Cycle of Terror: Why Iran's Regime - Report Rudaw24
Executive Summary
Despite decades of resistance and strategic defense, the Iranian regime continues to pursue and rebuild terror networks aimed at destabilizing Israel. This report explores the systemic structure of Iran’s ideological and military apparatus, its proven historical pattern of aggression, and why Israeli intelligence circles and civilian populations are increasingly viewing regime change in Iran as not only inevitable—but necessary.
Even with setbacks to its proxies in Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq, Iran is structurally and ideologically committed to reconstituting its regional influence. This report identifies ten strategic and ideological reasons the Iranian regime will continue its cycle of terror unless its core infrastructure is dismantled. It also addresses why Israel cannot afford to “wait and respond” anymore.
1. Introduction
For over four decades, the Islamic Republic of Iran has operated a vast shadow network of militias, terror cells, ideological propaganda, and financial pipelines that empower violence against Israel. Despite setbacks, these networks—like a hydra—regrow. Israel, although brave and resilient, now stands at a historic inflection point.
The question is no longer if Iran will try again, but when and how often. And more importantly: what is the long-term strategy to end this cycle?
2. Why Iran Will Rebuild Its Terror Network Again: 10 Scientific-Strategic Reasons
Ideological Doctrine of 'Resistance'
Iran’s constitution and military doctrine define the destruction of Israel as a divine mission. This is not a policy choice—it is a foundational principle.
Permanent Quds Force Infrastructure
Despite sanctions, the Quds Force remains embedded in diplomatic and paramilitary missions across the region. They are trained to rebuild fast.
Proxy Network Resilience
Hezbollah, Houthis, Hashd al-Shaabi, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad maintain decentralized cells, designed specifically to survive leadership losses and regenerate.
Asymmetric Warfare Model
Iran excels in asymmetric conflict: drones, cyberattacks, and disinformation. These require low capital and are difficult to trace, making them easily replaceable.
Domestic Political Diversion
Iranian leaders use external “Zionist” threats to deflect from internal crises like inflation, protests, and human rights abuse. Terror abroad keeps the regime alive at home.
Strategic Patience Doctrine
Iran plays the long game. Even after defeat, their historical patience (e.g., rebuilding Hezbollah post-2006) shows they will always return.
Religious Mobilization Capabilities
Iran utilizes Shi’a religious networks to radicalize populations and recruit fighters far beyond its borders—a renewable source of manpower.
Black Market Funding Channels
Sanctions have only strengthened Iran’s ability to operate via cryptocurrencies, smuggling, and oil swaps with rogue states. Money always flows.
Missile and Drone Industrial Base
Iran now produces long-range drones and missiles domestically. These can be replaced much faster than Israel can respond diplomatically.
Regime Survival Through Chaos
The regime survives not through peace but perpetual instability, which justifies their crackdown at home and expansions abroad.
3. The Current Window of Opportunity for Israel and the rest of the World
Israel has never lacked courage. From the IDF, Israeli society is built on resilience and defense. But now, for the first time in decades, the possibility of changing the equation forever has emerged:
Iran faces internal protests, economic collapse, and generational fatigue.
Regional alliances (such as the Abraham Accords) have isolated Tehran diplomatically.
Western appetite for appeasement is decreasing after waves of Iranian-backed violence.
Israeli technological superiority, especially in cyber and AI-driven defense, gives it a unique asymmetric edge.
But giving up now would only allow the Iranian regime to grow bolder and more brutal. Any signs of hesitation will be interpreted in Tehran as a green light to continue the war from the shadows.
4. Scientific Recommendations and Conclusions
Regime change does not necessarily mean invasion. It means dismantling the apparatus that enables Iranian global terrorism—through a combination of cyber disruption, regional coalition support, economic warfare, and internal political encouragement.
Israel must prepare a multi-layered, time-bound, and coalition-based strategy to weaken the regime’s pillars: ideology, finance, and command-and-control.
Civil society in Iran is not the enemy. The regime is.
Israeli policy should shift from reactive defense to proactive destabilization of terror command centers, including digital and ideological platforms.
Final Word to the Israeli People
Despite the hardships, the Israeli people have stood strong for decades. But now, for the first time, the opportunity to end this regime's regional terror cycle is within reach. Every moment of doubt, every delay, only gives Tehran time to rebuild.
History will not forgive hesitation. But it will remember courage.
About the Author:
Zahra Rasuli is a geopolitical analyst at Rudaw24 and Also a member of the Kurdistan Future Movement , researcher a focus on Middle East security, intelligence networks. She holds a Master's in Strategic Studies and has contributed to international research bodies on asymmetric warfare.
Published by Rudaw24 – Scientific & Strategic Division
