movements
- Intelligence sharing through SAVAK-Mossad partnership
- Oil exports to Israel despite Arab boycotts
- Shared concerns about Soviet influence in the region
Revolutionary Transformation
Khomeini’s revolutionary ideology fundamentally opposed Israel’s existence:
- Declared Israel “Little Satan” (US being “Great Satan”)
- Condemned Iranian-Israeli cooperation under the Shah
- Pledged support for Palestinian liberation
- Broke all diplomatic and economic ties
Immediate Consequences
The revolution’s impact on Iran-Israel relations:
- Closure of Israeli embassy in Tehran
- Termination of military cooperation agreements
- End of oil supplies to Israel
- Transfer of Israeli embassy building to PLO
Regional Implications
The revolution reshaped Middle Eastern dynamics:
- Loss of Israel’s closest Muslim ally
- Shift in regional power balance
- Iran’s new role as Palestinian supporter
- Beginning of proxy conflict era
The Islamic Revolution created the ideological foundation for four decades of Iran-Israel conflict, transforming former allies into bitter enemies.
#Islamic Revolution
#Ayatollah Khomeini
#Shah
#Iran-Israel relations