Iran’s stance toward Israel has long been marked by aggressive rhetoric and proxy warfare, but the likelihood of a direct confrontation remains low. The reasons behind this calculated restraint lie in Iran’s broader strategic goals, which prioritise regional influence and ideological propagation over the Palestinian cause. Despite its fiery anti-Israel rhetoric, Iran is acutely aware of the costs of a direct war with Israel, both in terms of military engagement and the potential destabilisation of its fragile economy. Historically, Iran’s approach to Israel has been fluid, shifting dramatically after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Prior to this, Iran maintained diplomatic relations with Israel, reflecting a more pragmatic foreign policy that distanced itself from Arab-Israeli conflicts. However, the revolution brought a seismic change, with the new leadership adopting a vehemently anti-Israel stance as part of its broader........

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