The Long Shadow of the Shah and the 1979 Revolution.

For decades before the Islamic Republic existed, Iran was ruled by Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah. His government was strongly supported by the United States and other Western powers.

The reason was strategic.

Iran sat on enormous oil reserves. It was a pro-Western ally in a volatile region

and it acted as a counterweight to Soviet influence during the Cold War.

But the Shah’s rule was authoritarian. His secret police (SAVAK) suppressed opposition, imprisoned critics and tortured dissidents. Despite this, Western governments largely overlooked these abuses because the Shah aligned with their geopolitical interests.

Everything changed in 1979, when the Iranian Revolution replaced the monarchy with a religious government led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. From Washington’s perspective, Iran transformed overnight from a strategic ally into a hostile state.

Since the revolution, Iran has opposed U.S. influence in the Middle East and supported armed groups such as Hezbollah and others that challenge Israel and Western-aligned governments.

From the viewpoint of Israel, Iran is its most dangerous regional adversary. Israeli leaders argue that Iran’s missile program and nuclear ambitions pose an existential threat.

Oil does play a major strategic role.

Iran sits beside one of the most important energy chokepoints on Earth: the Strait of Hormuz. Around 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through this narrow passage between Iran and Oman.

Because of this, any conflict involving Iran threatens global energy markets. Even the threat of disruption can drive oil prices higher. Control of security in the Persian Gulf is strategically critical.

Iran sits at the crossroads of the Middle East, Central Asia and the Caucasus. Analysts often describe it as a strategic pivot between East and West. Weakening Iran can also affect regional alliances involving China and Russia, both of which have developed closer ties with Tehran in recent years.

In other words, the conflict is also about who shapes the political order of the Middle East.

Was Iran an Imminent Threat?

Some officials argue the strikes were necessary to prevent future attacks or stop Iran’s military capabilities. Critics, however, say there was no clear immediate threat, and that diplomatic options had not been exhausted.