The ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel are among the most volatile in the Middle East. While the two countries have never been in a direct war, their conflict is largely rooted in geopolitical, ideological, and regional power struggles. Dhruv Rathee, a well-known content creator focused on geopolitical issues, might explain this complex situation by breaking down the core reasons behind their strained relations and the recent developments.
Historical Context
The animosity between Iran and Israel began after the Islamic Revolution of 1979, which transformed Iran into a theocratic state. Prior to this, relations were cordial. However, post-revolution, Iran adopted an anti-Western and anti-Israel stance. It has since been a vocal critic of Israel, refusing to recognize it as a legitimate state. This ideological divide—rooted in Iran’s support for the Palestinian cause and opposition to Zionism—became a cornerstone of their adversarial relationship.
Israel, on the other hand, views Iran as a major threat to its security, particularly due to Iran’s nuclear ambitions and support for militant groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. Both Hezbollah and Hamas have engaged in conflicts with Israel and receive funding and weapons from Iran.
Nuclear Tensions
One of the primary sources of conflict is Iran’s nuclear program. Israel believes that Iran’s goal is to develop nuclear weapons, which would drastically shift the balance of power in the region. Israel has repeatedly stated that it would not tolerate a nuclear-armed Iran, and in the past, has conducted covert operations to sabotage Iranian nuclear facilities.
On the other hand, Iran insists that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, such as energy production. However, violations of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, have raised concerns internationally. Since the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 under President Trump, Iran has gradually resumed enriching uranium at levels closer to those needed for weaponization, further alarming Israel and its Western allies.
Proxy Wars
Iran and Israel’s conflict is also fought through proxy wars across the Middle East. In Syria, Iran supports the regime of Bashar al-Assad, while Israel has conducted numerous airstrikes targeting Iranian forces and Hezbollah militants there. Israel sees Iran’s presence in Syria as a strategic threat, fearing the establishment of Iranian military bases near its borders.
In Lebanon, the Iran-backed Hezbollah, which fought a war with Israel in 2006, continues to be a significant player. Similarly, Iran’s support for Hamas in Gaza keeps tensions simmering on Israel’s southern border.
Recent Developments
Recently, tensions have escalated due to Israel’s continued airstrikes on Iranian targets in Syria and alleged cyberattacks against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Iran has responded by increasing its military activity in the region and threatening retaliation.
Another factor is the recent peace agreements between Israel and some Arab nations, such as the UAE and Bahrain, through the Abraham Accords. These normalization agreements, brokered by the United States, have isolated Iran in the region, exacerbating its tensions with Israel. Tehran views these deals as a betrayal by Arab nations, further complicating the Middle East’s already complex geopolitical landscape.
Potential for Conflict
While both countries seem to avoid direct confrontation, there is always the risk that a miscalculation could lead to war. Dhruv Rathee would likely highlight the role of international diplomacy, especially efforts by European powers and the U.S., to rein in tensions by either reviving the Iran nuclear deal or encouraging dialogue.
However, until either Iran abandons its nuclear ambitions or Israel feels its security is assured, the conflict will likely continue simmering in the background, with potential flare-ups threatening to destabilize the Middle East.
