Israel-Iran Conflict Facts that You Won’t Find on Tik Tok

1. Israel’s attack on Iran is not an unprovoked offensive. For over forty years, Iran’s supreme leader has stated that his primary goal is wiping Israel off the face of the map. (By the way, does anyone else think that his moniker, “supreme leader,” betrays delusions of grandeur and mental instability?). For many years, his erratic, charged and unstable rhetoric, was just that: rhetoric. But when a lunatic acquires nuclear weapons, the conversation changes. Refusing new inspectors, halting surveillance cooperation, suspending access, and failing to address unexplained nuclear material change the conversation. In June 2025, the IAEA officially labeled Iran non‑compliant. So, when a lunatic who declares it is his duty to see to the destruction of Israel – a mere 985 air miles away – Israel would have to be just as delusional, to ignore the threat.
2. Iran is not just a threat to Israel. Ayatollah Khomeini has repeatedly endorsed the slogan “Death to America” as a political rallying cry. He condemns US government policies, including its support for the Shah prior to the 1979 Revolution, its backing of Israel, and its broader military and economic influence in the Middle East. When an unhinged despot calls for the destruction of the United States, and condemns Western values, it behooves us to pay attention.
3. The majority of Iranians do not support Khomeini. It is estimated that 80% of Iranians oppose the regime and favor a change, and who blames them? Brutal crackdowns on protesters, murder, torture and stifling fear of arrest and repercussions are a constant reality. Women are forced to wear hijabs, and suffer inequality in marriage, divorce custody and inheritance. They have limited rights in travel and are banned from many public spaces. Suppression of free speech, religious discrimination, execution of minors, mismanagement and corruption reign supreme. LGBTQ+ individuals face severe discrimination: Same-sex relationships are criminalized under Islamic law, with punishments including flogging, imprisonment, and the death penalty, leading to widespread fear and persecution. The only thing supreme about Khomeini is his supremely despicable track record for violating human rights, enforcing gender and religious separation, ruining the economy through corruption and war spending, and violently repressing any form of dissent.
4. Even Arab Nations view Iran as a Threat. Many Arab nations reject or are deeply wary of Iran due to longstanding sectarian, geopolitical, and ideological differences. As a predominantly Shia power, Iran’s influence clashes with the majority Sunni Arab states like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt, fueling a bitter regional rivalry. These countries view Iran’s support for terror proxy groups as direct threats to their security and political interests. While they cannot publicly cheer in the streets, they quietly welcome the stability that destabilizing Khomeini’s regime will usher.
5. Making Sense of World Reaction. Germany’s Chancellor Merz was first to express strong backing for Israel’s actions, stating that “this is the dirty work Israel is doing for all of us. We are also victims of this regime. This mullah regime has brought death and destruction to the world.” While a few other nations followed, their emphasis was on de-escalation. It is understandable that calling for de-escalation is an appropriate political and diplomatic buzzword, but I have to believe that European leaders are secretly relieved that Israel is doing their heavy lifting. And, what exactly does “de-escalation” look like exactly? Isn’t one bomb enough to cause irreparable damage to Israel (and its surrounding Arab neighbors)?
6. Israel is not in the Business of Regime Change. CNN’s Christiane Amanpour warned that Israel is engaged in a dangerous game of regime change. She asked where that ends and queried whether Syria is next. This line of thinking is preposterous. Syrians overthrew their own regime and Ahmed al-Sharaa is actively seeking to engage with Israel through both direct and indirect diplomatic channels, signaling a potential shift in regional dynamics, specifically mentioning the Abraham Accords. Perhaps Amanpour’s concerns stem from Israel’s recent track record,  toppling of the murderous Hamas regime in Gaza. And we agree, Christiane, it’s hard to live among enemies. We wish we had a choice.

It is perhaps inevitable that we each defer to our news source of choice and that means the channels and outlets that align with our political viewpoint. As painful as it can be, I force myself to flip through the channels (even those that infuriate me) and read from many sources, and I am continuously astounded by the vast differences in reporting. But in times like these, it is imperative that we read before we speak and educate ourselves before forming an opinion. And the sources we rely on matter. So don’t take my word for it. Look it up.