Why Do Some People or Groups Support Terror-Linked Countries like Iran and Pakistan

1. Religious Identity Gets Misused for Political Loyalty

Some followers of Islam or other faiths support countries like Iran or Pakistan not because they support terrorism, but because those countries present themselves as defenders of Islam.
Iran claims to be the “resistance axis” against Western oppression, and Pakistan portrays itself as the “fortress of Islam.”
People emotionally connect to these religious slogans, often ignoring or denying the country’s actions.

Key issue: Blind allegiance to religious symbolism overrides facts.

2. Weaponized Victimhood Narratives

Iran and Pakistan often frame themselves as victims of Western aggression or Zionist conspiracies.
This taps into historical grievances (colonialism, Palestine, Iraq War) and creates sympathy even when these regimes sponsor terrorism.
Some people believe they are defending oppressed Muslims, even if they’re being manipulated by the state’s propaganda.

Example: Iran uses the Palestinian cause to justify attacks, while sponsoring groups that cause civilian casualties elsewhere.

3. Media and Misinformation Ecosystems

State-run or religiously aligned media in many countries push selective or distorted narratives:
- Downplaying Iran’s or Pakistan’s terror links.
- Blaming all violence on Israel, the U.S., or India.
- Glorifying militant groups as “freedom fighters.”

People only exposed to that information may genuinely believe those countries are righteous.

In many places, media does not show the full truth — or shows only what supports the state’s view.

4. Misinterpretation of Religious Duty

Some extremists misuse religious texts to justify violence or support groups who use it.
Most mainstream scholars reject this—but radical clerics or online influencers promote ideas like:
- "Fighting against non-believers is a duty."
- "Defending Muslim lands justifies all actions."

This leads some people to believe supporting terrorism is a form of piety, not crime.

5. Fear of Apostasy or Betrayal

Criticizing Iran or Pakistan (both claiming Islamic legitimacy) is seen by some as betraying the faith.
Moderate Muslims may avoid public criticism out of fear—not support.
In many countries, religion and nationalism are fused—so to oppose the regime is seen as anti-Islam.

But Does the Religion Itself Support This?

Absolutely not.

Mainstream Islamic teachings forbid the killing of innocents, terrorism, and deceit.
Terror groups and radical regimes cherry-pick verses and ignore broader context.
Most Muslim-majority countries are victims of terrorism themselves.

Groups like ISIS, Taliban, or proxies of Iran are widely rejected by millions of Muslims.

So Why Does It Seem Like “Many Support”?

It’s partly perception bias:

The vocal minority that supports terror or hostile regimes is loud—especially online.
The silent majority that wants peace rarely makes headlines.
Social media amplifies outrage and conflict, not moderation.

Conclusion: It's About Politics, Not Pure Religion

Support for Iran or Pakistan despite their links to terrorism is not about religion alone—it’s a mix of:

Propaganda
Political manipulation
Religious identity politics
Misinformation
Fear or misplaced loyalty

If we want truth and peace, the focus should be on calling out state-sponsored violence, rejecting all forms of terrorism, and educating people to think critically, beyond slogans or religious covers.