Iran’s Shadow War: Terrorism and Nuclear Ambitions Persist

For decades, Iran’s support for terrorist groups has destabilized the Middle East, even as internal repression stifles dissent. Amidst regional tensions and nuclear ambitions, what are the key factors driving Iran’s actions?

Ongoing Terror Sponsorship

Since 1984, Iran’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism remains valid due to its backing of proxy groups and criminal organizations responsible for violence against civilians. This backing continues today, evidenced by the surveillance, detention, and harassment of thousands of Iranians accused of aiding Israel or violating the morality police’s dress code enforcement.

Past Acts of Terror

Iran has a well-documented history of employing terrorism against the United States and its allies. The Iranian government was found culpable in the April 1983 Beirut U.S. embassy bombing, which killed 63 and wounded 34, including eight CIA officers like the visiting Director of the Office of Near East and South Asia Analysis, Robert C. Ames.

The regime was also deemed responsible for the October 1983 Beirut barracks bombing, perpetrated by the Islamic Jihad Organization, which resulted in the deaths of 241 U.S. service members, 58 French soldiers, and 6 civilians, and injured 60 others.

In June 1996, the Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia, which killed 19 airmen and injured 498 U.S. and international military and civilian personnel, was linked to Iran and its proxy, Hezbollah Al-Hejaz. A U.S. court determined they were accountable, providing funding, direction, and support.

Domestic Crackdowns

Less visible, yet equally concerning, is the Iranian government’s harsh treatment of its own citizens. The international community witnessed this in 2009 when the government ensured the reelection of incumbent Mahmood Ahmadinejad, suppressing the widespread support for opposition leader Mir-Hossein Mousavi and the “Green Movement.”

Similarly, the death of Jina Mahsa Amini in September 2022, while in police custody for allegedly violating hijab rules, sparked widespread protests. Iran Human Rights reported that security forces killed at least 476 people during the demonstrations.

Nuclear Concerns

While the Iranian regime may temporarily curb its nuclear weapons program in exchange for sanctions relief, it will eventually resume its pursuit. As of February 2024, the IAEA confirmed that Iran continues to produce enriched uranium, though at a slower pace than earlier in the year (IAEA).