SEAToday.com, Jakarta - The hostility between the Iran and Israel is nothing new. They have been enemies for a long time. Iran never liked Israel's modern day colonialization of the Palestinians. They even called Israel "Little Satan". What is the story behind that nickname?

The Iranian Revolution shifted the politics in the Middle East in 1979. Take for example the harmonious relationship between Iran  and Israel during the times of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. That exact relationship ended when the Iranian Revolution started.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini was not fond of a good relationship with Israel. He did not want to befriend Israel, as the country supported monarchy in Iran. He also did not want to change his belief that Israel was a cursed colonizer.

Israel was portrayed as bearer of misfortune toward Palestinians. Iran was friends with Israel to the point that they supplied 60 percent of Israel's oil needs. That cooperation prompted many Israelis to stay in Iran.

However, Khomeini changed everything. Any kind of cooperation with Israel was cut off. He also asked Israeli representatives to leave Iran and took back any Iranian representatives in Israel. Khomeini's tough stance on Israel brought new colors to the Arabian countries as their resistance weakened.

Khomeini came as a new Israel opponent. His strong stance received many support, including one from Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Leader Yasser Arafat, which later became the first Palestinian President.

Arafat supported Iran against the monarchy. The Palestinians supported Iran during their revolution. That support brought Khomeini and Arafat close to one another, a bond that could take down the monarchy in Iran.

"It is enough that we are here, and no matter how much we have helped we cannot offer as much back as the Iranian people have offered us. It is enough for us to be among the Iranian people. Definitely (we are stronger because of the Iranian Revolution). It has changed completely the whole strategy and policy in this area. It has been turned upside down." said Yasser Arafat, penned by James M. Markham in his New York Times article titled "Arafat, in Iran, Reports Khomeini Pledges Aid for Victory Over Israeli", February 19,1979.

Arafat's support was fruitful. Iranian Supreme Leader supported Palestinians to retain its territory. Khomeini organized the new government of the Islamic Republic of Iran beforehand.

Those who supported Israel in the government were dismissed. Some were allowed to continue working. Khomeini started organizing the government. He didn't pay attention to issues that weakened Iran, because the country is striving to become a new power in the Middle East.

Little Satan

Iran's support for Palestine against Israel wasn't a revolution rethoric. Iran was ready to support Palestine in regaining their land by supplying them with weapons and more.

Other form of support was full confrontation against Israel. Israel's ally, the United States, also had a taste of Iran's confrontation. Both were perceived as the real terrorists.

That condition made Khomeini call the states the "Great Satan" and Israel "Little Satan" in a speech in November 1979. The nicknames reaped pros and cons globally.

"After assuming power in Iran, Khomeini turned Israel and Iran into mortal enemies. Iran dubbed Israel the "Little Satan" and the United States the "Great Satan". Iran replaced Arab countries as the leader of the confrontation with Israel. The Iranian leadership didn't make any efforts to hide their hatred toward the United States, like other Middle Eastern countries," said William G. Baker in "The Israel Narrative: From Genesis to Regenesis" (2021).

The nickname Khomeini gave made its way around the world. Referring to Israel as the "Little Satan" can be found anywhere on earth. Every time Israel attacked Palestinian fighters, the nickname "Little Satan" soared. That nickname was used, even after Khomeini was gone.

Iran-Israel's relationship as enemies remained relevant, even until today, and had hit rock bottom a few times. Ahmadinejad's statement of wanting to wipe Israel out of the map in 2003 referred to Khomeini's views. Then, they fought with each other in April 2024.