The conflict between Israel and Iran is a complex and long-standing geopolitical tension that has evolved from a proxy conflict to direct confrontation in recent years, particularly in 2024 and 2025. This conflict is characterized by its deep roots in ideological differences, conflicting strategic interests, and mutual security concerns.
Roots of the conflict:
* Historical background: Before the Iranian revolution in 1979, there were covert relations between Iran and Israel, as they both considered Arab powers a common threat. However, after the revolution, the Iranian stance changed radically, and the Islamic Republic became opposed to the existence of Israel on religious and political grounds.
* Iran's nuclear program: Israel considers the Iranian nuclear program an existential threat and strives to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
* Iran's regional influence: Iran seeks to expand its influence in the region by supporting allies and proxies such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Palestine, the Houthis in Yemen, and forces in Syria to support Bashar al-Assad's regime. Israel considers this influence a threat to its security.
* Proxy warfare: For a long time, the conflict has primarily manifested as proxy warfare, with both Israel and Iran supporting opposing sides in regional conflicts such as the Syrian civil war, and the disputes in Lebanon and Gaza. This included:
* Support for Hezbollah and Hamas: Iran provides military and financial support to Hezbollah and Hamas, which Israel considers terrorist organizations and a direct threat.
* Israeli airstrikes in Syria and Lebanon: Israel conducted hundreds of airstrikes in Syria and Lebanon against sites suspected of being Iranian or affiliated with Hezbollah, aiming to disrupt arms transfers and tighten the noose on Iranian influence.
* Cyberattacks and assassinations: Both sides are suspected of conducting cyberattacks and assassination operations targeting military and scientific figures.
Recent escalation (2024-2025):
The year 2024 and beyond witnessed a significant escalation, as the conflict shifted from proxy warfare to direct confrontation, especially following the Israeli-Palestinian war in Gaza that began in October 2023:
* Israel's attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus (April 2024): Israel is believed to have launched an attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, resulting in the deaths of prominent Iranian military leaders.
* The direct Iranian strike on Israel (April 2024): In response to the attack in Damascus, Iran launched a large-scale aerial attack on Israel using hundreds of missiles and drones, marking the first direct and significant attack of its kind.
* The Israeli retaliatory strike on Iran (April 2024): Israel responded with retaliatory strikes inside Iran, targeting military sites.
* Late 2024 and early 2025 escalation: Direct escalation continued, as:
* Iran launched missiles at Israel in October 2024, in response to the assassinations of leaders from Hamas and Hezbollah.
* Israel attacked military sites in Iran in October 2024, asserting it was a response to Iranian attacks.
* In June 2025, Israel launched extensive attacks on targets related to the Iranian nuclear program, in addition to assassinating prominent military, security, and scientific officials.
* Iran responded with missile strikes on Israel, with Iranian media reporting the downing of Israeli aircraft.
Motives and risks:
* Iranian motives: The Iranian leadership is based on the ideology of 'Wilayat al-Faqih' which seeks to expand its influence and confront Israel, which it views as an illegitimate entity. It also uses external conflict to unify the domestic front and distract attention from economic and social problems.
* Israeli motives: Israel aims to ensure its national security and prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, while undermining its regional influence and allies.
* Escalation risks: The conflict poses the risk of escalating into a broader regional war, with dire consequences for the region and the world, especially amid renewed focus on Iranian nuclear capabilities. The United States plays complex roles, supporting Israel while seeking to avoid being dragged into a direct war with Iran.
The conflict between Israel and Iran is a constantly changing dynamic, influenced by regional events and internal developments in both countries, making it one of the most dangerous flashpoints in the Middle East.