In an incisive article published on June 10, 2024, Nadim Koteich, the General Manager of Sky News Arabia, sheds light on the cynical manipulation of the Palestinian cause by the Iranian regime’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. The piece argues that Khamenei’s recent comments on the necessity of the Gaza conflict reveal a troubling exploitation of Palestinian suffering for Iran’s geopolitical ambitions.
Koteich asserts that the core of Khamenei’s strategy is to use the Palestinian plight as a tool to disrupt peace efforts in the Middle East. Khamenei’s declaration that the October 7 Gaza operation was “necessary for the region” and thwarted normalization attempts with Israel underscores this tactic. According to Koteich, the immense human cost—tens of thousands of deaths and widespread destruction—is deemed a worthy sacrifice by Tehran to further its own regional dominance.
From an ideological standpoint, Khamenei’s regime has positioned itself as a staunch opponent of Israel, the United States, and moderate Arab states since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. This stance, Koteich explains, is woven into the fabric of Khamenei’s ideology, portraying the regime as a defender of oppressed Muslims, particularly Palestinians. This narrative is not merely about solidarity but serves to legitimize the regime domestically and unify various factions within Iran.
Domestically, the Iranian regime uses its anti-Israel rhetoric to divert attention from its internal problems. Koteich notes that by championing the Palestinian cause, Tehran aims to distract its populace from the nation’s economic struggles and political repression. This tactic has been a cornerstone of Khamenei’s approach, allowing it to maintain a semblance of legitimacy while its citizens face deteriorating conditions.
Iran views peace initiatives as direct threats to its influence in the region. Koteich highlights that Iran fears these peace efforts will weaken its regional proxies and increase its isolation both politically and economically.
A significant part of Khamenei’s strategy involves using the Palestinian issue to soften the sectarian image of Tehran’s regional policies. By presenting itself as a champion of Palestinian rights, Iran attempts to bridge the sectarian divide, garnering broader support within Sunni communities and undermining Arab governments that oppose its influence.
The long-term armed struggles, encouraged by the regime, have not brought Palestinians closer to statehood or improved their living conditions. Instead, these actions have led to further displacement, death, and destruction.
The article concludes by contrasting the approaches of Arab states and Iran. While Arab nations seek sustainable peace solutions to alleviate Palestinian suffering, Tehran exploits the conflict to further its geopolitical goals. Koteich warns that genuine support for Palestinian rights should not align with the regime’s expansionist ambitions, which ultimately undermine the very existence of the Palestinian people.
For a deeper understanding of Koteich’s analysis, read the full article on ASAS Media.
