If the Strait of Hormuz is closed, much of the world could go without fuel. After the Israeli bombing that started on June 13, several Iranian politicians have suggested that the Strait should be closed. Esmail Kowsari, a commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said the option was 'under consideration'. Why is the Strait of Hormuz so important? Can Iran really close the strait? Here is what you should know:<h2>What is the Strait of Hormuz? Why is it strategically important?</h2>Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway located between Iran and Oman. The strait, only 33 kilometres across at its narrowest point, links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. It is the only sea passage for oil exports from key oil producers in the Gulf, like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Iraq and Qatar.<h2>Why is Strait of Hormuz important for global trade?</h2>Through this chokepoint passes nearly 20 per cent of the world's oil. It is estimated that 20 million barrels of petroleum liquids were transported every day through the strait in 2024. Nearly a third of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade also passes through the strait.&nbsp;A closure or disruption of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz can cause a rise in global energy prices. It can play havoc with supply chains and impact economies, particularly in Asian importers like China, India, Japan and South Korea, which together account for &nbsp;84 per cent of its crude oil shipments.Much of the Gulf oil and LNG for Europe also passes through the Strait of Homuz. These factors make the waterway strategically important for global energy security. https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-israel-war-us-officials-prepare-for-possible-strike-on-iran-in-coming-days-report-1750335066169/embed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-israel-war-us-officials-prepare-for-possible-strike-on-iran-in-coming-days-report-1750335066169">Iran-Israel War: US Officials Prepare For Possible Strike On Iran In Coming Days: Report</a><h2>Does Iran really control Strait of Hormuz?</h2>The direct answer is, not entirely. But Iran's geographic position is along the northern coast of the Strait of Hormuz. This helps Iran exert influence on the strait. Technically, Iran can block traffic along the strait, as its narrowest point, at 21 nautical miles, is partly within its territorial waters, overlapping with Oman’s to the south.<h2>Iranian military presence near the Strait of Hormuz</h2>In theory, at least, Iran can deploy naval mines, launch ballistic and cruise missiles, suicide drones, fast attack boats, as well as Kilo and Ghadir class submarines. While it has not entirely used its military muscle in the strait, it has often threatened to do so. Iranian military's presence in the nearby strategic islands such as Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa emboldens it to disrupt shipping along the Strait of Hormuz.<h2>Has Iran ever fully closed Strait of Hormuz?</h2>No, because it's against global law on 'innocent passage', specifically the international maritime law, formally known as United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS. Iran has ratified the 1982 convention, though it has not signed the treaty. Besides, Oman has control over the southern coast of the strait, which limits Iran’s ability to exert any unilateral control over the strait.<h2>Iran's threats to close or block Strait of Hormuz are not new: Past actions</h2>Even so, Iran has quite often resorted to threatening the global community with closure or blocking of the Strait of Hormuz. The threats, which are being made amid the the ongoing war with Israel, happened in 2011, 2012, 2018 and 2019 too, at the height of tensions with the US, Israel, or as a response to international sanctions. Iran conducted mine attacks on oil tankers and seized some vessels in 2019. In April 2024, it seized a container ship amid the Israel-Hamas War in Gaza.<h2>Will the Tanker War of the 1980s repeat?</h2>But the first major disruption of the Strait of Hormuz occurred during the Iran-Iraq War of 1980–1988. At the time, Iran conducted attacks on neutral oil tankers, disrupting traffic, though not entirely stopping it.&nbsp;If push comes to shove, Iran can try to hit the strait using its military capabilities around the area. But it is likely going to be one of its last options.

After the Israeli bombing that started on June 13, several Iranian politicians have suggested that the Strait of Hormuz should be closed. Can Iran really close the strait? 

If the Strait of Hormuz is closed, much of the world could go without fuel. After the Israeli bombing that started on June 13, several Iranian politicians have suggested that the Strait should be closed. Esmail Kowsari, a commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said the option was 'under consideration'. Why is the Strait of Hormuz so important? Can Iran really close the strait? Here is what you should know: What is the Strait of Hormuz? Why is it strategically important? Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway located between Iran and Oman. The strait, only 33 kilometres across at its narrowest point, links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. It is the only sea passage for oil exports from key oil producers in the Gulf, like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Iraq and Qatar. Why is Strait of Hormuz important for global trade? Through this chokepoint passes nearly 20 per cent of the world's oil. It is estimated that 20 million barrels of petroleum liquids were transported every day through the strait in 2024. Nearly a third of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade also passes through the strait. A closure or disruption of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz can cause a rise in global energy prices. It can play havoc with supply chains and impact economies, particularly in Asian importers like China, India, Japan and South Korea, which together account for 84 per cent of its crude oil shipments. Much of the Gulf oil and LNG for Europe also passes through the Strait of Homuz. These factors make the waterway strategically important for global energy security. https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-israel-war-us-officials-prepare-for-possible-strike-on-iran-in-coming-days-report-1750335066169/embed Iran-Israel War: US Officials Prepare For Possible Strike On Iran In Coming Days: Report Does Iran really control Strait of Hormuz? The direct answer is, not entirely. But Iran's geographic position is along the northern coast of the Strait of Hormuz. This helps Iran exert influence on the strait. Technically, Iran can block traffic along the strait, as its narrowest point, at 21 nautical miles, is partly within its territorial waters, overlapping with Oman’s to the south. Iranian military presence near the Strait of Hormuz In theory, at least, Iran can deploy naval mines, launch ballistic and cruise missiles, suicide drones, fast attack boats, as well as Kilo and Ghadir class submarines. While it has not entirely used its military muscle in the strait, it has often threatened to do so. Iranian military's presence in the nearby strategic islands such as Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa emboldens it to disrupt shipping along the Strait of Hormuz. Has Iran ever fully closed Strait of Hormuz? No, because it's against global law on 'innocent passage', specifically the international maritime law, formally known as United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS. Iran has ratified the 1982 convention, though it has not signed the treaty. Besides, Oman has control over the southern coast of the strait, which limits Iran’s ability to exert any unilateral control over the strait. Iran's threats to close or block Strait of Hormuz are not new: Past actions Even so, Iran has quite often resorted to threatening the global community with closure or blocking of the Strait of Hormuz. The threats, which are being made amid the the ongoing war with Israel, happened in 2011, 2012, 2018 and 2019 too, at the height of tensions with the US, Israel, or as a response to international sanctions. Iran conducted mine attacks on oil tankers and seized some vessels in 2019. In April 2024, it seized a container ship amid the Israel-Hamas War in Gaza. Will the Tanker War of the 1980s repeat? But the first major disruption of the Strait of Hormuz occurred during the Iran-Iraq War of 1980–1988. At the time, Iran conducted attacks on neutral oil tankers, disrupting traffic, though not entirely stopping it. If push comes to shove, Iran can try to hit the strait using its military capabilities around the area. But it is likely going to be one of its last options.

After the Israeli bombing that started on June 13, several Iranian politicians have suggested that the Strait of Hormuz should be closed. Can Iran really close the Strait?&nbsp;

Where is Strait of Hormuz? Can Iran really close it as some officials threatened amid war with Israel?

Iran's missile and drone fleet: Iran rained yet another barrage of missiles on Israel on Thursday (June 19) in the ongoing war, in a sign that its arsenal of aerial weapons is far from depleted or destroyed by the Israeli offensive that started on June 3. This is because, probably unknown to many, Iran has one of the largest missile and drone fleets in West Asia. So, what are the capabilities of Iran when it comes to missiles and drones? Here is an overview:<h2>‘Largest ballistic missile arsenal’ in West Asia</h2>Iran knew for years that a direct war with Israel would be mostly fought in the air, as the two countries are separated by vast tracts of territory, including the whole nation of Saudi Arabia. So its war doctrine focused on building aerial defensive and offensive capabilities.&nbsp; As a result, Iran currently has the ‘largest ballistic missile arsenal’ in West Asia, according to a 2024 report by the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence.&nbsp;The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports of May this year pointed out that Iran has possibly achieved uranium enrichment of up to 60 per cent, which is close to weapons-grade, meaning it could eventually develop nuclear warheads for its ballistic missiles.<h2>Can Iran's low-cost drones and missiles tire Israel's expensive air defence systems?</h2>In the current war, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported the use of several types of missiles and drones by Iran, including Shahed drones, Emad, Ghadr, and Kheibar Shekan missiles. Israel claimed it was able to intercept 99 per cent of the drones and most missiles. But there are also reports that Israel's air defence systems like David's Sling, Arrow and Iron Dome could be stretched too thin if the barrage from Iran continues unabated. Iran has also claimed to have used a ‘hypersonic missile’ to down an Israeli F-35 fighter jet, but the reports are not confirmed. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force (IRGCASF) is responsible for developing the Iranian missle and drone arsenal, believed to be the most extensive and diverse in West Asia.<h2>Iran's ballistic missiles can reach Israel</h2>Iran has the largest ballistic missile contingent in the region, numbering over 3,000. Out of these, up to 1,000 are medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs) that can reach Israel, which is away by more than 1,000 kilometres.&nbsp; Medium-range ballistic missiles of Iran, or MRBMs, include &nbsp;Shahab-3/3B with a range of up to 2,100 km and a 700–1,000 kg warhead. Believed to be derived from North Korean Nodong technology, Shahab is the core asset of Iran’s strategic deterrent. &nbsp;Ghadr-110&nbsp; is an improvised variant of Shahab-3 &nbsp;with 1,800–2,000 km range and 650–1,000 kg warhead. Emad, a precision-guided MRBM with a 1,700 km range and 750 kg warhead, can breach missile defence systems. Kheibar Shekan, with a 1,450 km range and 500 kg warhead, can evade Israel’s Arrow missile defence system, as per Iranian claims. Liquid-propelled Khorramshahr with a 2,000 km range and a 1,800 kg warhead, which can carry multiple warheads, is developed from North Korea's Musudan missile designs. Fattah, which Iran claims is a hypersonic version of the Kheibar Shekan, has a 1,400 km range, and can fly beyond the speed of &nbsp;Mach 5, but these claims are unverified. Iran has yet to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles, but the Sejjil MRBM, which has a 2,000 km range, could serve as a prototype for longer-range systems, capable of reaching southeastern Europe.<h2>Iran's short-range ballistic missiles</h2>SRBMs in Iran's arsenal, defined as having less than 1,000 km range, &nbsp;include the Fateh-110 Series. These are road-mobile SRBMs with up to 300 km range and can carry warheads weighing up to 500 kg. Navigated by satellites, these high-accuracy missiles were used extensively by Iran and its proxies. The unguided Zelzal Series SRBMs with ranges of 200–400 km are used mainly for saturation attacks, aimed at overwhelming the enemey's defences.<h2>Iran's cruise missiles</h2>Cruise missiles, which fly closer to the terrain and can evade radars, are another aspect of Iran's air capabilities. The 1,650 km-range Quds (Paveh) cruise missile can carry out high-precision strikes. The Noor,&nbsp;a long-range anti-ship cruise missile derived from the Chinese C-801 missile, has a range of 170 km and can be launched from ground, air, or sea. The short-range (25–120 km) Kowsar anti-ship missile, with design based on Chinese C-701 and C-704, is used for coastal defence. &nbsp;The anti-ship missile Ra’ad, based on the Chinese HY-2 Silkworm, has a 360 km range. The 50-km range Tondar is an upgraded version of the Chinese C-801 missile, which can be launched from submarines. Fajre Darya, a copycat version of Italy's Sea Killer II, is another missile used in naval warfare, and has a 25 km range.<h2>Iran's drone fleet: from reconnaissance to suicide missions</h2>Iran has reportedly developed and produced more than 200 types of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The Islamic Republic has provided many of these drones to its proxy militias like Hezbollah, Hamas and Houthis. Below are some of the better-known UAVs of Iran: The &nbsp;Shahed Series (Shahed-129, Shahed-136, Shahed-131 etc) is one of the most versatile in Iran's drone fleet. Their range is up to 2,500 km. The series includes combat UAVs with missile payloads, suicide drones, and jet-propelled variants. Iran has used hundreds of Shahed drones in the June 2025 counteroffensive as well as the April 2024 attack against Israel. The Ababil Series (Ababil-5, Ababil-T, Ababil-3), used for both combat and reconnaissance, have been used by Iran as well as its proxies like the Houthis. The Karrar drone has a 1,000 km range and can carry rockets, bombs and interceptor missiles. Another long-range drone with a 2,000 km range can be armed with missiles and endure for up to 10 hours. The 2,000-km range Gaza drone, reportedly capable of carrying 13 bombs, can last for 35 hours. Hamaseh is a medium-range drone that can carry air-to-ground missiles for precision strikes. The suicide and anti-radar drone Arash is used for targeting air defence systems. Raad 85&nbsp; is yet another loitering munition used in kamikaze missions. The H-110 Sarir drone can carry air-to-air missiles and intercept aerial targets. The maritime drones Pelican-2, Sepeher, Shahab-2, and Hodhod-4 are used for maritime surveillance and attack. The lightweight reconnaissance drone Sabokbal, the wide-body drone Khodkar and the reconnaissance drone Meraj are also noteworthy.<h2>Iran still has a formidable air arsenal despite losses</h2>Israeli strikes this month may have caused some dents, but Iran still possesses a formidable arsenal. It is estimated that some of its SRBMs can strike US bases in the region: in Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. Its missiles and drones are already in the hands of Iranian proxies in the region, thus acting as force multipliers.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Israeli strikes this month may have caused some dents, but Iran still possesses a formidable arsenal.

Iran's missile and drone fleet: Iran rained yet another barrage of missiles on Israel on Thursday (June 19) in the ongoing war, in a sign that its arsenal of aerial weapons is far from depleted or destroyed by the Israeli offensive that started on June 3. This is because, probably unknown to many, Iran has one of the largest missile and drone fleets in West Asia. So, what are the capabilities of Iran when it comes to missiles and drones? Here is an overview: ‘Largest ballistic missile arsenal’ in West Asia Iran knew for years that a direct war with Israel would be mostly fought in the air, as the two countries are separated by vast tracts of territory, including the whole nation of Saudi Arabia. So its war doctrine focused on building aerial defensive and offensive capabilities. As a result, Iran currently has the ‘largest ballistic missile arsenal’ in West Asia, according to a 2024 report by the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports of May this year pointed out that Iran has possibly achieved uranium enrichment of up to 60 per cent, which is close to weapons-grade, meaning it could eventually develop nuclear warheads for its ballistic missiles. Can Iran's low-cost drones and missiles tire Israel's expensive air defence systems? In the current war, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported the use of several types of missiles and drones by Iran, including Shahed drones, Emad, Ghadr, and Kheibar Shekan missiles. Israel claimed it was able to intercept 99 per cent of the drones and most missiles. But there are also reports that Israel's air defence systems like David's Sling, Arrow and Iron Dome could be stretched too thin if the barrage from Iran continues unabated. Iran has also claimed to have used a ‘hypersonic missile’ to down an Israeli F-35 fighter jet, but the reports are not confirmed. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force (IRGCASF) is responsible for developing the Iranian missle and drone arsenal, believed to be the most extensive and diverse in West Asia. Iran's ballistic missiles can reach Israel Iran has the largest ballistic missile contingent in the region, numbering over 3,000. Out of these, up to 1,000 are medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs) that can reach Israel, which is away by more than 1,000 kilometres. Medium-range ballistic missiles of Iran, or MRBMs, include Shahab-3/3B with a range of up to 2,100 km and a 700–1,000 kg warhead. Believed to be derived from North Korean Nodong technology, Shahab is the core asset of Iran’s strategic deterrent. Ghadr-110 is an improvised variant of Shahab-3 with 1,800–2,000 km range and 650–1,000 kg warhead. Emad, a precision-guided MRBM with a 1,700 km range and 750 kg warhead, can breach missile defence systems. Kheibar Shekan, with a 1,450 km range and 500 kg warhead, can evade Israel’s Arrow missile defence system, as per Iranian claims. Liquid-propelled Khorramshahr with a 2,000 km range and a 1,800 kg warhead, which can carry multiple warheads, is developed from North Korea's Musudan missile designs. Fattah, which Iran claims is a hypersonic version of the Kheibar Shekan, has a 1,400 km range, and can fly beyond the speed of Mach 5, but these claims are unverified. Iran has yet to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles, but the Sejjil MRBM, which has a 2,000 km range, could serve as a prototype for longer-range systems, capable of reaching southeastern Europe. Iran's short-range ballistic missiles SRBMs in Iran's arsenal, defined as having less than 1,000 km range, include the Fateh-110 Series. These are road-mobile SRBMs with up to 300 km range and can carry warheads weighing up to 500 kg. Navigated by satellites, these high-accuracy missiles were used extensively by Iran and its proxies. The unguided Zelzal Series SRBMs with ranges of 200–400 km are used mainly for saturation attacks, aimed at overwhelming the enemey's defences. Iran's cruise missiles Cruise missiles, which fly closer to the terrain and can evade radars, are another aspect of Iran's air capabilities. The 1,650 km-range Quds (Paveh) cruise missile can carry out high-precision strikes. The Noor, a long-range anti-ship cruise missile derived from the Chinese C-801 missile, has a range of 170 km and can be launched from ground, air, or sea. The short-range (25–120 km) Kowsar anti-ship missile, with design based on Chinese C-701 and C-704, is used for coastal defence. The anti-ship missile Ra’ad, based on the Chinese HY-2 Silkworm, has a 360 km range. The 50-km range Tondar is an upgraded version of the Chinese C-801 missile, which can be launched from submarines. Fajre Darya, a copycat version of Italy's Sea Killer II, is another missile used in naval warfare, and has a 25 km range. Iran's drone fleet: from reconnaissance to suicide missions Iran has reportedly developed and produced more than 200 types of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The Islamic Republic has provided many of these drones to its proxy militias like Hezbollah, Hamas and Houthis. Below are some of the better-known UAVs of Iran: The Shahed Series (Shahed-129, Shahed-136, Shahed-131 etc) is one of the most versatile in Iran's drone fleet. Their range is up to 2,500 km. The series includes combat UAVs with missile payloads, suicide drones, and jet-propelled variants. Iran has used hundreds of Shahed drones in the June 2025 counteroffensive as well as the April 2024 attack against Israel. The Ababil Series (Ababil-5, Ababil-T, Ababil-3), used for both combat and reconnaissance, have been used by Iran as well as its proxies like the Houthis. The Karrar drone has a 1,000 km range and can carry rockets, bombs and interceptor missiles. Another long-range drone with a 2,000 km range can be armed with missiles and endure for up to 10 hours. The 2,000-km range Gaza drone, reportedly capable of carrying 13 bombs, can last for 35 hours. Hamaseh is a medium-range drone that can carry air-to-ground missiles for precision strikes. The suicide and anti-radar drone Arash is used for targeting air defence systems. Raad 85 is yet another loitering munition used in kamikaze missions. The H-110 Sarir drone can carry air-to-air missiles and intercept aerial targets. The maritime drones Pelican-2, Sepeher, Shahab-2, and Hodhod-4 are used for maritime surveillance and attack. The lightweight reconnaissance drone Sabokbal, the wide-body drone Khodkar and the reconnaissance drone Meraj are also noteworthy. Iran still has a formidable air arsenal despite losses Israeli strikes this month may have caused some dents, but Iran still possesses a formidable arsenal. It is estimated that some of its SRBMs can strike US bases in the region: in Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. Its missiles and drones are already in the hands of Iranian proxies in the region, thus acting as force multipliers.

There are reports that Israel's air defence systems like David's Sling, Arrow and Iron Dome could be stretched too thin if the barrage from Iran continues unabated.

Israel Iran war: Did you know that Iran has one of the largest missile and drone arsenals in West Asia? Detailed breakup here

The Israel-Iran war is also one of propaganda and mis/disinformation, with both sides claiming victories. At the core of this is the propaganda machinery of Iran, which has a vast network of state-run TV channels, official and semi-official newspapers, wire agencies, and social media handles. Countering this is a group of media based outside, run by exiles, dissidents and activists, as well as international broadcasters. Covertly or publicly, many of these groups get support from the adversaries of the Islamic Republic. &nbsp;<h2>Iran regime controls most of media landscape</h2>The regime controls all broadcasting in Iran, with the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting or IRIB reflecting its official ideology. That was one of the reasons that IRIB building was a target of Israeli bombardment that started on June 13. IRIB holds the monopoly of both TV and radio broadcasting, and its chief is appointed by the Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.&nbsp;While the Iranian Constitution allows for freedom of expression, its media is strictly controlled by the state. Censorship and restrictions prevail even as independent media groups continue to operate inside Iran.&nbsp; Both the print and online media are subject to control, and anything seen as detrimental to Islam could face consequences. The regime also monitors social media and the internet. Iranian authorities have in the past targeted groups and individuals for anti-regime posts, by constant monitoring of internet service providers and mobile companies. Foreign media can only have a limited presence in Iran, where satellite dishes are deemed illegal.&nbsp;<h2>Iran's exile media networks offer a different perspective</h2>In spite of all the controls, many Iranians manage to watch or read Persian and English-language channels and online media. They use VPN and social media platforms like Telegram and Instagram for accessing such information. The media networks in exile offer a different perspective on Iran, and are known to support dissident movements, with tacit or overt support from Israel, the US, and the West. From the Iranian regime's perspective, these are seen as troublemakers, fomenting dissent and exhorting and amplifying disruptive activities in the nation. &nbsp;Iran frequently claims that these media groups are backed by foreign intelligence. Several of these groups are thought to be funded by countries like the US and Saudi. Below are the top networks, either run by Iranians abroad or global channels: &nbsp;<h2>Iran International</h2>Iran International, a London-based Persian news channel, was launched in 2017. Opposed to the Islamic Republic regime, the channel and its website have covered and amplified protests like the 2022 Mahsa Amini movement against the hijab. The regime accuses Iran International of being funded by Saudi Arabia, and inciting unrest in the country.<h2>Manoto TV</h2>Based in the UK, this Persian channel gives both political and entertainment content and is popular with the youth and monarchists. The Iranian regime accuses this network of having received Western funding to destabilise it. &nbsp;<h2>Radio Farda</h2>Funded by the US, this Persian news service is based in Prague and offers uncensored reporting on Iran. Its coverage often amplifies reporting on human rights violations in Iran and anti-regime protests. It is accused by Iran of being a front of the US intel agency CIA, but Radio Farda is largely a journalistic operation with not much evidence of any espionage links. &nbsp;<h2>BBC Persian</h2>The British Broadcasting Corporation operates the BBC Persian service. It is known to report on Iranian politics and protests. The Iranian regime, over the years, have put various pressures on BBC Persian, including on its journalists.&nbsp;<h2>Simay Azadi (INTV)</h2>INTV network is linked to the opposition group MEK. The network promotes activities of MEK and its political fronts, and advocates regime change in Iran. It is mainly a propaganda outlet for MEK and Iran has alleged that it has ties to Israel and US. &nbsp;<h2>Kayhan Life</h2>Based out of the US, Kayhan Life is known to support the voices of Iranian dissidents and monarchists, as well as the causes of MEK. Iran sees it as part of Western propaganda against the Islamic Republic.&nbsp; Besides these, there are several outlets on social media platforms, run by individuals or groups, that are opposed to the regime. One such outlet was the ‘Amadnews’ channel on the Telegram platform run by journalist Roohollah Zam, who was executed by Iran. Zam was known for anti-regime leaks and for supporting the protests. He was accused by Iran of colluding with foreign nations. &nbsp;

Media groups based abroad, several of them run by exiles, dissidents and activists, as well as international broadcasters, are countering Iranian propaganda. 

The Israel-Iran war is also one of propaganda and mis/disinformation, with both sides claiming victories. At the core of this is the propaganda machinery of Iran, which has a vast network of state-run TV channels, official and semi-official newspapers, wire agencies, and social media handles. Countering this is a group of media based outside, run by exiles, dissidents and activists, as well as international broadcasters. Covertly or publicly, many of these groups get support from the adversaries of the Islamic Republic. Iran regime controls most of media landscape The regime controls all broadcasting in Iran, with the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting or IRIB reflecting its official ideology. That was one of the reasons that IRIB building was a target of Israeli bombardment that started on June 13. IRIB holds the monopoly of both TV and radio broadcasting, and its chief is appointed by the Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. While the Iranian Constitution allows for freedom of expression, its media is strictly controlled by the state. Censorship and restrictions prevail even as independent media groups continue to operate inside Iran. Both the print and online media are subject to control, and anything seen as detrimental to Islam could face consequences. The regime also monitors social media and the internet. Iranian authorities have in the past targeted groups and individuals for anti-regime posts, by constant monitoring of internet service providers and mobile companies. Foreign media can only have a limited presence in Iran, where satellite dishes are deemed illegal. Iran's exile media networks offer a different perspective In spite of all the controls, many Iranians manage to watch or read Persian and English-language channels and online media. They use VPN and social media platforms like Telegram and Instagram for accessing such information. The media networks in exile offer a different perspective on Iran, and are known to support dissident movements, with tacit or overt support from Israel, the US, and the West. From the Iranian regime's perspective, these are seen as troublemakers, fomenting dissent and exhorting and amplifying disruptive activities in the nation. Iran frequently claims that these media groups are backed by foreign intelligence. Several of these groups are thought to be funded by countries like the US and Saudi. Below are the top networks, either run by Iranians abroad or global channels: Iran International Iran International, a London-based Persian news channel, was launched in 2017. Opposed to the Islamic Republic regime, the channel and its website have covered and amplified protests like the 2022 Mahsa Amini movement against the hijab. The regime accuses Iran International of being funded by Saudi Arabia, and inciting unrest in the country. Manoto TV Based in the UK, this Persian channel gives both political and entertainment content and is popular with the youth and monarchists. The Iranian regime accuses this network of having received Western funding to destabilise it. Radio Farda Funded by the US, this Persian news service is based in Prague and offers uncensored reporting on Iran. Its coverage often amplifies reporting on human rights violations in Iran and anti-regime protests. It is accused by Iran of being a front of the US intel agency CIA, but Radio Farda is largely a journalistic operation with not much evidence of any espionage links. BBC Persian The British Broadcasting Corporation operates the BBC Persian service. It is known to report on Iranian politics and protests. The Iranian regime, over the years, have put various pressures on BBC Persian, including on its journalists. Simay Azadi (INTV) INTV network is linked to the opposition group MEK. The network promotes activities of MEK and its political fronts, and advocates regime change in Iran. It is mainly a propaganda outlet for MEK and Iran has alleged that it has ties to Israel and US. Kayhan Life Based out of the US, Kayhan Life is known to support the voices of Iranian dissidents and monarchists, as well as the causes of MEK. Iran sees it as part of Western propaganda against the Islamic Republic. Besides these, there are several outlets on social media platforms, run by individuals or groups, that are opposed to the regime. One such outlet was the ‘Amadnews’ channel on the Telegram platform run by journalist Roohollah Zam, who was executed by Iran. Zam was known for anti-regime leaks and for supporting the protests. He was accused by Iran of colluding with foreign nations.

Media groups based abroad, several of them run by exiles, dissidents and activists, as well as international broadcasters, are countering Iranian propaganda.&nbsp;

Propaganda war: How foreign-backed Iranian media fight against Iran, which virtually controls its press

The Israel-Iran war has seen some of the most high-profile assassinations in recent years, including top aides of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, commanders of the regular army and parallel military force IRGC, as well as several nuclear scientists. But in the blood-stained history of modern Iran, such assassinations and targeted killings are nothing new. Those killed include presidents and prime ministers, as well as military chiefs. The murders were carried out by the Iran regime, Iran's foreign enemies like Israel, or by groups opposed to the Islamic Republic. Here is a look at major assassinations in Iran since it achieved nationhood.<h2>Political assassinations linked to the Pahlavi Dynasty (1925–1979)</h2>Prime Minister Abdolhossein Hazhir was shot dead in Tehran on 4 November 1948 by a member of the Fada’iyan-e Islam, a radical Islamist group. The pro-West politician was killed for backing the monarchy and alleged foreign influence.&nbsp; Another Prime Minister Haj Ali Razmara was assassinated on 7 March 1951 outside the Baharestan Mosque in Tehran.&nbsp;The assassin was a member of the Fada’iyan-e Islam. The PM was killed for his secular policies and for holding talks with the British on nationalisation of Iran's oil. Prime Minister Amir-Abbas Hoveida,&nbsp;who had already faced an assassination attempt, was executed on 7 April 1979. Hoveida was a long-serving prime minister under the Shah regime, having been in the post from 1965 to 1977. After the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Hoveida was executed at the end of a summary trial by the Islamic Revolutionary Court. He was one of the many Pahlavi-era elites eliminated by the Islamic Republic regime. &nbsp;Shahriar Shafiq, a nephew of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and Naval officer, was shot dead in Paris on 7 December 1979. Later, an Iranian official claimed responsibility. This was an instance of how the Islamic Republic regime targeted loyalists of the Shah regime abroad. Shapour Bakhtiar, the last prime minister under the Shah, who was opposed to the Islamic Revolution, was also killed abroad. While living in exile, Baktiar was stabbed to death in Paris by Iranian intelligence operatives posing as businessmen, on 6 August 1991.<h2>Killings of key figures associated with Islamic Republic: The 1981 mayhem</h2>The killings of top leaders associated with the 1979 Islamic Revolution started as early as 1981. That year saw assassinations of at least four major figures, including a prime minister, a president and a chief justice. Notably, &nbsp;the same year saw an assassination attempt on Ali Khamenei, then a presidential candidate, but he survived. &nbsp;Mohammad Beheshti, the Chief Justice under the Islamic Republic, was killed in a bombing on 28 June 1981 at the Islamic Republic Party headquarters in Tehran. The People’s Mujahedin of Iran or MEK was behind the attack that also killed 70 other high-ranking officials. Beheshti was a key figure in establishing the judiciary of the Islamic Republic.<h2>A single bombing that wiped out the political leaders of Iran</h2>One of the most high-profile attacks that caused multiple assassinations was a bombing of the presidential office in Tehran on 30 August 1981. The blast killed President Mohammad Ali Rajai,&nbsp;Prime Minister Mohammad Javad Bahonar and Colonel Vahid Dastjardi, the head of the national police. The MEK was responsible for the attack that targeted the regime’s leadership. Bahonar, a cleric, was a key ideologue of the Islamic Republic, while Dastjardi was a senior security official, making him among the first military-related targets of the Islamic Republic. Ali Sayad Shirazi, Chief Commander of the Army was shot dead on 10 April 1999 outside his home in Tehran by an MEK operative. Shirazi was a key military figure during the Iran-Iraq War, serving as the deputy chief of the General Staff when he was killed.<h2>Iranian regime's ‘chain murders’ targeting intellectuals and secularists</h2>The Islamic Republic regime targeted many dissidents and intellectuals opposed to the regime in the 1980s and 90s. Most prominent among these was the ‘chain murders’ of 1998. These were targeted killings of secular activists orchestrated by Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence. &nbsp;Among the victims was Dariush Forouhar, Minister of Labor under Pahlavi era, &nbsp;killed on 22 November 1998 along with his wife. The couple was stabbed to death at their home in Tehran.<h2> The military chiefs taken out from 2020 to 2024</h2>The killings of military leaders of Iran were among the top priorities of its enemies, particularly Israel and the US. The most prominent among these is Qasem Soleimani, the commander of IRGC's Quds Force. On 3 January 2020, he was assassinated in a US drone strike near Baghdad International Airport in Iraq. Soleimani was not just another military official: he was an awe-inspiring leader of Iran who played a major role in regional operations that included training and arming anti-Israel militant groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. Soleimani was targeted by the US administration of Donald Trump during his first term in office, with reported help from Israel.&nbsp; &nbsp;On 1 April, 2024, Israel conducted an air strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, killing Mohammad Reza Zahedi, the commander of IRGC's Quds Force. Zahedi was a senior commander overseeing IRGC operations in Syria and Lebanon, and the highest-ranking IRGC officer killed since Soleimani.<h2> Wiped out: Top leaders and military officials killed in the June 2025 Israeli strikes on Iran</h2>Numerous senior officials, both political and military chiefs, were killed during the first days of Israel's military offensive against Iran. They were killed between June 13, when the operation started, and June 15. Among the political figures, the most prominent to have been killed was Ali Shamkhani, senior Adviser to Supreme Leader. Shamkhani was a former IRGC Navy commander who served as national security chief in 2013–2023. He was also a top nuclear negotiator of Iran. Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Tehran during the ongoing Operation Rising Lion. Bagheri was the highest-ranking military official under Supreme Leader Khamenei, and had coordinated operations of Iran’s regular armed forces and the IRGC. The same Israeli attack also killed Hossein Salami, the IRGC Commander-in-Chief. Salami was a &nbsp;major general leading the IRGC since 2019. Gholamali Rashid, Commander of Khatam-al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, was another military leader killed in the Israeli offensive in Tehran. The major general used to coordinate joint military operations between the IRGC and the regular army. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, IRGC Aerospace Force Commander who oversaw Iran’s ballistic missile and drone programmes, was also killed in the Israeli airstrike. &nbsp;He was among the architects of Iranian attacks on Israel in 2024, in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Mohammad Kazemi, IRGC Intelligence Chief was killed in the Israeli airstrike in Tehran on June 15, along with Hassan Mohaqiq, IRGC Intelligence Deputy Chief.&nbsp;Mohsen Bagheri, IRGC Intelligence Officer,&nbsp; was also killed in the same airstrike.&nbsp;Gholamreza Mehrabi, Deputy Intelligence Chief of Armed Forces , Mehdi Rabbani, Deputy Commander of Operations for Armed Forces, Davood Sheikhian, Air Defense Commander, and Khosro Hassani, Deputy Intelligence Chief of IRGC Aerospace Unit were all killed in Israeli air strikes on 13 June.&nbsp; Those killed by Israel this month were key figures of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's inner circle. There is talk in the international media that Khamenei himself might soon become a target of assassination. That, if it happens, would be the most high-profile assassination in the blood-stained history of modern-day Iran.

Story of modern Iran is pockmarked by assassinations of political and military leaders, intellectuals, activists and dissidents inside the country and abroad. 

The Israel-Iran war has seen some of the most high-profile assassinations in recent years, including top aides of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, commanders of the regular army and parallel military force IRGC, as well as several nuclear scientists. But in the blood-stained history of modern Iran, such assassinations and targeted killings are nothing new. Those killed include presidents and prime ministers, as well as military chiefs. The murders were carried out by the Iran regime, Iran's foreign enemies like Israel, or by groups opposed to the Islamic Republic. Here is a look at major assassinations in Iran since it achieved nationhood. Political assassinations linked to the Pahlavi Dynasty (1925–1979) Prime Minister Abdolhossein Hazhir was shot dead in Tehran on 4 November 1948 by a member of the Fada’iyan-e Islam, a radical Islamist group. The pro-West politician was killed for backing the monarchy and alleged foreign influence. Another Prime Minister Haj Ali Razmara was assassinated on 7 March 1951 outside the Baharestan Mosque in Tehran. The assassin was a member of the Fada’iyan-e Islam. The PM was killed for his secular policies and for holding talks with the British on nationalisation of Iran's oil. Prime Minister Amir-Abbas Hoveida, who had already faced an assassination attempt, was executed on 7 April 1979. Hoveida was a long-serving prime minister under the Shah regime, having been in the post from 1965 to 1977. After the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Hoveida was executed at the end of a summary trial by the Islamic Revolutionary Court. He was one of the many Pahlavi-era elites eliminated by the Islamic Republic regime. Shahriar Shafiq, a nephew of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and Naval officer, was shot dead in Paris on 7 December 1979. Later, an Iranian official claimed responsibility. This was an instance of how the Islamic Republic regime targeted loyalists of the Shah regime abroad. Shapour Bakhtiar, the last prime minister under the Shah, who was opposed to the Islamic Revolution, was also killed abroad. While living in exile, Baktiar was stabbed to death in Paris by Iranian intelligence operatives posing as businessmen, on 6 August 1991. Killings of key figures associated with Islamic Republic: The 1981 mayhem The killings of top leaders associated with the 1979 Islamic Revolution started as early as 1981. That year saw assassinations of at least four major figures, including a prime minister, a president and a chief justice. Notably, the same year saw an assassination attempt on Ali Khamenei, then a presidential candidate, but he survived. Mohammad Beheshti, the Chief Justice under the Islamic Republic, was killed in a bombing on 28 June 1981 at the Islamic Republic Party headquarters in Tehran. The People’s Mujahedin of Iran or MEK was behind the attack that also killed 70 other high-ranking officials. Beheshti was a key figure in establishing the judiciary of the Islamic Republic. A single bombing that wiped out the political leaders of Iran One of the most high-profile attacks that caused multiple assassinations was a bombing of the presidential office in Tehran on 30 August 1981. The blast killed President Mohammad Ali Rajai, Prime Minister Mohammad Javad Bahonar and Colonel Vahid Dastjardi, the head of the national police. The MEK was responsible for the attack that targeted the regime’s leadership. Bahonar, a cleric, was a key ideologue of the Islamic Republic, while Dastjardi was a senior security official, making him among the first military-related targets of the Islamic Republic. Ali Sayad Shirazi, Chief Commander of the Army was shot dead on 10 April 1999 outside his home in Tehran by an MEK operative. Shirazi was a key military figure during the Iran-Iraq War, serving as the deputy chief of the General Staff when he was killed. Iranian regime's ‘chain murders’ targeting intellectuals and secularists The Islamic Republic regime targeted many dissidents and intellectuals opposed to the regime in the 1980s and 90s. Most prominent among these was the ‘chain murders’ of 1998. These were targeted killings of secular activists orchestrated by Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence. Among the victims was Dariush Forouhar, Minister of Labor under Pahlavi era, killed on 22 November 1998 along with his wife. The couple was stabbed to death at their home in Tehran. The military chiefs taken out from 2020 to 2024 The killings of military leaders of Iran were among the top priorities of its enemies, particularly Israel and the US. The most prominent among these is Qasem Soleimani, the commander of IRGC's Quds Force. On 3 January 2020, he was assassinated in a US drone strike near Baghdad International Airport in Iraq. Soleimani was not just another military official: he was an awe-inspiring leader of Iran who played a major role in regional operations that included training and arming anti-Israel militant groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. Soleimani was targeted by the US administration of Donald Trump during his first term in office, with reported help from Israel. On 1 April, 2024, Israel conducted an air strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, killing Mohammad Reza Zahedi, the commander of IRGC's Quds Force. Zahedi was a senior commander overseeing IRGC operations in Syria and Lebanon, and the highest-ranking IRGC officer killed since Soleimani. Wiped out: Top leaders and military officials killed in the June 2025 Israeli strikes on Iran Numerous senior officials, both political and military chiefs, were killed during the first days of Israel's military offensive against Iran. They were killed between June 13, when the operation started, and June 15. Among the political figures, the most prominent to have been killed was Ali Shamkhani, senior Adviser to Supreme Leader. Shamkhani was a former IRGC Navy commander who served as national security chief in 2013–2023. He was also a top nuclear negotiator of Iran. Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Tehran during the ongoing Operation Rising Lion. Bagheri was the highest-ranking military official under Supreme Leader Khamenei, and had coordinated operations of Iran’s regular armed forces and the IRGC. The same Israeli attack also killed Hossein Salami, the IRGC Commander-in-Chief. Salami was a major general leading the IRGC since 2019. Gholamali Rashid, Commander of Khatam-al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, was another military leader killed in the Israeli offensive in Tehran. The major general used to coordinate joint military operations between the IRGC and the regular army. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, IRGC Aerospace Force Commander who oversaw Iran’s ballistic missile and drone programmes, was also killed in the Israeli airstrike. He was among the architects of Iranian attacks on Israel in 2024, in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Mohammad Kazemi, IRGC Intelligence Chief was killed in the Israeli airstrike in Tehran on June 15, along with Hassan Mohaqiq, IRGC Intelligence Deputy Chief. Mohsen Bagheri, IRGC Intelligence Officer, was also killed in the same airstrike. Gholamreza Mehrabi, Deputy Intelligence Chief of Armed Forces , Mehdi Rabbani, Deputy Commander of Operations for Armed Forces, Davood Sheikhian, Air Defense Commander, and Khosro Hassani, Deputy Intelligence Chief of IRGC Aerospace Unit were all killed in Israeli air strikes on 13 June. Those killed by Israel this month were key figures of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's inner circle. There is talk in the international media that Khamenei himself might soon become a target of assassination. That, if it happens, would be the most high-profile assassination in the blood-stained history of modern-day Iran.

Modern Iran's history is pockmarked by assassinations of political and military leaders, intellectuals, activists and dissidents inside the country and abroad.&nbsp;

Assassination Nation: From PMs and presidents to military chiefs, modern Iran's story is marked by murders of its top leaders

Israel's ongoing war on Iran had a curious element: Many of the attacks were actually launched from inside Iranian territory. And the intelligence agency Mossad was able to pinpoint the location of several leaders, including military chiefs whom the Israeli Defence Forces killed. This is only possible with insider information, and a network of spies in Iran and abroad. Iranian dissidents and exiles allegedly provide much of the information. There is a vast network of Iranians opposed to the Islamic Republic regime. Many of them live within Iran. Others are part of the vast Iranian diaspora population, estimated to number up to 8 million, and living in many Western countries, including the US and Europe. Many of the Iranian diaspora members are exiles who fled the country in the wake of the Islamic Revolution of 1979 that led to the fall of the monarchy led by the Pahlavi dynasty's Shahs.&nbsp; Some of them formed groups abroad that allegedly orchestrated attacks and assassinations in Iran, and helped expose the Iranian secret nuclear weapons programme.&nbsp; While much of their activities are under-reported and unconfirmed, below are some of the most important dissident and exile groups and internal resistance movements that are possibly helping enemies of Iran. &nbsp;<h2>People’s Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (MEK)</h2>MEK, founded in 1965, is a Marxist-Islamist group. It was initially a part of the Islamic Revolution of 1979, but fell out with the regime. Its leadership went into exile in different parts of the world, including in Iraq and Europe, particularly Albania. It is believed that during the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, MEK collaborated with Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.&nbsp; MEK's structure is allegedly formed like a cult. &nbsp;It has been linked in the past to Western and Israeli intelligence agencies. The group was among those who shared information on the nuclear facilities of Iran in Natanz and Arak to the West. Over the years, there have been accusations that the MEK is receiving Israeli backing for assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists between 2010 and 2012. One of the MEK operatives, Majid Jamali Fashi, had reportedly confessed to having been trained by Mossad for one such killing. The US has, however, officially denied any MEK involvement.&nbsp; Many of the MEK leaders have openly met and received backing from US officials in the past, including diplomats Mike Pompeo and John Bolton. The MEK is thought to be sharing intelligence with Iran's enemies. In 2022, Iran's parallel army, the IRGC, claimed that it had arrested teams affiliated with MEK who were planning attacks in Khuzestan, Fars and Isfahan. &nbsp;<h2>National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI)</h2>NCRI is the public face and political front of MEK. Currently led by Maryam Rajavi, NCRI advocates for a secular and democratic Iran. NCRI has a so-called ‘government-in-exile’, and engages in lobbying efforts in the West.&nbsp; NCRI also provided intelligence on Iran’s nuclear programme to the West, helping expose it to the world.&nbsp; Though NCRI is not directly implicated in assassinations inside Iran, it is thought to have provided intelligence to facilitate the killings. The NCRI's main role is to provide information and advocacy for a new Iran among Western institutions and governments.&nbsp; While there have been speculations, it is not clearly established if NCRI has any formal connection to Mossad. But its reports in the 2000s were crucial to Western diplomatic efforts and sanctions against Iran.<h2>The Kingdom Assembly of Iran (Tondar)</h2>Tondar, based in the US, is a monarchist group that seeks the restoration of the Pahlavi dynasty. &nbsp;It also advocates armed resistance against the current regime.&nbsp; While it's not as prominent as the MEK, Iran in the past accused this group of disruptive activities, including the 2008 Shiraz mosque bombing that killed 14 people.&nbsp; Its leader, Jamshid Sharmahd, was executed by Iran in 2024 for what it called ‘US-sponsored terrorism.’&nbsp; Despite Iran's allegations, Tondar’s connection to foreign intelligence agencies like Mossad is not clearly proven.<h2>National Council of Iran and Reza Pahlavi</h2>Led by Reza Pahlavi, Crown Prince of Iran, the exiled son of the last Shah, NCI actively promotes a constitutional monarchy, using peaceful advocacy and public diplomacy.&nbsp;Reza Pahlavi, who lives mostly in the US, also formed a government-in-exile, but lacks an organised movement.&nbsp; However, the crown prince is visible and active among monarchist supporters. He has visited Israel in recent years and has links with Western policymakers. His influence is symbolic and political, not operational, and he has not been openly connected to violence or intelligence operations targeting Iran.<h2>Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahwaz (ASMLA)</h2> Based in Khuzestan, the ASMLA is an Arab separatist group which seeks autonomy. &nbsp;The 2018 Ahvaz military parade attack that killed 25 people was blamed on ASMLA by Iran, which claimed that it got the backing of Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the West.&nbsp; It is not clear if these allegations are true, and no public admission of any links with Mossad exists. &nbsp;It is believed that ASMLA acts on its own, separate from the intelligence networks of Israel or the West.&nbsp;<h2>Many groups want regime change in Iran, and are helping Israel and West</h2>These are only some of the most prominent dissident and exile groups. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals disgruntled with the Iranian regime who are possibly helping its enemies, particularly Israel. &nbsp;While only the MEK is credibly tied to assassinations, it is clear that Mossad has benefited from cooperation by other groups.&nbsp; The 2018 nuclear archive theft and the 2020 killing of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh were carried out by Israel, allegedly with help from internal networks in Iran.

There is a vast network of Iranians opposed to the Islamic Republic regime. Many of them live within Iran. Others are part of the vast Iranian diaspora population, estimated to number up to 8 million

Israel's ongoing war on Iran had a curious element: Many of the attacks were actually launched from inside Iranian territory. And the intelligence agency Mossad was able to pinpoint the location of several leaders, including military chiefs whom the Israeli Defence Forces killed. This is only possible with insider information, and a network of spies in Iran and abroad. Iranian dissidents and exiles allegedly provide much of the information. There is a vast network of Iranians opposed to the Islamic Republic regime. Many of them live within Iran. Others are part of the vast Iranian diaspora population, estimated to number up to 8 million, and living in many Western countries, including the US and Europe. Many of the Iranian diaspora members are exiles who fled the country in the wake of the Islamic Revolution of 1979 that led to the fall of the monarchy led by the Pahlavi dynasty's Shahs. Some of them formed groups abroad that allegedly orchestrated attacks and assassinations in Iran, and helped expose the Iranian secret nuclear weapons programme. While much of their activities are under-reported and unconfirmed, below are some of the most important dissident and exile groups and internal resistance movements that are possibly helping enemies of Iran. People’s Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (MEK) MEK, founded in 1965, is a Marxist-Islamist group. It was initially a part of the Islamic Revolution of 1979, but fell out with the regime. Its leadership went into exile in different parts of the world, including in Iraq and Europe, particularly Albania. It is believed that during the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, MEK collaborated with Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. MEK's structure is allegedly formed like a cult. It has been linked in the past to Western and Israeli intelligence agencies. The group was among those who shared information on the nuclear facilities of Iran in Natanz and Arak to the West. Over the years, there have been accusations that the MEK is receiving Israeli backing for assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists between 2010 and 2012. One of the MEK operatives, Majid Jamali Fashi, had reportedly confessed to having been trained by Mossad for one such killing. The US has, however, officially denied any MEK involvement. Many of the MEK leaders have openly met and received backing from US officials in the past, including diplomats Mike Pompeo and John Bolton. The MEK is thought to be sharing intelligence with Iran's enemies. In 2022, Iran's parallel army, the IRGC, claimed that it had arrested teams affiliated with MEK who were planning attacks in Khuzestan, Fars and Isfahan. National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) NCRI is the public face and political front of MEK. Currently led by Maryam Rajavi, NCRI advocates for a secular and democratic Iran. NCRI has a so-called ‘government-in-exile’, and engages in lobbying efforts in the West. NCRI also provided intelligence on Iran’s nuclear programme to the West, helping expose it to the world. Though NCRI is not directly implicated in assassinations inside Iran, it is thought to have provided intelligence to facilitate the killings. The NCRI's main role is to provide information and advocacy for a new Iran among Western institutions and governments. While there have been speculations, it is not clearly established if NCRI has any formal connection to Mossad. But its reports in the 2000s were crucial to Western diplomatic efforts and sanctions against Iran. The Kingdom Assembly of Iran (Tondar) Tondar, based in the US, is a monarchist group that seeks the restoration of the Pahlavi dynasty. It also advocates armed resistance against the current regime. While it's not as prominent as the MEK, Iran in the past accused this group of disruptive activities, including the 2008 Shiraz mosque bombing that killed 14 people. Its leader, Jamshid Sharmahd, was executed by Iran in 2024 for what it called ‘US-sponsored terrorism.’ Despite Iran's allegations, Tondar’s connection to foreign intelligence agencies like Mossad is not clearly proven. National Council of Iran and Reza Pahlavi Led by Reza Pahlavi, Crown Prince of Iran, the exiled son of the last Shah, NCI actively promotes a constitutional monarchy, using peaceful advocacy and public diplomacy. Reza Pahlavi, who lives mostly in the US, also formed a government-in-exile, but lacks an organised movement. However, the crown prince is visible and active among monarchist supporters. He has visited Israel in recent years and has links with Western policymakers. His influence is symbolic and political, not operational, and he has not been openly connected to violence or intelligence operations targeting Iran. Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahwaz (ASMLA) Based in Khuzestan, the ASMLA is an Arab separatist group which seeks autonomy. The 2018 Ahvaz military parade attack that killed 25 people was blamed on ASMLA by Iran, which claimed that it got the backing of Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the West. It is not clear if these allegations are true, and no public admission of any links with Mossad exists. It is believed that ASMLA acts on its own, separate from the intelligence networks of Israel or the West. Many groups want regime change in Iran, and are helping Israel and West These are only some of the most prominent dissident and exile groups. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals disgruntled with the Iranian regime who are possibly helping its enemies, particularly Israel. While only the MEK is credibly tied to assassinations, it is clear that Mossad has benefited from cooperation by other groups. The 2018 nuclear archive theft and the 2020 killing of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh were carried out by Israel, allegedly with help from internal networks in Iran.

Mossad was able to pinpoint the location of several leaders, including military chiefs whom the Israeli Defence Forces killed. This is only possible with insider information

Who is helping Iran's enemies? Dissidents, exiles, monarchists, Marxists and resistance groups within opposed to the regime, listed

Who is Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei? In his increasingly rare appearances at Friday sermons, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei often kept a loaded gun by his side. The Islamic Republic's 86-year-old leader has good reasons to do so, particularly amid the current war with Israel, whose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hasn't kept it a secret that he would like Khamenei dead. Often reported to be living in bunkers, Khamenei has survived bids on his life in the past. So, who really is Khamenei? How did he rise to power in Iran? And who all want him dead? Here is a profile:<h2>Ali Khamenei, Iran's second supreme leader</h2>Sayyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei&nbsp;has been the Supreme Leader of Iran since 1989, becoming only the second person to hold that post after the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini.&nbsp;This means he has been in power for 36 years, making him one of the longest-serving heads of state in present-day world. Born on April 19, 1939, in Mashhad, Iran, Khamenei is a so-called ‘Grand Ayatollah’. Born into the family of a modest Islamic scholar,&nbsp; Khamenei studied Islamic theology in Qom under prominent scholars, including Ruhollah Khomeini, his mentor.<h2>A political life dotted with protests, arrests, exile</h2>As a young man, Khamenei was active in protests against the Shah dynasty's rule, way back in the 1960s. He was arrested several times, and lived in exile for three years during the Shah's regime.&nbsp; His humble background, which included studying the religion, has informed his commitment to Islamic governance and his fight against Western influence.<h2>Confidant and inheritor of Khomeini's power</h2>After the establishment of the Islamic Republic following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Khamenei became a close confidant of Khomeini. He rose through the ranks in the clergy-government nexus of Iran.&nbsp; Since the Revolution, Khomenei held important posts, such as the deputy defence minister in the provisional revolutionary government. He was also the Supervisor of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards or IRGC and oversaw the parallel military's early operations.<h2>Rise through the ranks: From president to Supreme Leader</h2>In 1980, Khomeini appointed him as Tehran’s Friday Prayers Imam, &nbsp;a key post in Iran with significant religious and political import. He was elected a parliamentarian in 1980, representing &nbsp;Tehran in the Majlis. A year later, he was elected the President of Iran after the assassination of then president Mohammad Ali Rajai, and went on to serve two terms till 1989. &nbsp;After the death of Khomeini in 1989, he was elected by the Assembly of Experts as the Supreme Leader of Iran.&nbsp;Thus, the son of a simple Islamic scholar became the ultimate authority over Iran’s political, military, social and religious life. Over the years, Khamanei served in several other important positions in Iran, including as the&nbsp; chairman of the Revolution’s Cultural Council, President of the Expediency Council, and Chairman of the Committee for Revision of the Constitution.<h2>Survivor of assassination attempts</h2>Much of the hagiography around Khamenei is about his survival of assassination attempts. While several of the attempts are either unreported or underplayed in Iran, two of them stand out.&nbsp;Perhaps the most prominent is the bid on his life in 1981.<h2>The Friday prayer bomb attack</h2>On 27 June 1981, Khamenei was at a Friday sermon at Abuzar Mosque in Tehran when a bomb exploded near him. &nbsp;The bomb, hidden in a tape recorder, severely injured Khamenei, leaving him permanently paralysed in his right arm. The blast also damaged his vocal cords and lungs. After months in the hospital, Khamenei came back to the limelight. The assassination attempt and survival made him almost a demigod for his supporters.<h2>Attack at Tehran University</h2>An almost similar attack took place on 15 March 1985 in Tehran University, again during Friday prayers. This time, it was a suicide bomber.&nbsp;Khamenei, who was president at the time, escaped unharmed, even as several people died in the blast.&nbsp; &nbsp;Khamenei continued in office, but this time, he began a crackdown on opposition groups. &nbsp;There have been other reported attempts on the life of Khamenei, including a drone attack in 2022.&nbsp;<h2>Who all wanted him dead?</h2>The opposition group Mojahedin-e Khalq or MEK was the 1981 attack perpetrators, according to Iran’s official narrative. For the 1985 attack, no group has been named officially, but the needle of suspicion still pointed to MEK. &nbsp;Over the past two decades, Israel has been among the main adversaries who wanted Khamenei dead. In the first hours of its attacks on Iran this month, Israel reportedly targeted Khamenei's residence or nearby areas.&nbsp; He is reportedly sheltering in a bunker. And Israel is closing in. Iran’s military leaders and Khamenei's top advisor Ali Shamkhani are among those killed in Israel’s initial wave of airstrikes on June 13. With several top names in his inner circle gone, Khamenei, one of the longest-serving leaders of West Asia, is looking more vulnerable than ever.&nbsp; But will he weather this storm too? Watch this space.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not kept it a secret that he would like Khamenei dead

Who is Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei? In his increasingly rare appearances at Friday sermons, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei often kept a loaded gun by his side. The Islamic Republic's 86-year-old leader has good reasons to do so, particularly amid the current war with Israel, whose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hasn't kept it a secret that he would like Khamenei dead. Often reported to be living in bunkers, Khamenei has survived bids on his life in the past. So, who really is Khamenei? How did he rise to power in Iran? And who all want him dead? Here is a profile: Ali Khamenei, Iran's second supreme leader Sayyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei has been the Supreme Leader of Iran since 1989, becoming only the second person to hold that post after the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini. This means he has been in power for 36 years, making him one of the longest-serving heads of state in present-day world. Born on April 19, 1939, in Mashhad, Iran, Khamenei is a so-called ‘Grand Ayatollah’. Born into the family of a modest Islamic scholar, Khamenei studied Islamic theology in Qom under prominent scholars, including Ruhollah Khomeini, his mentor. A political life dotted with protests, arrests, exile As a young man, Khamenei was active in protests against the Shah dynasty's rule, way back in the 1960s. He was arrested several times, and lived in exile for three years during the Shah's regime. His humble background, which included studying the religion, has informed his commitment to Islamic governance and his fight against Western influence. Confidant and inheritor of Khomeini's power After the establishment of the Islamic Republic following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Khamenei became a close confidant of Khomeini. He rose through the ranks in the clergy-government nexus of Iran. Since the Revolution, Khomenei held important posts, such as the deputy defence minister in the provisional revolutionary government. He was also the Supervisor of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards or IRGC and oversaw the parallel military's early operations. Rise through the ranks: From president to Supreme Leader In 1980, Khomeini appointed him as Tehran’s Friday Prayers Imam, a key post in Iran with significant religious and political import. He was elected a parliamentarian in 1980, representing Tehran in the Majlis. A year later, he was elected the President of Iran after the assassination of then president Mohammad Ali Rajai, and went on to serve two terms till 1989. After the death of Khomeini in 1989, he was elected by the Assembly of Experts as the Supreme Leader of Iran. Thus, the son of a simple Islamic scholar became the ultimate authority over Iran’s political, military, social and religious life. Over the years, Khamanei served in several other important positions in Iran, including as the chairman of the Revolution’s Cultural Council, President of the Expediency Council, and Chairman of the Committee for Revision of the Constitution. Survivor of assassination attempts Much of the hagiography around Khamenei is about his survival of assassination attempts. While several of the attempts are either unreported or underplayed in Iran, two of them stand out. Perhaps the most prominent is the bid on his life in 1981. The Friday prayer bomb attack On 27 June 1981, Khamenei was at a Friday sermon at Abuzar Mosque in Tehran when a bomb exploded near him. The bomb, hidden in a tape recorder, severely injured Khamenei, leaving him permanently paralysed in his right arm. The blast also damaged his vocal cords and lungs. After months in the hospital, Khamenei came back to the limelight. The assassination attempt and survival made him almost a demigod for his supporters. Attack at Tehran University An almost similar attack took place on 15 March 1985 in Tehran University, again during Friday prayers. This time, it was a suicide bomber. Khamenei, who was president at the time, escaped unharmed, even as several people died in the blast. Khamenei continued in office, but this time, he began a crackdown on opposition groups. There have been other reported attempts on the life of Khamenei, including a drone attack in 2022. Who all wanted him dead? The opposition group Mojahedin-e Khalq or MEK was the 1981 attack perpetrators, according to Iran’s official narrative. For the 1985 attack, no group has been named officially, but the needle of suspicion still pointed to MEK. Over the past two decades, Israel has been among the main adversaries who wanted Khamenei dead. In the first hours of its attacks on Iran this month, Israel reportedly targeted Khamenei's residence or nearby areas. He is reportedly sheltering in a bunker. And Israel is closing in. Iran’s military leaders and Khamenei's top advisor Ali Shamkhani are among those killed in Israel’s initial wave of airstrikes on June 13. With several top names in his inner circle gone, Khamenei, one of the longest-serving leaders of West Asia, is looking more vulnerable than ever. But will he weather this storm too? Watch this space.

&nbsp;Khamenei has been in power for 36 years, making him one of the oldest heads of state in the present world. No small feat, given who all wanted him dead &nbsp;

Israel wants to kill Ali Khamenei but he's survived assassination bids in the past. Who wanted Iran Supreme Leader dead? A profile

Israel's attacks on Iran and its counteroffensive have brought unprecedented global attention to the Islamic Republic and its regime. Many are wondering how the theocratic state became the arch rival of the Jewish nation, leading to the current flare-up of hostilities. The religious identity of Iran, as an Islamic Republic, is at the core of its political and strategic belligerence towards Israel. But did you know that Iran, once part of the vast Persian empire, was a much more secular, hybrid and tolerant nation? Let's dive into how Iran moved from a hybrid-secular nation to an Islamic country.<h2>Religious makeup of Iran</h2>Iran is a Muslim-majority nation, with nearly 99 per cent of the population self-identifying as Muslim. Out of this, nearly 95 per cent or around 85 per cent of the total population, is Shia Muslim. &nbsp;Shias, who number around 80 million out of the nearly 87.6 million total population, are the majority community. &nbsp;Shia Islam was established as the official state religion during the Safavid dynasty of 1501–1736. Sunni Muslims, while a prominent community in the rest of West Asia, are a minority in Iran, consisting of around &nbsp;5 to 10 per cent of the Muslim population, or up to 10 per cent of the total population, and is estimated to be around 9 million people (Note that these are only figures in a range, as there could be undercounting of several minority communities). Most Sunnis belong to ethnic minority groups like the Kurds, Turkmen, Arabs, Baloch, and some Persians, and live mainly in provinces like Kurdistan, Sistan-Baluchistan, and Hormozgan.&nbsp; Non-Muslim communities are less than 1 per cent of the population. They include Christians, &nbsp;Baha’is, Zoroastrians, Jews, Yarsanis, and Sabean-Mandaeans. &nbsp;Note that many of the minority communities were persecuted, exiled or undercounted. Iran once hosted one of the largest Jewish populations in the region, for instance, before many of them were forced out. In Iran's past, Zorastrians - or Parsis - &nbsp;were driven out by Muslim conquerers and went into exile to various countries, including India. Bahai's are another silenced community.<h2> Is Islam really a big part of Iranians' daily life? &nbsp;</h2>Given the population figures, the obvious answer is yes, but there are some shifts observed by recent surveys, like the one by GAMAAN in 2020.&nbsp; It found that only 40 per cent of respondents self-identified as Muslim (32 per cent Shia, 5 pc Sunni and 3 pc Sufi).&nbsp; There may be a bias in this study as the survey might have been done only among urban and literate respondents.<h2>Was Iran less ‘Islamic’ before 1979?</h2>The best way to describe Iran just before the Islamic Revolution of 1979 would be as hybrid-secular. Under the Pahlavi dynasty of 1925–1979, which ruled just before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, religion and state were partially separated.&nbsp;Reza Shah Pahlavi, who ruled from 1925–1941, led a modernisation drive in Iran, offering a limited amount of secularisation. The Shah cut down the Shia clergy's influence. He centralised state power and brought in legal codes influenced by the West. He brought in secular reforms like a ban on the hijab in 1936, and promoted Western dress. Under his rule, mosques and Islamic seminaries lost autonomy, with the state taking control of education and judicial systems. Mohammad Reza Shah, who ruled from 1941–1979, continued with these policies. The stress was on modernisation and Westernisation, with undercurrents of secularism.&nbsp; The Islamic clergy was marginalised, with new reforms like the 1963 White Revolution, which included land reforms and women’s suffrage.&nbsp; The state, not the clergy, was in charge of waqf, or Islamic religious endowments.&nbsp;Secular laws were introduced on many aspects of life, even as Shia Islam remained the official state religion as enshrined in the 1906 Constitution. Side note here: The secular policies were creating disenchantment in Islamic clerics and religious people. There was also criticism that the Shah dynasty was beholden to the Anglo-American powers and former colonialists. Another point to note is that Iran was not fully secular like Turkey at the time, as the Shahs had continued the state's links to Shia Islam. Much of the society was still very religious.&nbsp;The Islamic clergy continued to have influence in rural areas and among traditional people who opposed the Shahs. So at best, Iran under the Pahlavis can be described as a hybrid of monarchy with secular laws and reforms, with a society that was still largely followers of Shia Islam. Under the Shahs, the state looked back at Iran's pre-Islam past for inspiration and national identity, based on its Persian heritage, with events celebrating Cyrus the Great, even as it sidelined Islamic religious authorities. Such a secularism, brought by decree from the top, had its pitfalls. As mentioned earlier, the Islamists and conservative sections of the society were angry, and that resentment was a factor that led to the Islamic Revolution. &nbsp;<h2>What was Iran's religion before it became a nation?</h2>&nbsp;Remember that Iran, in its current form as a nation, is part of a vast Persian empire that once spanned almost half the globe.&nbsp; So one has to look at present-day Iran as an inheritor of millennia of evolution when it comes to religion.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Pre-Islam Iran was the land where religions came and went</h2>From around 1000 BCE to 651 CE, &nbsp;Zoroastrianism was the predominant religion of empires centred around present-day Iran. The Achaemenid, Parthian and Sasanian empires had a religion that stressed on good versus evil. Ahura Mazda was their supreme deity. Fire temples and priestly classes known as the Magi were central to religion. Under these empires, new religions and cults emerged, and old ones are thought to have coexisted with them. During Achaemenid Empire, other communities that lived in the Persian region included Jews, Christians, and those following Mithraism and Manichaeism. &nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>The Muslim conquest of 651 CE started the change in Iran's religious landscape</h2>Islam was introduced to the Iranian region through the Arab Muslim conquests. Over the subsequent centuries, most Iranians converted, mainly to Shia Islam.&nbsp;&nbsp;By the 10th century AD, Shia Islam became deeply rooted in Iran, particularly with the Buyid dynasty and Safavids. At this time, Zoroastrians were persecuted. They and other minorities like Jews and Christians lived as protected, yet second-class citizens, generally known as ‘dhimmis’. Safavid Dynasty of 1501–1736 enforced the conversion of the Sunni population and established a strong Shia clergy. This was the era that brought in Iran's current Shia national identity. The Qajar Dynasty of 1789–1925 continued the Shia dominance, with the clerics given vast powers over key aspects of life like law and education.<h2>The stranglehold of religion was eased with the Constitutional Revolution</h2>In the late 19th century, during and under the influence of British colonialists, Western ideas like nationalism and constitutionalism were introduced to Iran.&nbsp; This led to the 1906 Constitutional Revolution, and Iranian nationhood. The constitution, while keeping Shia Islam as the state religion, still allowed limited religious freedoms for minorities like Zoroastrians, Jews and Christians.&nbsp; A parliament was introduced, and the powers of the monarchy, by this time under attack by the Western colonial powers, had been weakened. &nbsp;<h2>Iran's transition from semi-secular to Islamist</h2>Resentment towards the Pahlavi Dynasty of 1925–1979, particularly about its promotion of a pre-Islamic identity for Iran, was the seed for the Islamic Revolution of 1978--79. The clergy, whose powers were cut short by the Shahs, wanted to gain back control. Socially, Shia Islam was still the dominant force, which meant that at the ground level, religious minorities faced discrimination despite the legal protections ensured in the constitution. The Islamic Revolution was in fact, prompted and led by a disgruntled group of clerics, conservatives and traditionalists. They saw in the Shah’s dynasty the influence of Western cultural imperialism, which was aimed at preserving the Anglo-American interests, mainly in the then recently-emerged oil wealth of Iran. While the Western powers continued to plunder Iran's wealth, the country's economy suffered under the Shahs. It is from this disgruntlement that figures like the Ruhollah Ayatollah Khomeini emerged.&nbsp; Khomeini, who was living in exile at the time, advocated for a nation governed under Islamic principles. That was the beginning of the &nbsp;Islamic Revolution of 1979.<h2>Post Islamic Revolution: How Iran went back to Shia Islam</h2>The Islamic Revolution was a reaction to both the Shah regime, and the Anglo-American petrodollar interests that kept it in power.&nbsp; At the time, a return to Islamic principles was seen as the best way for Iran to come out of the Western influence, with the accusation that Iran's economy was suffering at the hands of the British-US duo, particularly the oil. After the Islamic Revolution, Khomeini established a nation under the so-called Velayat-e Faqih or Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist. Once again, Shia Islam, already the dominant religion, became the preeminent force of the state, with a cleric, the Supreme Leader in the form of Khomeini, becoming the ultimate authority.<h2>Sharia law changed the face of Iran's religious life</h2>A new constitution, established in 1979 enshrined Shia Islam as the state religion. Sharia, or Islamic law became the governing force for legal, social, and political aspects of Iran.&nbsp; &nbsp;Under Sharia, the state strictly enforced Islamic codes on dress and behaviour. &nbsp;Shia rituals like Ashura became central to national identity, and the clergy dominated politics and education. Technically, the non-Shia Muslims such as the Sunnis, as well as Zoroastrians, Jews, and Christians are recognised as minorities, but in reality, their rights are limited, while unrecognised groups like Baha’is face persecution. Currently, Iran remains a theocracy, with Shia Islam as the ideological backbone.&nbsp; The government funds religious institutions, and the clergy controls key sectors.&nbsp;<h2>Will Iran go back to being hybrid -secular?</h2>Dissent is actively curtailed in Iran, which has witnessed several movements against the theocratic state, all of which were forcibly suppressed. Many of these movements are secular and reformist in nature, but are concentrated in urban youth and intellectuals, while the rural folk still remain highly religious. There is a segment of society yearning for reform and more liberal attitudes towards religion and life, yet the state retains tight control over these matters.&nbsp; Sometimes, these tensions come to the fore, as seen in the 2022 anti-veil protest in the wake of Mahsa Amini's death in police custody.&nbsp;For the time being, those wanting reforms and the Islamist state are in a tense coexistence.&nbsp;

There is a segment of society yearning for reform and more liberal attitudes towards religion and life, yet the Shia Islam state retains tight control over these matters. 


Israel's attacks on Iran and its counteroffensive have brought unprecedented global attention to the Islamic Republic and its regime. Many are wondering how the theocratic state became the arch rival of the Jewish nation, leading to the current flare-up of hostilities. The religious identity of Iran, as an Islamic Republic, is at the core of its political and strategic belligerence towards Israel. But did you know that Iran, once part of the vast Persian empire, was a much more secular, hybrid and tolerant nation? Let's dive into how Iran moved from a hybrid-secular nation to an Islamic country. Religious makeup of Iran Iran is a Muslim-majority nation, with nearly 99 per cent of the population self-identifying as Muslim. Out of this, nearly 95 per cent or around 85 per cent of the total population, is Shia Muslim. Shias, who number around 80 million out of the nearly 87.6 million total population, are the majority community. Shia Islam was established as the official state religion during the Safavid dynasty of 1501–1736. Sunni Muslims, while a prominent community in the rest of West Asia, are a minority in Iran, consisting of around 5 to 10 per cent of the Muslim population, or up to 10 per cent of the total population, and is estimated to be around 9 million people (Note that these are only figures in a range, as there could be undercounting of several minority communities). Most Sunnis belong to ethnic minority groups like the Kurds, Turkmen, Arabs, Baloch, and some Persians, and live mainly in provinces like Kurdistan, Sistan-Baluchistan, and Hormozgan. Non-Muslim communities are less than 1 per cent of the population. They include Christians, Baha’is, Zoroastrians, Jews, Yarsanis, and Sabean-Mandaeans. Note that many of the minority communities were persecuted, exiled or undercounted. Iran once hosted one of the largest Jewish populations in the region, for instance, before many of them were forced out. In Iran's past, Zorastrians - or Parsis - were driven out by Muslim conquerers and went into exile to various countries, including India. Bahai's are another silenced community. Is Islam really a big part of Iranians' daily life? Given the population figures, the obvious answer is yes, but there are some shifts observed by recent surveys, like the one by GAMAAN in 2020. It found that only 40 per cent of respondents self-identified as Muslim (32 per cent Shia, 5 pc Sunni and 3 pc Sufi). There may be a bias in this study as the survey might have been done only among urban and literate respondents. Was Iran less ‘Islamic’ before 1979? The best way to describe Iran just before the Islamic Revolution of 1979 would be as hybrid-secular. Under the Pahlavi dynasty of 1925–1979, which ruled just before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, religion and state were partially separated. Reza Shah Pahlavi, who ruled from 1925–1941, led a modernisation drive in Iran, offering a limited amount of secularisation. The Shah cut down the Shia clergy's influence. He centralised state power and brought in legal codes influenced by the West. He brought in secular reforms like a ban on the hijab in 1936, and promoted Western dress. Under his rule, mosques and Islamic seminaries lost autonomy, with the state taking control of education and judicial systems. Mohammad Reza Shah, who ruled from 1941–1979, continued with these policies. The stress was on modernisation and Westernisation, with undercurrents of secularism. The Islamic clergy was marginalised, with new reforms like the 1963 White Revolution, which included land reforms and women’s suffrage. The state, not the clergy, was in charge of waqf, or Islamic religious endowments. Secular laws were introduced on many aspects of life, even as Shia Islam remained the official state religion as enshrined in the 1906 Constitution. Side note here: The secular policies were creating disenchantment in Islamic clerics and religious people. There was also criticism that the Shah dynasty was beholden to the Anglo-American powers and former colonialists. Another point to note is that Iran was not fully secular like Turkey at the time, as the Shahs had continued the state's links to Shia Islam. Much of the society was still very religious. The Islamic clergy continued to have influence in rural areas and among traditional people who opposed the Shahs. So at best, Iran under the Pahlavis can be described as a hybrid of monarchy with secular laws and reforms, with a society that was still largely followers of Shia Islam. Under the Shahs, the state looked back at Iran's pre-Islam past for inspiration and national identity, based on its Persian heritage, with events celebrating Cyrus the Great, even as it sidelined Islamic religious authorities. Such a secularism, brought by decree from the top, had its pitfalls. As mentioned earlier, the Islamists and conservative sections of the society were angry, and that resentment was a factor that led to the Islamic Revolution. What was Iran's religion before it became a nation? Remember that Iran, in its current form as a nation, is part of a vast Persian empire that once spanned almost half the globe. So one has to look at present-day Iran as an inheritor of millennia of evolution when it comes to religion. Pre-Islam Iran was the land where religions came and went From around 1000 BCE to 651 CE, Zoroastrianism was the predominant religion of empires centred around present-day Iran. The Achaemenid, Parthian and Sasanian empires had a religion that stressed on good versus evil. Ahura Mazda was their supreme deity. Fire temples and priestly classes known as the Magi were central to religion. Under these empires, new religions and cults emerged, and old ones are thought to have coexisted with them. During Achaemenid Empire, other communities that lived in the Persian region included Jews, Christians, and those following Mithraism and Manichaeism. The Muslim conquest of 651 CE started the change in Iran's religious landscape Islam was introduced to the Iranian region through the Arab Muslim conquests. Over the subsequent centuries, most Iranians converted, mainly to Shia Islam. By the 10th century AD, Shia Islam became deeply rooted in Iran, particularly with the Buyid dynasty and Safavids. At this time, Zoroastrians were persecuted. They and other minorities like Jews and Christians lived as protected, yet second-class citizens, generally known as ‘dhimmis’. Safavid Dynasty of 1501–1736 enforced the conversion of the Sunni population and established a strong Shia clergy. This was the era that brought in Iran's current Shia national identity. The Qajar Dynasty of 1789–1925 continued the Shia dominance, with the clerics given vast powers over key aspects of life like law and education. The stranglehold of religion was eased with the Constitutional Revolution In the late 19th century, during and under the influence of British colonialists, Western ideas like nationalism and constitutionalism were introduced to Iran. This led to the 1906 Constitutional Revolution, and Iranian nationhood. The constitution, while keeping Shia Islam as the state religion, still allowed limited religious freedoms for minorities like Zoroastrians, Jews and Christians. A parliament was introduced, and the powers of the monarchy, by this time under attack by the Western colonial powers, had been weakened. Iran's transition from semi-secular to Islamist Resentment towards the Pahlavi Dynasty of 1925–1979, particularly about its promotion of a pre-Islamic identity for Iran, was the seed for the Islamic Revolution of 1978--79. The clergy, whose powers were cut short by the Shahs, wanted to gain back control. Socially, Shia Islam was still the dominant force, which meant that at the ground level, religious minorities faced discrimination despite the legal protections ensured in the constitution. The Islamic Revolution was in fact, prompted and led by a disgruntled group of clerics, conservatives and traditionalists. They saw in the Shah’s dynasty the influence of Western cultural imperialism, which was aimed at preserving the Anglo-American interests, mainly in the then recently-emerged oil wealth of Iran. While the Western powers continued to plunder Iran's wealth, the country's economy suffered under the Shahs. It is from this disgruntlement that figures like the Ruhollah Ayatollah Khomeini emerged. Khomeini, who was living in exile at the time, advocated for a nation governed under Islamic principles. That was the beginning of the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Post Islamic Revolution: How Iran went back to Shia Islam The Islamic Revolution was a reaction to both the Shah regime, and the Anglo-American petrodollar interests that kept it in power. At the time, a return to Islamic principles was seen as the best way for Iran to come out of the Western influence, with the accusation that Iran's economy was suffering at the hands of the British-US duo, particularly the oil. After the Islamic Revolution, Khomeini established a nation under the so-called Velayat-e Faqih or Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist. Once again, Shia Islam, already the dominant religion, became the preeminent force of the state, with a cleric, the Supreme Leader in the form of Khomeini, becoming the ultimate authority. Sharia law changed the face of Iran's religious life A new constitution, established in 1979 enshrined Shia Islam as the state religion. Sharia, or Islamic law became the governing force for legal, social, and political aspects of Iran. Under Sharia, the state strictly enforced Islamic codes on dress and behaviour. Shia rituals like Ashura became central to national identity, and the clergy dominated politics and education. Technically, the non-Shia Muslims such as the Sunnis, as well as Zoroastrians, Jews, and Christians are recognised as minorities, but in reality, their rights are limited, while unrecognised groups like Baha’is face persecution. Currently, Iran remains a theocracy, with Shia Islam as the ideological backbone. The government funds religious institutions, and the clergy controls key sectors. Will Iran go back to being hybrid -secular? Dissent is actively curtailed in Iran, which has witnessed several movements against the theocratic state, all of which were forcibly suppressed. Many of these movements are secular and reformist in nature, but are concentrated in urban youth and intellectuals, while the rural folk still remain highly religious. There is a segment of society yearning for reform and more liberal attitudes towards religion and life, yet the state retains tight control over these matters. Sometimes, these tensions come to the fore, as seen in the 2022 anti-veil protest in the wake of Mahsa Amini's death in police custody. For the time being, those wanting reforms and the Islamist state are in a tense coexistence.

Did you know that Iran, once part of the vast Persian empire, was a much more secular, hybrid and tolerant nation?&nbsp;

Muslim country Iran wasn't always ‘Islamic’: How it went from hybrid secular to theocratic state

Israel and Iran are at a direct war now, but did you know that once upon a time, the two countries had friendly relations, and even cooperated to fight common enemies? For nearly three decades since the formation of Israel in 1948, Iran and Israel had a peaceful relationship. They even helped each other fight common enemies. So what happened before their regional rivalry started? What changed now? Here is a timeline. &nbsp;<h2>Iran was neutral, and cooperated with Israel during regional wars</h2>In the Six-Day War of 1967, Israel fought Egypt, Jordan and Syria. In the war of June 5–10, Israel captured the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Golan Heights. At the time, Iran was ruled by Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The Iranian Shah was an ally of the US and had friendly, albeit covert, ties with Israel. Iran exported oil to Israel at the time, and helped Israel with intelligence sharing. Iran played no military role against Israel in this war, one of the first in the long-standing Arab-Israeli conflict.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the war of 1971 also, Iran played no significant military role against Israel. The Shah’s regime continued its relationship with Israel at the time, and even cooperated in joint ventures like the Eilat-Ashkelon pipeline.&nbsp;<h2>So what changed? Answer: The Islamic Revolution</h2> The Islamic Revolution of 1978-79 was essentially a domestic political movement guided by Islamic principles with the aim of overthrowing the Shah's regime. His pro-Israeli stance was, in fact, one of the reasons for the Shah's downfall. From the outset, the Islamic Republic of Iran was opposed to Israel, which it called the Zionist regime. Iran, under the ayatollahs, &nbsp;severed diplomatic ties with Israel. That's when the regional rivalry began. Yet, there's a twist.<h2>Israel helped Iran in its war against Iraq</h2>Even after the establishment of the Islamic Republic, Israel reportedly helped Iran in its war with Iraq that lasted from 1980 to 1988. Israel supplied Iran with over $500 million in arms, as it saw Iraq’s nuclear ambitions at the time as a greater threat to its existence. Note that there's also a sectarian angle to this, as Iran is a Shia nation, whereas Iraq is Sunni, with a significant Shia population.<h2>The establishment of Hezbollah started an open rivalry</h2>&nbsp;The open rivalry phase between Iran and Israel can be said to have started after the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982 as part of its operations against the Palestinian Liberation Organisation or PLO. That year, Iran established the militant group Hezbollah, the first of its several proxy groups in the region fighting against Israel. Hezbollah is a Shia militia that fought Israeli forces, setting off the proxy wars, the first major attack being the 1983 bombing of Israeli and Western forces. &nbsp;<h2>1990s: Suicide bombings by Hezbollah</h2> &nbsp;The 1990s were a period of volatility in the region as the Palestinian liberation movement gathered steam.&nbsp; Suicide bombings targeting Israel's embassy in 1992, and a Jewish Cetre in Buenos Aires in 1994 are most prominent among them. Israel blamed Iran for these attacks, but Tehran denied responsibility. &nbsp;<h2>2000s: The proxy war intensifies, Iran's nuclear weapons programme raises concerns</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>In 2000, Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon after years of occupation. Backed by Iran, Hezbollah continued to attack Israeli targets across the world since then. Iran's secret nuclear weapons programme was revealed in 2002, a definitive moment in the rivalry that culminated in the current war. Since 2002, Israel has openly opposed the Iranian nuclear enrichment programme at every available international forum. By this time, ‘death to Israel’ became a common slogan in Iran, with politicians like the hardliner president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad using rhetoric that inflamed anti-Israel sentiment in the Islamic Republic. &nbsp;<h2>2006 Israel-Hezbollah war &nbsp;</h2>In 2006, two Israeli soldiers were kidnapped by Hezbollah, which led to the Israel-Hezbollah war. Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) helped Hezbollah with rocket attacks and missile operations. Among these was an anti-ship missile strike on the Israeli Navy ship INS Hanit, which killed four Israeli crew. The war ended with the UN-brokered ceasefire Resolution 1701. In 2009, Israel captured a ship carrying Iranian weapons to Hezbollah. By this time, Iran was also helping prop up Hamas as the dominant Palestinian faction in Gaza. This slowly led to the proxy war spreading. In this period, Israel conducted airstrikes on Iranian arms convoys in Sudan that were destined for Hamas.&nbsp;<h2>2010s: Proxy war, sabotage of Iran nuclear programme</h2>The 2010s were a period of more proxy wars, with the element of cyberattacks added. In this period, each country blamed the other, but the standard policy of both sides was not to overtly claim responsibility.&nbsp;The most prominent among these disruptive activities is the Stuxnet virus attack of 2010. The malware was introduced allegedly by Israel with help from the US to disrupt the functioning of Iran's Natanz nuclear facility. Two years later, a prominent Iranian nuclear scientist, Mostafa Ahmadi-Roshan, was killed, with Iran pointing the finger at Israel. &nbsp;&nbsp;In 2011, an Iranian General Hassan Tehrani Moghaddam was killed in a blast at a missile base. Again, the Israeli hand was suspected. The proxy wars continued amid regional conflicts. At the height of the Syrian civil war, Israel conducted the Operation House of Cards in 2018, targeting Iranian interests in Syria. This took place after the IRGC allegedly fired 20 rockets at Israel from Syria.&nbsp; The same year, under President Donald Trump, the US withdrew from the Iranian nuclear deal, after Israel revealed what it said were stolen Iranian nuclear documents. Israel has always maintained that Iran had a secret nuclear weapons programme. &nbsp;<h2>2020s: More attacks on Iranian interests</h2>In the 2020s, Israel continued to help Iran's enemies, while Iran, particularly the externally-focused Quds Forces of IRGC, trained and armed anti-Israeli militia across the region. The most important event in this period was the assassination of Qasem Soleimani on 3 January 2020 by the US under Trump's orders. Soleimani, &nbsp;the commander of the Quds Force, died in a US drone strike near Baghdad International Airport in Iraq. He was in Iraq to meet Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi. Iran accused the Israelis of involvement. Though Israel was silent at the time, its involvement was later admitted.&nbsp;Israel also continued to target Iran's nuclear programme. In 2020, an explosion damaged Natanz centrifuge facility. Another Iranian nuclear scientist, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, was assassinated near Tehran, allegedly by Israel using a remote-controlled weapon.&nbsp; &nbsp;Disruptive activities by both sides continued into 2021, with Israel accused of attacking Iranian ships in the Red Sea.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>2023 October 7 Hamas attack: The trigger of the current conflict &nbsp;</h2>The October 7 terror attack by Hamas-led Palestinian militants that killed at least 1,200 Israeli civilians led to the invasion of Gaza by Israel. Soon, Isral expanded the Gaza war to target all proxy groups funded, aided and trained by Iran. Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah and Houthis of Yemen joined the Israel-Hamas war, targeting Israeli commercial and military interests in solidarity with the Palestinians. Israel responded by a variety of attacks in countries across the region. In December 2023, an Israeli airstrike in Syria killed IRGC commander Razi Mousavi.<h2>2024: A series of assassinations and attacks</h2>In 2024, Hamas and Hezbollah leaders were killed in Iran and Lebanon in Israeli operations.&nbsp;&nbsp;The year waw many conflagrations that were precursors to the current Iran-Israel war. In January 2024, Israel killed five Iranian officials, including General Sadegh Omidzadeh, in a strike in the Syrian capital of Damascus. &nbsp;On April 1 that year, Israel attacked Iran’s consulate in Damascus, killing 16 people, including two IRGC generals. Iran retaliated on April 13 with an attack that involved 300 drones and missiles, but most of these were intercepted by Israel. On April 19, Israel attacked an Iranian antiaircraft system. In May 2024, &nbsp;IRGC officer Sayad Khodayee was assassinated in Tehran, with Israel hand suspected.&nbsp; In July 2024, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran in an Israeli military-intelligence operation.&nbsp;In September that year, an Israeli pager and walkie-talkie attack targeted Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon, and injured Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon.&nbsp; In the same month, Israeli air strikes in Beirut, Lebanon, killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and IRGC commander Abbas Nilforoushan. &nbsp;To avenge these killings, Iran fired 180 missiles at Israel. In response, Israel struck Iranian air defences and missile facilities. &nbsp;These are the events that eventually led to the current war, which started on June 12 with Israel's Operation Rising Lion, hitting Iran’s nuclear, energy and military infrastructure, and killing top officials, generals and scientists. Iran has responded with a series of drone and missile attacks hitting at the heart of Israel.&nbsp;

For nearly three decades since formation of Israel in 1948, Iran and Israel had peaceful relationship. What happened before their regional rivalry started? What changed now? Here is a timeline.

Israel and Iran are at a direct war now, but did you know that once upon a time, the two countries had friendly relations, and even cooperated to fight common enemies? For nearly three decades since the formation of Israel in 1948, Iran and Israel had a peaceful relationship. They even helped each other fight common enemies. So what happened before their regional rivalry started? What changed now? Here is a timeline. Iran was neutral, and cooperated with Israel during regional wars In the Six-Day War of 1967, Israel fought Egypt, Jordan and Syria. In the war of June 5–10, Israel captured the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Golan Heights. At the time, Iran was ruled by Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The Iranian Shah was an ally of the US and had friendly, albeit covert, ties with Israel. Iran exported oil to Israel at the time, and helped Israel with intelligence sharing. Iran played no military role against Israel in this war, one of the first in the long-standing Arab-Israeli conflict. In the war of 1971 also, Iran played no significant military role against Israel. The Shah’s regime continued its relationship with Israel at the time, and even cooperated in joint ventures like the Eilat-Ashkelon pipeline. So what changed? Answer: The Islamic Revolution The Islamic Revolution of 1978-79 was essentially a domestic political movement guided by Islamic principles with the aim of overthrowing the Shah's regime. His pro-Israeli stance was, in fact, one of the reasons for the Shah's downfall. From the outset, the Islamic Republic of Iran was opposed to Israel, which it called the Zionist regime. Iran, under the ayatollahs, severed diplomatic ties with Israel. That's when the regional rivalry began. Yet, there's a twist. Israel helped Iran in its war against Iraq Even after the establishment of the Islamic Republic, Israel reportedly helped Iran in its war with Iraq that lasted from 1980 to 1988. Israel supplied Iran with over $500 million in arms, as it saw Iraq’s nuclear ambitions at the time as a greater threat to its existence. Note that there's also a sectarian angle to this, as Iran is a Shia nation, whereas Iraq is Sunni, with a significant Shia population. The establishment of Hezbollah started an open rivalry The open rivalry phase between Iran and Israel can be said to have started after the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982 as part of its operations against the Palestinian Liberation Organisation or PLO. That year, Iran established the militant group Hezbollah, the first of its several proxy groups in the region fighting against Israel. Hezbollah is a Shia militia that fought Israeli forces, setting off the proxy wars, the first major attack being the 1983 bombing of Israeli and Western forces. 1990s: Suicide bombings by Hezbollah The 1990s were a period of volatility in the region as the Palestinian liberation movement gathered steam. Suicide bombings targeting Israel's embassy in 1992, and a Jewish Cetre in Buenos Aires in 1994 are most prominent among them. Israel blamed Iran for these attacks, but Tehran denied responsibility. 2000s: The proxy war intensifies, Iran's nuclear weapons programme raises concerns In 2000, Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon after years of occupation. Backed by Iran, Hezbollah continued to attack Israeli targets across the world since then. Iran's secret nuclear weapons programme was revealed in 2002, a definitive moment in the rivalry that culminated in the current war. Since 2002, Israel has openly opposed the Iranian nuclear enrichment programme at every available international forum. By this time, ‘death to Israel’ became a common slogan in Iran, with politicians like the hardliner president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad using rhetoric that inflamed anti-Israel sentiment in the Islamic Republic. 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war In 2006, two Israeli soldiers were kidnapped by Hezbollah, which led to the Israel-Hezbollah war. Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) helped Hezbollah with rocket attacks and missile operations. Among these was an anti-ship missile strike on the Israeli Navy ship INS Hanit, which killed four Israeli crew. The war ended with the UN-brokered ceasefire Resolution 1701. In 2009, Israel captured a ship carrying Iranian weapons to Hezbollah. By this time, Iran was also helping prop up Hamas as the dominant Palestinian faction in Gaza. This slowly led to the proxy war spreading. In this period, Israel conducted airstrikes on Iranian arms convoys in Sudan that were destined for Hamas. 2010s: Proxy war, sabotage of Iran nuclear programme The 2010s were a period of more proxy wars, with the element of cyberattacks added. In this period, each country blamed the other, but the standard policy of both sides was not to overtly claim responsibility. The most prominent among these disruptive activities is the Stuxnet virus attack of 2010. The malware was introduced allegedly by Israel with help from the US to disrupt the functioning of Iran's Natanz nuclear facility. Two years later, a prominent Iranian nuclear scientist, Mostafa Ahmadi-Roshan, was killed, with Iran pointing the finger at Israel. In 2011, an Iranian General Hassan Tehrani Moghaddam was killed in a blast at a missile base. Again, the Israeli hand was suspected. The proxy wars continued amid regional conflicts. At the height of the Syrian civil war, Israel conducted the Operation House of Cards in 2018, targeting Iranian interests in Syria. This took place after the IRGC allegedly fired 20 rockets at Israel from Syria. The same year, under President Donald Trump, the US withdrew from the Iranian nuclear deal, after Israel revealed what it said were stolen Iranian nuclear documents. Israel has always maintained that Iran had a secret nuclear weapons programme. 2020s: More attacks on Iranian interests In the 2020s, Israel continued to help Iran's enemies, while Iran, particularly the externally-focused Quds Forces of IRGC, trained and armed anti-Israeli militia across the region. The most important event in this period was the assassination of Qasem Soleimani on 3 January 2020 by the US under Trump's orders. Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force, died in a US drone strike near Baghdad International Airport in Iraq. He was in Iraq to meet Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi. Iran accused the Israelis of involvement. Though Israel was silent at the time, its involvement was later admitted. Israel also continued to target Iran's nuclear programme. In 2020, an explosion damaged Natanz centrifuge facility. Another Iranian nuclear scientist, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, was assassinated near Tehran, allegedly by Israel using a remote-controlled weapon. Disruptive activities by both sides continued into 2021, with Israel accused of attacking Iranian ships in the Red Sea. 2023 October 7 Hamas attack: The trigger of the current conflict The October 7 terror attack by Hamas-led Palestinian militants that killed at least 1,200 Israeli civilians led to the invasion of Gaza by Israel. Soon, Isral expanded the Gaza war to target all proxy groups funded, aided and trained by Iran. Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah and Houthis of Yemen joined the Israel-Hamas war, targeting Israeli commercial and military interests in solidarity with the Palestinians. Israel responded by a variety of attacks in countries across the region. In December 2023, an Israeli airstrike in Syria killed IRGC commander Razi Mousavi. 2024: A series of assassinations and attacks In 2024, Hamas and Hezbollah leaders were killed in Iran and Lebanon in Israeli operations. The year waw many conflagrations that were precursors to the current Iran-Israel war. In January 2024, Israel killed five Iranian officials, including General Sadegh Omidzadeh, in a strike in the Syrian capital of Damascus. On April 1 that year, Israel attacked Iran’s consulate in Damascus, killing 16 people, including two IRGC generals. Iran retaliated on April 13 with an attack that involved 300 drones and missiles, but most of these were intercepted by Israel. On April 19, Israel attacked an Iranian antiaircraft system. In May 2024, IRGC officer Sayad Khodayee was assassinated in Tehran, with Israel hand suspected. In July 2024, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran in an Israeli military-intelligence operation. In September that year, an Israeli pager and walkie-talkie attack targeted Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon, and injured Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon. In the same month, Israeli air strikes in Beirut, Lebanon, killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and IRGC commander Abbas Nilforoushan. To avenge these killings, Iran fired 180 missiles at Israel. In response, Israel struck Iranian air defences and missile facilities. These are the events that eventually led to the current war, which started on June 12 with Israel's Operation Rising Lion, hitting Iran’s nuclear, energy and military infrastructure, and killing top officials, generals and scientists. Iran has responded with a series of drone and missile attacks hitting at the heart of Israel.

For nearly three decades since formation of Israel in 1948, Iran and Israel had peaceful relationship. What happened before their regional rivalry started? What changed now? Here is a timeline.

Iran and Israel were once friends, helped each other before proxy battles and direct war. What changed? A timeline

Benjamin Netanyahu, an elite soldier-turned prime minister of Israel, has been described as a war monger, maverick politician known for brinkmanship, or a strong leader of the Jewish nation, depending on where you look. But one thing is clear: Netanyahu is possibly among the most consequential leaders of Israel. As the Israel-Iran war rages on, here is a look at the life, military career and political controversies of Bibi, the man of the moment.&nbsp;<h2>Benjamin Netanyahu: Early life details</h2> Benjamin Netanyahu was born on 21 October 1949 in Tel Aviv, Israel. He spent parts of his youth in the US, where his father taught at a college. In 1956-1958 and from 1963 to 1967, his family lived in Cheltenham Township of Pennsylvania. Netanyahu studied at the Cheltenham High School and Cornell University. The nation’s longest-serving prime minister, Netanyahu served in 1996–1999, 2009–2021, and since 2022 in the top post.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2> Netanyahu's military career: Elite soldier on risky missions</h2>Netanyahu’s military service began in 1967 when he returned from the US at the age of 18. He joined the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) that year, and served in the elite Sayeret Matkal special forces unit.&nbsp;&nbsp;He was part of several risky operations of Israeli forces, such as the 1972 rescue of a hijacked Sabena plane. He was injured in the shoulder during that operation. Netanyahu fought in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, and was promoted to captain.&nbsp;He was also part of several IDF missions across Lebanon and Jordan in 1968.&nbsp; He lost his brother Yonatan, who led the 1976 Entebbe counterterrorism raid, a life event that shaped his hardline stance against terrorism. He later went on to found the Jonathan Institute to combat global terrorism.&nbsp; His military experience led to the ‘Mr Security’ image of Netanyahu, which gave him political legitimacy. &nbsp;<h2>Netanyahu's political career: Right-wing leader known for brinkmanship &nbsp;</h2>Netanyahu joined the right-wing Likud party and rose through the ranks, often through sheer brinkmanship. He negotiated crises at home and abroad, including court cases alleging corruption, the hearings of which continued even as he was in and out of power. Through deft handling of coalitions, Netanyahu focused on staying in power despite not having a clear majority in recent elections, by aligning with far-right parties and leaders. He shrugged off massive protests seeking his arrest in corruption cases. &nbsp;<h2>Iran and Palestinians: Arch rivals of Netanyahu &nbsp;</h2>Having been a frontline soldier, Netanyahu was openly opposed to the Oslo Accords of the 1990s, which established a framework for the two-state solution that aimed to eventually create a Palestinian state alongside Israel.&nbsp;Instead of a solution, Netanyahu was interested in ‘managing’ the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and is often accused of supporting one Palestinian group against the other and stalling the peace process in spite of several direct talks with the other side's leaders. Netanyahu is one of the most vocal leaders against Iran, which he accused of supporting anti-Israel militant groups like Hezbollah, Hamas and Houthis. At every opportunity on the international stage, Netanyahu criticised the Iranian nuclear programme, arguing that Tehran aimed to develop nuclear weapons, which Israel saw as an existential threat. Netanyahu was unreserved in his criticism of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. In a speech to the US Congress the same year, he railed against it, which strained his ties with the then-US administration of Barack Obama, who had led the US in the deal. This was an example of Netanyahu's risk-taking behaviour: he was ready to openly challenge even an ally like the US, in order to achieve Israel's strategic goals. &nbsp;<h2>Netanyahu, a polarising figure in domestic politics &nbsp;</h2>For more than five years now, Netanyahu has faced continuing protests against his rule. He and his wife Sara have faced corruption charges since 2019. But he used the war situation emerging after the 2023 October 7 terror attack by Hamas on Israel to his political advantage: first by creating a war cabinet that included opposition figures and far-right leaders, &nbsp;second by pushing for reforming the judiciary, and third by expanding the war in the larger region. &nbsp;This was seen as his willingness to polarise the nation politically to stay in power. Now that the Israel-Iran war is raging, it has only further cemented his position at the helm.<h2> Netanyahu, from soldier to wartime prime minister</h2>Besides taking part in military missions himself, Netanyahu also led the nation in several conflicts, mainly involving the Palestinians, Iran and its proxies. The Gaza War of 2014 was a brief conflict under his leadership in which Israel targeted Hamas in the Palestinian enclave, allegedly leading to thousands of civilian deaths. After the Hamas-led attack on Israel in 2023, in which 1,200 mostly civilian Israelis were killed, Netanyahu ordered a full-scale invasion of Gaza, triggering the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. More than 44,000 Palestinian deaths have been reported, mostly civilians.&nbsp; Amid the continuing political challenges to his leadership, Netanyahu in 2024 ordered an invasion of Lebanon to counter Hezbollah, expanding regional tensions.&nbsp; Under his orders, the leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah were killed in Gaza as well as in Lebanon and Iran. Netanyahu is a man on a mission. He has continuously rejected calls for a ceasefire with Hamas, drawing global condemnation, and defied even the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes in Gaza.<h2> A contentious legacy shaped by controversy &nbsp;</h2>Netanyahu is keen on political survival and is known for his resiliency.&nbsp;The polarising leader's military background, political manoeuvring, and wartime decision-making appear to put his own security and survival upfront, despite the lack of diplomatic consensus or domestic unity.&nbsp; His ability to do the strategic tight rope walk is informed by his military experience and personal involvement in Israel’s conflicts in the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;Whether you like him or not, his legacy would be that of a leader who reshaped the global perspective on Israel as a regional power.

Whether you like him or not, his legacy would be that of a leader who reshaped the global perspective on Israel as a regional power.

Benjamin Netanyahu, an elite soldier-turned prime minister of Israel, has been described as a war monger, maverick politician known for brinkmanship, or a strong leader of the Jewish nation, depending on where you look. But one thing is clear: Netanyahu is possibly among the most consequential leaders of Israel. As the Israel-Iran war rages on, here is a look at the life, military career and political controversies of Bibi, the man of the moment. Benjamin Netanyahu: Early life details Benjamin Netanyahu was born on 21 October 1949 in Tel Aviv, Israel. He spent parts of his youth in the US, where his father taught at a college. In 1956-1958 and from 1963 to 1967, his family lived in Cheltenham Township of Pennsylvania. Netanyahu studied at the Cheltenham High School and Cornell University. The nation’s longest-serving prime minister, Netanyahu served in 1996–1999, 2009–2021, and since 2022 in the top post. Netanyahu's military career: Elite soldier on risky missions Netanyahu’s military service began in 1967 when he returned from the US at the age of 18. He joined the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) that year, and served in the elite Sayeret Matkal special forces unit. He was part of several risky operations of Israeli forces, such as the 1972 rescue of a hijacked Sabena plane. He was injured in the shoulder during that operation. Netanyahu fought in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, and was promoted to captain. He was also part of several IDF missions across Lebanon and Jordan in 1968. He lost his brother Yonatan, who led the 1976 Entebbe counterterrorism raid, a life event that shaped his hardline stance against terrorism. He later went on to found the Jonathan Institute to combat global terrorism. His military experience led to the ‘Mr Security’ image of Netanyahu, which gave him political legitimacy. Netanyahu's political career: Right-wing leader known for brinkmanship Netanyahu joined the right-wing Likud party and rose through the ranks, often through sheer brinkmanship. He negotiated crises at home and abroad, including court cases alleging corruption, the hearings of which continued even as he was in and out of power. Through deft handling of coalitions, Netanyahu focused on staying in power despite not having a clear majority in recent elections, by aligning with far-right parties and leaders. He shrugged off massive protests seeking his arrest in corruption cases. Iran and Palestinians: Arch rivals of Netanyahu Having been a frontline soldier, Netanyahu was openly opposed to the Oslo Accords of the 1990s, which established a framework for the two-state solution that aimed to eventually create a Palestinian state alongside Israel. Instead of a solution, Netanyahu was interested in ‘managing’ the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and is often accused of supporting one Palestinian group against the other and stalling the peace process in spite of several direct talks with the other side's leaders. Netanyahu is one of the most vocal leaders against Iran, which he accused of supporting anti-Israel militant groups like Hezbollah, Hamas and Houthis. At every opportunity on the international stage, Netanyahu criticised the Iranian nuclear programme, arguing that Tehran aimed to develop nuclear weapons, which Israel saw as an existential threat. Netanyahu was unreserved in his criticism of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. In a speech to the US Congress the same year, he railed against it, which strained his ties with the then-US administration of Barack Obama, who had led the US in the deal. This was an example of Netanyahu's risk-taking behaviour: he was ready to openly challenge even an ally like the US, in order to achieve Israel's strategic goals. Netanyahu, a polarising figure in domestic politics For more than five years now, Netanyahu has faced continuing protests against his rule. He and his wife Sara have faced corruption charges since 2019. But he used the war situation emerging after the 2023 October 7 terror attack by Hamas on Israel to his political advantage: first by creating a war cabinet that included opposition figures and far-right leaders, second by pushing for reforming the judiciary, and third by expanding the war in the larger region. This was seen as his willingness to polarise the nation politically to stay in power. Now that the Israel-Iran war is raging, it has only further cemented his position at the helm. Netanyahu, from soldier to wartime prime minister Besides taking part in military missions himself, Netanyahu also led the nation in several conflicts, mainly involving the Palestinians, Iran and its proxies. The Gaza War of 2014 was a brief conflict under his leadership in which Israel targeted Hamas in the Palestinian enclave, allegedly leading to thousands of civilian deaths. After the Hamas-led attack on Israel in 2023, in which 1,200 mostly civilian Israelis were killed, Netanyahu ordered a full-scale invasion of Gaza, triggering the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. More than 44,000 Palestinian deaths have been reported, mostly civilians. Amid the continuing political challenges to his leadership, Netanyahu in 2024 ordered an invasion of Lebanon to counter Hezbollah, expanding regional tensions. Under his orders, the leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah were killed in Gaza as well as in Lebanon and Iran. Netanyahu is a man on a mission. He has continuously rejected calls for a ceasefire with Hamas, drawing global condemnation, and defied even the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes in Gaza. A contentious legacy shaped by controversy Netanyahu is keen on political survival and is known for his resiliency. The polarising leader's military background, political manoeuvring, and wartime decision-making appear to put his own security and survival upfront, despite the lack of diplomatic consensus or domestic unity. His ability to do the strategic tight rope walk is informed by his military experience and personal involvement in Israel’s conflicts in the region. Whether you like him or not, his legacy would be that of a leader who reshaped the global perspective on Israel as a regional power.

One thing is clear: Netanyahu is possibly among the most consequential leaders of Israel.

Iran-Israel War: Benjamin Netanyahu's wartime leadership is shaped by his military career, survival instinct | A profile

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending the G7 summit in Canada. The invitation for the huddle of the world's richest nations is strategically and symbolically important for India. Coming as it does amid conflicts in West Asia and Europe, it is also an opportunity for India to highlight the challenges of security, climate change and disruption of supply chains while foregrounding its advantages on manufacturing, trade, stability and security particularly in the conext of China.<h2> A bulwark of stabilty for the Indo-Pacific region</h2>Amid G7 members' concerns over Chinese territorial and trade ambitions in the Indo-Pacific, India can play a crucial role in providing regional security and stability in the region, in alignment with the G7 interests. India has the advantages of strategic location, maritime capabilities and trade and infrastructure inititiaves such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor or IMEC make it vital for trade and stability.<h2>Bolstering trade relations with the G7 nations</h2> India has growing trade relationships with all G7 countries : the US, &nbsp;UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan. This enhance its economic influence, with major trade deals underway, boosting bilateral relationships and offering alternatives to China.<h2>India can raise concerns of the Global South &nbsp;</h2>India is arguably the only representative of the Global South at the G7, and can use the platform to raise its concerns, particularly in the context of energy security and climate action.&nbsp;The G7 and India can be partners on equitable climate finance and foster green technology transfer, which are requirements of the Global South, particularly Africa.&nbsp;<h2>India can be the alternative to China on supply chains and manufacturing</h2> G7 nations are slowly realising the perils of over-reliance on China for supply chains and manufacturing, particularly on critical issues like rare earths and clean energy components.&nbsp;&nbsp;India can be a trustworthy alternative for secure supply chains and manufacturing.&nbsp;It has stability ensured by democracy, and can act as bridge between the G7 advanced economies and emerging markets. &nbsp;<h2>Africa outreach as counter to China &nbsp;</h2>India has been engaged in Africa outreach, partially as a counterweight to China's presence in the continent through the Chinese Belt and Road initiative or BRI. India's outreach also aligns with G7's Africa focus. &nbsp;<h2>India is an advocate of equitable trade and climate finance &nbsp;</h2>At various international fora, India has raised its voice for equitable trade and climate finance for vulnerable regions, particularly in Asia and Africa. At the G7, India can achieve these goals by positioning itself as a manufacturing hub amid US-China trade tensions. G7 nations can look at India as part of their diversification strategy, given India's workforce, digital growth, logistics, and trade pacts with several of its members. The proof of concept is already there, given investments in India by major global firms.&nbsp;<h2>India can be a beacon of clean energy growth &nbsp;</h2>India can find new avenues of cooperation with G7 in clean energy growth, particularly in areas like electric vehicles, green hydrogen, and Artificial Intelligence.&nbsp;&nbsp;When it comes to climate action, India is targeting net-zero by 2070. It also has a solar capacity potential estimated at 10,830 GW, and can be an important player in clean energy future, and potential partner of G7. India has called for fair and substantial climate financial funding in tune with the needs of developing nations, and supports reforms in global financial systems, something that it can advocate at the G7. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Coming as it does amid conflicts in West Asia and Europe, the G7 summit is also an opportunity for India to highlight the challenges of security, climate change and disruption of supply chains while foregrounding its advantages.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending the G7 summit in Canada. The invitation for the huddle of the world's richest nations is strategically and symbolically important for India. Coming as it does amid conflicts in West Asia and Europe, it is also an opportunity for India to highlight the challenges of security, climate change and disruption of supply chains while foregrounding its advantages on manufacturing, trade, stability and security particularly in the conext of China. A bulwark of stabilty for the Indo-Pacific region Amid G7 members' concerns over Chinese territorial and trade ambitions in the Indo-Pacific, India can play a crucial role in providing regional security and stability in the region, in alignment with the G7 interests. India has the advantages of strategic location, maritime capabilities and trade and infrastructure inititiaves such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor or IMEC make it vital for trade and stability. Bolstering trade relations with the G7 nations India has growing trade relationships with all G7 countries : the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan. This enhance its economic influence, with major trade deals underway, boosting bilateral relationships and offering alternatives to China. India can raise concerns of the Global South India is arguably the only representative of the Global South at the G7, and can use the platform to raise its concerns, particularly in the context of energy security and climate action. The G7 and India can be partners on equitable climate finance and foster green technology transfer, which are requirements of the Global South, particularly Africa. India can be the alternative to China on supply chains and manufacturing G7 nations are slowly realising the perils of over-reliance on China for supply chains and manufacturing, particularly on critical issues like rare earths and clean energy components. India can be a trustworthy alternative for secure supply chains and manufacturing. It has stability ensured by democracy, and can act as bridge between the G7 advanced economies and emerging markets. Africa outreach as counter to China India has been engaged in Africa outreach, partially as a counterweight to China's presence in the continent through the Chinese Belt and Road initiative or BRI. India's outreach also aligns with G7's Africa focus. India is an advocate of equitable trade and climate finance At various international fora, India has raised its voice for equitable trade and climate finance for vulnerable regions, particularly in Asia and Africa. At the G7, India can achieve these goals by positioning itself as a manufacturing hub amid US-China trade tensions. G7 nations can look at India as part of their diversification strategy, given India's workforce, digital growth, logistics, and trade pacts with several of its members. The proof of concept is already there, given investments in India by major global firms. India can be a beacon of clean energy growth India can find new avenues of cooperation with G7 in clean energy growth, particularly in areas like electric vehicles, green hydrogen, and Artificial Intelligence. When it comes to climate action, India is targeting net-zero by 2070. It also has a solar capacity potential estimated at 10,830 GW, and can be an important player in clean energy future, and potential partner of G7. India has called for fair and substantial climate financial funding in tune with the needs of developing nations, and supports reforms in global financial systems, something that it can advocate at the G7.

Coming as it does amid conflicts in West Asia and Europe, the G7 summit is also an opportunity for India to highlight the challenges of security, climate change and disruption of supply chains while foregrounding its advantages.

PM Modi at G7: India has advantages on security, stability, trade, climate action and Global South. Can a membership be next?

Parts of northern India are now reeling under a heat wave, particularly Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, West Rajasthan, West Madhya Pradesh. The Indian weather agency IMD on Wednesday (June 11) declared heat wave conditions in parts of &nbsp;Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh and the national capital Delhi and some places over Uttar Pradesh, East Rajasthan and East Madhya Pradesh. &nbsp;Warm night to severe warm night conditions were observed in isolated pockets of West Uttar Pradesh and West Rajasthan, and in isolated pockets of Punjab, East Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.&nbsp; &nbsp;It is important to understand what a heat wave is, and the health risks associated with it. Here is what you should know about how heat waves are declared in India, and how to stay safe during such severe weather.&nbsp;<h2>What is a heat wave? &nbsp;</h2>A heat wave is defined as a long period of excessively hot weather, usually accompanied by humidity. Heat waves can pose health risks, and put a strain on infrastructure, particularly due to high electricity consumption for cooling.&nbsp; Heat waves are declared when temperatures exceed the average for a specific region.&nbsp;Geologically, heat waves are caused by a combination of intense sunlight, high-pressure systems that trap warm air and lead to hot winds, reduced cloud cover, and lack of cooling breezes.&nbsp; Heat waves typically last for days, but can extend to weeks. Heatstroke, dehydration are among health risks associated with heat waves, which are typically accompanied by power outages due to a rise in cooling demand.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>How does IMD declare heat waves in India? &nbsp;</h2> The Indian weather agency, India Meteorological Department (IMD), defines a heat wave based on specific temperature thresholds and deviations from the normal conditions for various regions of the country.&nbsp; Usually for the plains, a heat wave is declared when the maximum temperature hits 40 degree Celsius and is between 4.5 to 6.4 degrees Celsius above the normal for that region.&nbsp; A severe heat wave is declared if the temperature exceeds 6.4 Degrees Celsius above normal, or goes to 47 Degrees Celsius or higher.&nbsp; For coastal India, which has high humidity, the heat wave threshold is 37 Degrees, while the deviation criteria remain the same as above.&nbsp; For hilly areas, a heat wave is declared when temperatures reach 30 Degrees Celsius with an above-normal variation of 4.5 Degrees to 6.4 Degrees Celsius. Heat waves and red or yellow alerts are declared by the IMD when the above-normal temperatures are recorded for two consecutive days at a specific location. IMD also takes into account regional climate variations. This is because what constitutes extreme heat in coastal cities is different from a dry region like Rajasthan.&nbsp; With these criteria, the IMD can issue warnings, alerting the public to take health measures and governments to mitigate the impact.&nbsp;In India, &nbsp;heat waves usually run between the months of April and June. Some heat waves can be deadly, with several deaths reported every year, with the casualties are often found among low-income communities in urban and poor areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>How to be safe during a heat wave &nbsp;</h2>Here are some ways to minimise heat exposure and maintain hydration during heat waves: Stay hydrated: Even if you are not thirsty, drink a lot of water throughout the day. Carry a water bottle with you. At the same time, avoid sugary drinks, caffeine, and alcohol, as they can cause more dehydration. If you are sweating too much, try drinking electrolyte-rich fluids like oral rehydration solutions.&nbsp;Stay cool: Stay inside cool or air-conditioned spaces and shaded areas of homes, malls, public places. If air conditioning is not available near you, try to take cool showers, or wipe your body with damp cloths. As much as possible, stay in indoor or shaded areas, particularly during the peak heat hours that are between 10 a.m and 4 p.m.&nbsp;Dress for the summer : Go for heat-reflecting light colours like white. Use clothes made from material that's lightweight, like linen. When possible, wear loose-fitting clothes. Breathable fabrics like cotton are the way to dress in summer. If possible, wear hats, caps and sunglasses. &nbsp;

It is important to understand what a heat wave is, and the health risks associated with it. Here is what you should know about how heat waves are declared in India, and how to stay safe during such severe weather.



Parts of northern India are now reeling under a heat wave, particularly Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, West Rajasthan, West Madhya Pradesh. The Indian weather agency IMD on Wednesday (June 11) declared heat wave conditions in parts of Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh and the national capital Delhi and some places over Uttar Pradesh, East Rajasthan and East Madhya Pradesh. Warm night to severe warm night conditions were observed in isolated pockets of West Uttar Pradesh and West Rajasthan, and in isolated pockets of Punjab, East Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. It is important to understand what a heat wave is, and the health risks associated with it. Here is what you should know about how heat waves are declared in India, and how to stay safe during such severe weather. What is a heat wave? A heat wave is defined as a long period of excessively hot weather, usually accompanied by humidity. Heat waves can pose health risks, and put a strain on infrastructure, particularly due to high electricity consumption for cooling. Heat waves are declared when temperatures exceed the average for a specific region. Geologically, heat waves are caused by a combination of intense sunlight, high-pressure systems that trap warm air and lead to hot winds, reduced cloud cover, and lack of cooling breezes. Heat waves typically last for days, but can extend to weeks. Heatstroke, dehydration are among health risks associated with heat waves, which are typically accompanied by power outages due to a rise in cooling demand. How does IMD declare heat waves in India? The Indian weather agency, India Meteorological Department (IMD), defines a heat wave based on specific temperature thresholds and deviations from the normal conditions for various regions of the country. Usually for the plains, a heat wave is declared when the maximum temperature hits 40 degree Celsius and is between 4.5 to 6.4 degrees Celsius above the normal for that region. A severe heat wave is declared if the temperature exceeds 6.4 Degrees Celsius above normal, or goes to 47 Degrees Celsius or higher. For coastal India, which has high humidity, the heat wave threshold is 37 Degrees, while the deviation criteria remain the same as above. For hilly areas, a heat wave is declared when temperatures reach 30 Degrees Celsius with an above-normal variation of 4.5 Degrees to 6.4 Degrees Celsius. Heat waves and red or yellow alerts are declared by the IMD when the above-normal temperatures are recorded for two consecutive days at a specific location. IMD also takes into account regional climate variations. This is because what constitutes extreme heat in coastal cities is different from a dry region like Rajasthan. With these criteria, the IMD can issue warnings, alerting the public to take health measures and governments to mitigate the impact. In India, heat waves usually run between the months of April and June. Some heat waves can be deadly, with several deaths reported every year, with the casualties are often found among low-income communities in urban and poor areas. How to be safe during a heat wave Here are some ways to minimise heat exposure and maintain hydration during heat waves: Stay hydrated: Even if you are not thirsty, drink a lot of water throughout the day. Carry a water bottle with you. At the same time, avoid sugary drinks, caffeine, and alcohol, as they can cause more dehydration. If you are sweating too much, try drinking electrolyte-rich fluids like oral rehydration solutions. Stay cool: Stay inside cool or air-conditioned spaces and shaded areas of homes, malls, public places. If air conditioning is not available near you, try to take cool showers, or wipe your body with damp cloths. As much as possible, stay in indoor or shaded areas, particularly during the peak heat hours that are between 10 a.m and 4 p.m. Dress for the summer : Go for heat-reflecting light colours like white. Use clothes made from material that's lightweight, like linen. When possible, wear loose-fitting clothes. Breathable fabrics like cotton are the way to dress in summer. If possible, wear hats, caps and sunglasses.

It is important to understand what a heat wave is, and the health risks associated with it. Here is what you should know about how heat waves are declared in India, and how to stay safe during such severe weather.&nbsp;

What is a heat wave? How to stay safe? As north India reels under intense sun, here's how to beat the heat

Yasser Abu Shabab profile: Depending on where you look, &nbsp;Yasser Abu Shabab is described as a gangster, drug trafficker, traitor of the Palestinian cause, or a collaborator of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) in its fight against Hamas in Gaza. &nbsp;He is a school dropout, and was once jailed by Hamas for drug trafficking. With the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly acknowledging the arming of anti-Hamas militia in Gaza, Abu Shabab and his group the Popular Forces, also known as the Anti-Terror Service, are suddenly in the limelight.&nbsp;Here is what you didn't know about Abu Shabab. &nbsp;<h2>Who is Yasser Abu Shabab, the leader of militants armed by Israel in Gaza? &nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;As per a profile on the Israeli think tank INSS or Institute for National Security Studies, Abu Shabab is a member of Gaza’s powerful Tarabin tribe and the newly minted leader of pro-Israel militia called the Popular Forces, also known as the Anti-Terror Service or Anti-Terror Front.&nbsp;&nbsp;Shabab was previously involved in arms smuggling and drug trafficking, according to the think tank.&nbsp;He is reported to have had ties in the past with the Islamic State terror group, but later rejected their ideology.&nbsp;&nbsp;His tribe has disavowed him in late 2024, when his group of around 300 fighters joined forces with IDF.&nbsp;Shabab is among the top targets for assassination in the hit list of Hamas, which has tried and failed to kill him, twice. &nbsp;<h2>What is the Popular Forces militia?</h2>&nbsp; The Popular Forces militia is an Israeli-backed and allegedly Islamic State-linked Palestinian armed group active in the Rafah region of Gaza. Led by Abu Shabab, it consists of up to 300 members, including former Palestinian security personnel.&nbsp;Variously described as a clan, gang, or vigilante group, Popular Forces work alongside Israeli forces.&nbsp;While the Israeli side says they are helping protect humanitarian aid from Hamas interference, Hamas has accused the Popular Forces of looting the aid, particularly in Rafah.&nbsp;&nbsp;Popular Forces reportedly drove out Hamas forces from eastern Rafah. They control territory and aid routes near the Egypt-Gaza border. Their success has led to an experimental food distribution project in eastern Rafah. This model mirrors the US strategy with the Syrian Democratic Forces or SDF in Syria.&nbsp;While one set of reports say the group had looted humanitarian aid, the Popular Forces insist they are protecting the aid and the civilians from Hamas, which it described as aid thieves.&nbsp;It has been reported that Israel gave weapons and equipment to Abu Shabab's group in 2025.&nbsp;<h2>Abu Shabab's links with the Palestinian Authority</h2> Some reports claimed that the Palestinian Authority (PA), which is also opposed to Hamas, is helping in the militia recruitment of Abu Shabab's group, but others, citing PA spokespersons, said there's no such cooperation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Abu Shabab was reportedly involved in the past with Fatah - the armed wing of PA.&nbsp;According to some observers, it is expected that he could help in the eventual reintegration of PA forces into Gaza, as tribes begin to assume governance roles during Israel’s operations against Hamas.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Abu Shabab had a shady past of drug trafficking, was jailed by Hamas &nbsp;</h2>Born on 19 December 1993, Abu Shabab is from the Bedouin tribe of Tarabin in Rafah.&nbsp;During the war in Gaza following the October 2023 Hamas terror attack on Israel, Abu Shabab emerged as an opposition figure to Hamas.&nbsp;Since dropping out of school, he trafficked drugs such as hashish and psychoactive narcotics. There are also accounts of his cigarette and drug smuggling from Egypt and Israel into the Gaza Strip, including through tunnels.&nbsp;He had been jailed in Gaza for alleged drug trafficking and theft and &nbsp;released when the Israel-Hamas war began.&nbsp;His clan was accused of looting aid trucks such as the Kerem Shalom aid convoy pillage.&nbsp;&nbsp;Currently, he controls eastern Rafah, according to reports.

Depending on where you look,  Yasser Abu Shabab is described as a gangster, drug trafficker, traitor of the Palestinian cause, or a collaborator of the Israeli Defence Forces in its fight against Hamas in Gaza.

Yasser Abu Shabab profile: Depending on where you look, Yasser Abu Shabab is described as a gangster, drug trafficker, traitor of the Palestinian cause, or a collaborator of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) in its fight against Hamas in Gaza. He is a school dropout, and was once jailed by Hamas for drug trafficking. With the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly acknowledging the arming of anti-Hamas militia in Gaza, Abu Shabab and his group the Popular Forces, also known as the Anti-Terror Service, are suddenly in the limelight. Here is what you didn't know about Abu Shabab. Who is Yasser Abu Shabab, the leader of militants armed by Israel in Gaza? As per a profile on the Israeli think tank INSS or Institute for National Security Studies, Abu Shabab is a member of Gaza’s powerful Tarabin tribe and the newly minted leader of pro-Israel militia called the Popular Forces, also known as the Anti-Terror Service or Anti-Terror Front. Shabab was previously involved in arms smuggling and drug trafficking, according to the think tank. He is reported to have had ties in the past with the Islamic State terror group, but later rejected their ideology. His tribe has disavowed him in late 2024, when his group of around 300 fighters joined forces with IDF. Shabab is among the top targets for assassination in the hit list of Hamas, which has tried and failed to kill him, twice. What is the Popular Forces militia? The Popular Forces militia is an Israeli-backed and allegedly Islamic State-linked Palestinian armed group active in the Rafah region of Gaza. Led by Abu Shabab, it consists of up to 300 members, including former Palestinian security personnel. Variously described as a clan, gang, or vigilante group, Popular Forces work alongside Israeli forces. While the Israeli side says they are helping protect humanitarian aid from Hamas interference, Hamas has accused the Popular Forces of looting the aid, particularly in Rafah. Popular Forces reportedly drove out Hamas forces from eastern Rafah. They control territory and aid routes near the Egypt-Gaza border. Their success has led to an experimental food distribution project in eastern Rafah. This model mirrors the US strategy with the Syrian Democratic Forces or SDF in Syria. While one set of reports say the group had looted humanitarian aid, the Popular Forces insist they are protecting the aid and the civilians from Hamas, which it described as aid thieves. It has been reported that Israel gave weapons and equipment to Abu Shabab's group in 2025. Abu Shabab's links with the Palestinian Authority Some reports claimed that the Palestinian Authority (PA), which is also opposed to Hamas, is helping in the militia recruitment of Abu Shabab's group, but others, citing PA spokespersons, said there's no such cooperation. Abu Shabab was reportedly involved in the past with Fatah - the armed wing of PA. According to some observers, it is expected that he could help in the eventual reintegration of PA forces into Gaza, as tribes begin to assume governance roles during Israel’s operations against Hamas. Abu Shabab had a shady past of drug trafficking, was jailed by Hamas Born on 19 December 1993, Abu Shabab is from the Bedouin tribe of Tarabin in Rafah. During the war in Gaza following the October 2023 Hamas terror attack on Israel, Abu Shabab emerged as an opposition figure to Hamas. Since dropping out of school, he trafficked drugs such as hashish and psychoactive narcotics. There are also accounts of his cigarette and drug smuggling from Egypt and Israel into the Gaza Strip, including through tunnels. He had been jailed in Gaza for alleged drug trafficking and theft and released when the Israel-Hamas war began. His clan was accused of looting aid trucks such as the Kerem Shalom aid convoy pillage. Currently, he controls eastern Rafah, according to reports.

With the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly acknowledging the arming of anti-Hamas militia in Gaza, Abu Shabab and his group the Popular Forces, also known as the Anti-Terror Service, are suddenly in the limelight

Drug trafficker, traitor, gangster: What you didn't know about Yasser Abu Shabab, the anti-Hamas clan leader helping Israel in Gaza

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Zee News Rajasthan

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