Introduction
The capabilities and threat of terrorist groups depend on their funding. Terrorism can be sponsored by individual states that support terrorist ideologies. One such state that poses a threat to the world community is Iran, which supports terrorist cells. Because of Iran’s support, terrorist can spread their influence in organized networks with supporters in many countries. Iran continues to be one of the leading state-sponsors of world terrorism.
State-Sponsored Terrorism and Anti-Israeli Activities
Iranian involvement in sponsoring global terrorism is one of the most significant. Primarily, the state supports anti-Israeli sentiment and contributes to the destabilization of conflicts in neighboring countries (Simonsen & Spindlove, 2018). In addition, Iran sponsors the recruitment of militias to participate in armed conflicts.
Iranian Support for Militias and Global Terrorist Networks
The terrorist group Islamic State claimed responsibility for most of the terrorist attacks over the past years (Simonsen & Spindlove, 2018). Iran’s contribution to the spread of world terrorism is generally recognized, for which the state is subject to US sanctions. Iranian-backed terrorist groups continue to pose a threat to the US and its allies.
Strategic Goals and Regional Destabilization Efforts
Terrorist activities have become a significant part of Iran’s foreign policy. The main goal of the state and the factions is to create instability in the Middle East to reinforce territorial and religious claims (Simonsen & Spindlove, 2018). One example of close cooperation between the state and terrorism is the Hezbollah group (Simonsen & Spindlove, 2018). Terrorists develop their influence on neighboring states by obtaining resources from the Iranian government to maintain the captured territories and present opportunities for attack around the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Iran is a state sponsor of terrorism because it supports terrorist groups. The threat posed by Iran is supported by funding groups such as the Islamic State and Hezbollah (Simonsen & Spindlove, 2018). Support for terrorism occurs because Iran and terrorists have similar ideological views, territorial, and religious claims. State-sponsors of terrorism contribute to creating a threat to world stability through complicity in organizing terrorist networks.
Reference
Simonsen, C., & Spindlove, J. (2018). Terrorism today: The past, the players, the future, 6th ed. Pearson.