What is the reason for the conflict between Iran and Israel?: origin and updates

The conflict between Iran and Israel is deeply rooted in historical, ideological, and geopolitical factors, marking it the most important rivalries in the Middle East. The relationship has evolved dramatically since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which transformed Iran from a US-aligned monarchy into an Republic that vehemently opposes Israel.

Initially, Iran and Israel had a cooperative relationship, particularly during the reign of the Shah, who recognized Israel’s sovereignty. However, following the Islamic Revolution, Iran severed diplomatic ties and adopted a hostile stance towards Israel.

The Iranian regime’s ideology is fundamentally anti-Zionist; Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have referred to Israel as a “cancerous tumor” that would be “uprooted”.

Why the events on the last year are so important

The conflict has been exacerbated by Iran’s support for militant groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, which are committed to opposing Israel. This support includes military training and funding, positioning Iran as a key player in the regional power dynamics against Israel.

Additionally, Israel perceives Iran’s suspected nuclear ambitions as an existential threat. Despite Iran’s assertions that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, Israeli officials fear that a nuclear-armed Iran would embolden its allies and increase aggression towards Israel.

Israel does have a nucelar arsenal, despite never having admitted to, but has never used the weapons.

The situation intensified after Israel’s invasion of Gaza in October 2023, in response to a Hamas attack on Israel. Both Iran and Israel have conducted strikes on one another, including the killing of Iranian politicans in Syria and the recent Iranian strikes on Israel after the latter’s invasion of Lebanon this week.

Sensing a moment in which the international community will not stop them, the Israeli government has found an opportunity to hit Iran’s allies hard with minimal repercussions.