Iranian Regime's Role in Sabotaging the Two-State Solution

Amid ongoing international escalation toward resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, various international efforts and initiatives are emerging to implement the two-state solution as the best path toward sustainable peace in the region. Recently, a wave of statements and political movements has called for ending the war in Gaza, recognizing the State of Palestine, and strengthening the authority of the Palestinian National Authority as the sole guarantor of peace. These calls face strong resistance from the Iranian regime, which is considered one of the most prominent obstacles to this process.

In September 2025, Britain and Canada simultaneously announced their intent to officially recognize the State of Palestine as part of their support for the two-state principle, viewing this recognition as a necessary step to end the conflict and affirm the Palestinian people's right to an independent, sovereign state. This announcement came amid escalating humanitarian suffering in Gaza, where intensified conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties and widespread destruction, as detailed in a statement from the International Peace Conference in New York, sponsored by Arab and European coalitions. Signatory countries reaffirmed their call for Hamas to disarm and transfer all its powers in Gaza to the Palestinian Authority to ensure unity and legitimacy of the Palestinian political system, paving the way for peace.

However, these moves advocating for an end to tension and a move toward peaceful solutions face a strong response from the Iranian regime, which rejects dialogue and official recognition demands, describing them as deceitful plans aimed at undermining Palestinian resistance and forcing Palestinians to abandon their resistance options against Israeli occupation. In a shocking official reaction, the Iranian regime's Council (Council of Return) issued a strong statement rejecting peace initiatives, describing the European and American plans for a two-state solution as “deceptive schemes,” and warning regional countries against engaging with them. The council threatened that the regime would not stop at Gaza, Beirut, or Damascus, but would seek revenge against anyone adhering to peace protocols with Israel.

This stance appears as an attempt by Tehran to maintain its influence over the Palestinian arena and the broader regional scene, considering any success of the two-state solution as a direct threat to the legitimacy of its regime and its central role in “resistance.” Iran employs intimidation tactics and stirs conflicts to prevent Palestinian unity under a political authority willing to negotiate and pursue peace. It works through its regional arms—armed factions and groups loyal to it—to foil any efforts to de-escalate the conflict or gain international recognition for Palestine.

Additionally, Iran’s explicit rejection of sharing political authority is evident within the Palestinian internal struggle, as seen through Mahmoud Abbas's stance and his explicit support for the New York international conference and his statement backing the transfer of sovereignty to the Palestinian Authority. There is internal conflict over leadership and resistance strategies, which fuels tensions that Tehran is likely to exploit further to deepen the division among Palestinians and complicate regional relations, fostering even more instability.

These obstructions and tensions imposed by the Iranian regime lead to several negative outcomes: firstly, prolonging the Palestinian-Israeli conflict; secondly, preventing Palestinian unity around a coherent political project capable of confronting occupation through diplomatic means; and thirdly, continuously stoking sectarian and regional tensions, allowing Iran to maintain maneuvering space and impose its agenda on the Palestinian scene under coercion.

Meanwhile, international efforts continue, led by a coalition including Britain, Canada, EU countries, and others, to intensify pressure on Israel and push for a ceasefire and the revival of the peace process based on the two-state solution. The international community is being urged to recognize Palestine more broadly.

In conclusion, the Iranian regime is employing a systematic and aggressive plan to hinder the implementation of the two-state solution by creating internal and regional crises and rejecting all initiatives that bolster the Palestinian Authority’s authority and legitimacy. This stance denies peace and stability in the region, which would diminish its influence. The conflict between the two camps clearly shows that the Palestinian issue remains a battleground for international and regional rivalries, and that the status quo worsens Palestinian suffering and obstructs any serious move to end this long-standing conflict.

Dr. Sami Khatir / Academic and Professor