Understanding the Mideast 102

... religion - specifically Ayatollah Khomeini’s revolutionary, Twelver Shi'a-influenced messianic theology - shapes the Iranian regime's perception of reality... 

... understanding Khomeini's Shia end-of-days ideology, is nonetheless key. Political discourse is a side-effect of the Khomeini's worldview, which is dictated by his eschatology. Appeasement and compromise with the Iranian regime will not accomplish the elimination of its desires to obliterate Israel since the regime views the destruction of Israel as a precursor to the arrival of the Mahdi (Twelfth Imam), as revealed by Shiite texts...

In the late Ayatollah Khomeini's Twelver-influenced Shi'i revolutionary theology, promotes a worldview that elevates death, martyrdom, and chaos as instruments of divine purpose...

Most wars can be halted through political pressure, negotiation, or deterrence. But this conflict is grounded in a dogma that sanctifies destruction and bloodshed as necessary steps toward redemption. Within this framework, Israel's destruction is not simply a strategic objective; it is portrayed as a sacred duty. Iran will therefore persist in waging this war because its leaders believe they are carrying out God's work, and that only through Israel’s elimination will redemption arrive. Until the West grasps this theological dimension, its response to Iran will remain inadequate - and dangerously naïve...

The Iranian regime considers their nation to be chosen by Allah to prepare the world for the coming of their messiah, the Twelfth Imam (whom they call the Mahdi) who will establish justice in the world. They believe that catastrophic world chaos and the defeat of their enemies, especially Israel, are prerequisites for this event. Their murder and mayhem is not only a means to an end; according to their religion it is an end in itself, and their foreign policy is guided by the desired impending apocalypse...

The leader for whom Iran prepares the way is the Twelfth Imam, or the Mahdi... Chaos and war, however, are necessary to bring his return...

Iranian officials frequently cite horrific beliefs, like the notion that the Mahdi won’t return until the "last drop of Jewish blood" is spilled...

In Twelver Shia theology, the world must be conquered and ruled by Muslims for the Mahdi to return, hence death to American and Israel...

An Iranian military attack against Israel poses significant logistical challenges because of the relatively large distance between the two countries. Iran relies on proxies to act as its pawns and surround Israel...

Whereas other states see nuclear weapons as tools for deterrence, Iran's regime believes nuclear weapons will allow them to destroy Israel, and possibly the world, facilitating the necessary chaos for the arrival of the Twelfth Imam...

This is not a regime that can be negotiated with or appeased...