ABSTRACT
Accusations of terrorism against Iran during the period in question were brought in connection with two separate forms of alleged activity. These were, first, Iranian support for armed opposition groups in various countries; and, second, the assassination of Iranian opposition members living abroad. It is certainly true that Iran has supported opposition groups in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Iraq, and Lebanon. Western states, however, not only showed no anger at these activities, but even displayed some sympathy for Iran’s support for opposition groups in Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Iraq. Even as regards Iran’s support for Hezbollah in Lebanon, the West has shown some understanding, since Hezbollah, which also enjoys the status of an official political party in Lebanon, with representatives in the Lebanese parliament, was fighting against the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon, with the aim of bringing about an Israeli withdrawal. Western principal concern centers around Iran’s support for opposition groups in Palestine, which are struggling against Zionism and against the peace process as it stands at present. However, though it is undisputed that Islamic Jihad and Hamas get their main support from Iran, Iranian support for these groups has perhaps been less significant than has been claimed.1
