Imam Khomeini's Approach to the Issue of Relations with Israel during the Second Pahlavi Era: Based on Documents

Volume 9, Issue 1 - Serial Number 32
Spring 2025
Pages 319-345

Document Type : Original Independent Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of History, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Razi University, Iran.

2 Department of Law, Faculty of Law and Political Science, Kermanshah Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah, Iran.

Abstract
During the Second Pahlavi era, Iran-Israel relations expanded significantly, particularly in military, economic, and intelligence domains. The Pahlavi regime utilized Israeli assistance to strengthen its defensive capabilities. These relations, which intensified after the 1953 coup d'état (28 Mordad 1332), faced strong opposition from clerics and religious groups. Imam Khomeini, in his speeches and writings, identified Israel as a symbol of Western colonialism and a threat to Iran's security and Islamic identity, emphasizing the necessity of confronting it. This research, using historical documents such as speeches, declarations, and SAVAK reports, analyzes Imam Khomeini's views on the dangers posed by Israel and the Pahlavi regime's efforts to establish covert relations with it. Additionally, it examines various dimensions of Imam Khomeini's efforts to preserve Iran's independence and territorial integrity in the face of these threats. The findings indicate that Imam Khomeini, with a profound understanding of the dangers of Israeli colonialism, played a pivotal role in mobilizing public opinion and countering foreign influence.

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