by Col Ashwani Sharma

Iran’s ideological aspirations vis a vis its actual capabilities highlight the irrationality of its continued pursuit of policies aimed at confronting and destroying Israel.

A late-night call on 01 Oct from a friend informed me of the missile raids on Israel by Iran. As I switched on the TV,  the news channels were filled with images of missiles raining down on Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Israel’s air defence systems could be seen intercepting many of them as they turned into orange balls of fire. Iran had bitten the bait, responded expectedly and presumably caused some damage. Israel vowed counter-action and it appears certain that they will – perhaps focussing on Iran’s nuclear program facilities. Further escalation seems inevitable.

The Middle East has long been a volatile region, defined by conflicts that span decades (if not centuries). At the heart of one of the most enduring and destructive conflicts lies the rivalry between Iran and Israel. Iran’s unyielding support for militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah is deeply rooted in ideological hostility toward Israel. Grounded in religious fundamentalism and anti-Zionist fervour, Iran has committed vast resources to what seems to be an unending war against Israel, resulting in significant damage not only to the region but to its own national interests. Meanwhile, Israel, bolstered by military might, technological superiority, and an ethos of progressivism, stands in stark contrast to Iran’s policy of ideological warfare. Iran’s persistent hostility, despite its limitations in military power and technology, demonstrates how stagnant ideology can lead to irrational decisions.

Iran’s Ideological Conflict with Israel

Iran’s deep-seated bias against Israel stems from a combination of religious, political, and historical factors. Following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran transformed into a theocratic state where religious ideology became deeply intertwined with state policy. The new regime, led by Ayatollah Khomeini, viewed Israel as a symbol of Western imperialism and a direct threat to the Islamic world. Since then, Tehran has made the destruction of Israel a central theme of its foreign policy, leading to alliances with militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah (Palestine and Lebanon respectively). These groups, both of which are designated as terrorist organisations by the United States, the European Union and other countries have been instrumental in Iran’s proxy wars against Israel.

Despite Iran’s fierce rhetoric and financial and military support to these groups, it has failed to achieve its ultimate goal of eliminating Israel. Instead, the result has been endless conflict, destruction, and the destabilisation of the region, particularly in Gaza and Lebanon. Hezbollah, which grew with Iran’s backing, has entrenched itself in Lebanese politics, but the country remains fragile and divided. Similarly, Hamas’s militant activities have only resulted in recurring wars with Israel, leading to significant loss of life, almost complete destruction of infrastructure and poverty in Gaza. West bank has fared better, but at the moment it is Lebanon’s turn where the IDF has launched a massive assault. For Iran, these alliances have yielded little beyond draining its resources and isolation.

Hamas attack on Israel on 7 Oct 23 was allegedly timed to hinder the Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor at Iran’s behest. The corridor announced during the G20 Summit in 2023, is a significant infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity between India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Europe. While India views the corridor as a strategic opportunity to enhance its trade ties with the Gulf, diversify its energy sources, and assert its role in global supply chains, for the UAE and Saudi Arabia, it promises diversification away from oil dependency. Peace with Israel being an imperative, these countries have accepted the reality and decided to move forward. But to Iran and its proxies its unacceptable and thus began a cycle of unending destruction and chaos in the region.

 

The Imbalance of Power

One of the most glaring examples of how ideology can lead to irrationality is Iran’s attempt to challenge Israel militarily, despite a clear imbalance of power. Israel boasts one of the most advanced militaries in the world, supported by cutting-edge technology, robust intelligence networks, and one of the highest per capita military budgets. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) are well-equipped with sophisticated weaponry, including missile defence systems like the Iron Dome, and have consistently outmatched Hamas and Hezbollah in every major conflict. Since the first war in 1947, Israel has not lost a military battle, despite a number of countries combining their military might.

Israel’s technological prowess extends beyond the battlefield. The country is a global leader in cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, and aerospace technology. Its high-tech sector, particularly in cybersecurity, is one of the most advanced in the world, making it a hub for tech innovation. In contrast, Iran, while developing its military capabilities, including missile technology and drones, lags significantly behind Israel in terms of both technology and military strategy. Iran’s military, which includes the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), may be capable of regional power projection, but it is no match for Israel’s modernised forces.

Iran has spent billions of dollars on supporting proxy groups and building up its military, but it has little to show for it other than ongoing conflict and an increasingly strained economy.

 

The Cost of Religious Fundamentalism on Iran’s Progress

Religious fundamentalism, which drives much of Iran’s policy, has stifled innovation and hindered the country’s economic and social development. While Iran has made some strides in fields like nuclear technology and missile and drone development, these advancements have often been at the expense of broader scientific and technological progress. The country’s economic growth has also been stymied by international sanctions, a result of its nuclear ambitions and support for its proxies against Israel.

Iran’s focus on regional hegemony and ideological wars has led to widespread discontent among its citizens. Religious fundamentalism, coupled with rigid authoritarian rule, has not only isolated Iran internationally but also stifled the potential of its people.

 

Israel’s Progressive Path

In contrast to Iran’s theocratic rigidity, Israel has pursued a path of progressivism, balancing its military strength with cultural, technological, and scientific achievements. Despite being in a constant state of conflict, Israel has managed to build a thriving democracy with a vibrant cultural scene and an advanced economy. The country’s achievements in science, technology, and medicine are globally recognised, and its start-up ecosystem is often referred to as ‘Silicon Wadi.’ Israeli scientists and engineers have contributed to innovations ranging from medical technology to software development, and the country  ranks very high in global innovation indices.

Israel’s cultural impact is also significant. The country has produced world-class musicians, artists, and athletes, with Israeli films and literature gaining international acclaim. In the sports arena, the performance Israeli athletes at the Olympics and Paralympics was outstanding given the country’s size and the fact that Israel has been in a state of conflict in recent times. This cultural, scientific and sports flourishing stands in stark contrast to its adversaries where cultural expression is often suppressed, and the arts are subject to strict censorship.

In Conclusion. Iran’s continued support for Hamas, Hezbollah, and its broader ideological war against Israel demonstrates how ideology can lead to irrationality. Despite its limited military capabilities and technological shortcomings, Iran has prioritised religious fundamentalism over national progress, committing vast resources to a conflict it cannot win. In doing so, it has not only failed to achieve its goals but also stunted its own development and alienated its population. The policy is also self-defeating as it undermines the very progress that could secure a brighter future for its people.

Finally, the ultimate question on everyone’s mind remains – where will it end? At this point it is anyone’s guess – perhaps the destruction of Iran’s nuclear facilities, or may be regime change as the ultimate objective!