Why Iran is Obsessed with Destroying Israel: The Centuries Old Sunni-Shia Divide |

Guest post by Joel Gilbert

To grasp Iran’s fervent desire to obliterate Israel, one must delve into the age-old sectarian divide within Islam, primarily between Shia and Sunni Muslims. While a significant majority of the world’s Muslims—about 90%—identify as Sunni, the predominant sect in Iran is Shia. This distinction forms the bedrock of Iran’s relentless animosity towards the Jewish state, rooted not just in geopolitics but in a Shia Muslim complex of inferiority within the broader Islamic narrative.

Historically, Shia Muslims have been relegated to the status of persecuted minorities, often politically marginalized and religiously vilified by Sunni authorities. This prolonged experience of oppression has cultivated a profound sense of embattlement among Shias, leading to what can be characterized as a religious and psychological inferiority complex.

In contemporary discourse, many Sunni Muslims regard Shia practices as deviations that border on heresy, leading to a widespread perception that Shia Muslims are not “true Muslims.” This sentiment is further complicated by the linguistic divide; Iranians predominantly speak Farsi, while the Qur’an is in Arabic, creating a cultural chasm that reinforces the Shia-Sunni divide.

Despite sharing core Islamic beliefs—such as monotheism, respect for the Prophet Muhammad, and adherence to the Qur’an—the rift originated from a historical dispute over leadership succession following Muhammad’s death in 632 CE.

The Sunni faction (Ahl al-Sunnah, or “people of the tradition”) supported Abu Bakr, a close companion of the Prophet, chosen through consensus. In contrast, Shias (Shi’at Ali, or “party of Ali”) contended that leadership should remain within Muhammad’s lineage, notably passing to his cousin and son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib.

Ali ascended to the caliphate amid civil strife with Sunni factions, and the martyrdom of his son Hussein at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE, at the hands of the Sunni-led Umayyad Caliphate, became a pivotal moment in Shia identity, symbolizing resistance against oppression.

Over centuries, the sects not only diverged in leadership models but also forged distinct theological and legal systems. Sunnis rely on consensus (ijma) and the guidance of religious scholars (ulama), whereas Shias believe in the Imamate, a divinely sanctioned leadership of Ali’s descendants, who are viewed as spiritually infallible.

The emergence of Wahhabism in the 18th century, a strict Sunni movement, exacerbated the sectarian divide, branding Shia Islam as heretical and further isolating Shia communities.

When Iran’s Islamic Revolution established a Shia theocracy in 1979, it was not merely a rejection of Western influences. Instead, it represented a Shia uprising against Sunni hegemony and an aspiration for recognition within the global Muslim ummah (community).

The roots of Islamism trace back to the early 1900s, emerging as a grassroots movement among both impoverished and educated Muslims seeking a return to governance by religious authorities, asserting that Islam’s historical success has been tainted by Western encroachment.

For proponents of Islamism, the existence of Israel fundamentally contradicts Islamic principles; Jews, historically viewed as protected tributaries (dhimmi), are seen as unfit to establish sovereignty. Consequently, the notion of an independent Jewish state is untenable within their theological framework.

Iran’s unwavering hostility towards Israel can thus be perceived as a manifestation of a long-standing Shia identity crisis within the Islamic context. By positioning itself as the foremost Islamist adversary of Israel, Iran seeks to validate Shia Islam’s authenticity on the global stage, appealing emotionally to the Sunni majority and demanding recognition and respect from Sunni powers. In framing its anti-Zionism as heroic resistance, Iran’s narrative transforms the conflict into a quest for legitimacy.

In my 2011 film, Atomic Jihad, I explored Iran’s ambitions regarding nuclear armament.

Ultimately, Iran’s fixation on Israel transcends the mere existence of the state; it is fundamentally linked to Iran’s pursuit of Shia dignity and acceptance within the Islamic community. The deeper roots of the Iran-Israel conflict lie not in Israel’s actions or policies, but in a historical Sunni-Shia struggle where anti-Zionism serves as Iran’s avenue for asserting legitimacy.

To truly address the Iran-Israel discord, solutions may not hinge on concessions from Israel to the Palestinian Arabs. Instead, a broader reconciliation within the Muslim world, recognizing Shia Muslims—including Iranians—as integral and valid members of the Islamic faith and ummah, may hold the key to lasting peace.

Joel Gilbert is a Los Angeles-based film producer and president of Highway 61 Entertainment. He is the producer of the new film Roseanne Barr Is America. He is also the producer of the films: Atomic Jihad and Farewell Israel: Bush, Iran and the Revolt of Islam. Gilbert can be followed on Twitter: @JoelSGilbert.