Iranian support for Palestine: the clash of idealism and realism

Abstract Since October 2023, there has been a dissonance between Iranian statements of support and solidarity for Palestinians and tangible extension of material and military support. In both Palestine and Lebanon, Iranian actions have been informed by realism, centered on the defense of Iranian territory rather than stopping the war on Palestinians. During the 2023–25 Gaza war, in fact, Iran attacked Israel in April 2024 only after and in retaliation for Israel’s bombing of Iranian diplomatic buildings in Syria. Iran’s strategically calibrated missile attacks were followed by declarations from Tehran that its “strategic patience” has ended, and that Iran will strike back when its assets or territory are attacked. The same logic guided Iran’s second missile attack on Israel the following October. Ultimately, Iran’s strategic goal in relation to Israel is one of deterrence not the liberation of Palestinians or active assistance to their resistance against the occupation.