Uncover hidden truths Nigerians overlook in Iran-Israel war, diplomatic neutrality, economic oil shocks, security risks from terror links
Across Nigeria today, debates about Iran and Israel war have quietly entered everyday conversations from church gatherings and mosque discussions to WhatsApp groups and street debates.
Many people quickly take sides. Some support Israel because they believe it represents Christianity and biblical prophecy.
Others sympathize with Iran because they assume it represents the Muslim or Arab world.
But the reality is far more complex than these assumptions.
A closer look at history, religion, and global politics shows that many of the things people believe about Iran and Israel are not entirely accurate.
Understanding these facts is important, especially in a country like Nigeria where religion strongly influences public opinion.
Iran Is Persian, Not Arab
One of the most common misunderstandings is that Iran is an Arab country. It is not.
Iran is primarily the homeland of the Persian people, whose civilization dates back thousands of years before the rise of Islam.
Ancient Persia once stood among the most powerful empires in world history.
The legendary Achaemenid Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great, ruled vast territories stretching from Asia into parts of Europe.
Even today, Iranians maintain a strong Persian identity.
They speak Farsi (Persian)not Arabic.
Their literature, traditions, and cultural heritage are rooted in Persian history rather than Arab culture.
Islam arrived in Persia in the 7th century when Arab armies conquered the region.
Over time, Persians adopted Islam, but they shaped it in their own unique way.
Today Iran is the global center of Shia Islam, which differs from Sunni Islam, the dominant form practiced in most Arab countries.
This religious difference is one reason Iran often finds itself politically and theologically at odds with many Arab nations.
Israel Is Not a Christian Nation
Another widely believed idea is that Israel represents Christianity.
This is also incorrect.
Israel is primarily a Jewish state, and the dominant religion there is Judaism.
Christians make up only a small minority of the population. In fact, Muslims in Israel significantly outnumber Christians.
This fact often surprises many people who assume Israel is automatically aligned with Christianity because the Bible frequently mentions the land of Israel.
However, Christianity is built on the teachings of Jesus Christ, whom Jews historically do not recognize as the Messiah.
This theological difference has existed for centuries and remains a fundamental distinction between Judaism and Christianity.
The Political War Roots of Modern Israel
Modern Israel was largely shaped by the political movement known as Zionism.
Zionism emerged in the late 19th century as a movement advocating the establishment of a Jewish homeland in the historic land of Israel.
Following the atrocities of World War II and the Holocaust, international sympathy and political momentum helped lead to the creation of Israel in 1948.
While religion plays a role in Jewish identity, Zionism itself is largely a nationalist and political movement rather than a Christian religious project.
Christianity Exists in Both Nations
Another surprising fact is that Christianity exists in both Iran and Israel.
In Iran, there are hundreds of thousands of Christians, including ancient
Armenian and Assyrian communities that have lived in the region for centuries.
However, converting from Islam to Christianity or actively preaching the faith can face restrictions.
Still, Christians remain a minority in the country.
Why Nigerians Must Look Beyond Religious
Sentiment
Nigeria is a deeply religious nation. Faith plays a central role in how many people understand the world.
But when it comes to global conflicts and international politics, relying only on religious emotion can sometimes create misunderstanding.
Supporting a country simply because it appears in the Bible, or opposing another because it is associated with Islam, does not capture the full picture.
For Nigerians seeking truth and fairness, it is important to evaluate global issues through the lens of justice, history, and international law.
The Bigger Lesson
History teaches that nations are rarely purely good or purely bad.
Every country acts to protect its interests, maintain its influence, and defend its people.
Understanding this complexity allows people to move beyond propaganda, stereotypes, and incomplete narratives.
The world today needs informed citizens, people willing to study history, question assumptions, and seek truth before taking sides.
Because in the end, knowledge is power, and understanding the truth is the first step toward justice.
By Dr Marshall Odede
Opinion analyst
Conflict analysis expert (USIP)
