The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran is not just another regional issue. It is a deep-rooted rivalry that has shaped the political and military landscape of the Middle East for over 40 years. While most people hear about missile strikes or cyberattacks today, the real story started in 1979, during the Islamic Revolution in Iran. Since then, the two nations have walked a path of silent war, filled with espionage, proxy battles, and growing mistrust.
Iran and Israel Were Once Partners
It may surprise many, but Iran and Israel once shared friendly relations. After Israel was founded in 1948, many Arab countries rejected its existence. But Iran became one of the first Muslim nations to recognise Israel in 1950. The two countries developed strong ties in trade, military, and especially oil.
However, all of this changed overnight in 1979. That year, Iran saw the fall of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and the return of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who transformed the country into a Shia Islamic Republic. Khomeini opposed the West and Israel, calling the Jewish state a “devil”. This shift completely turned Iran’s foreign policy, and Israel went from being a friend to the number one enemy.
Revolution Changed the Map of the Middle East
After the revolution, Iran projected itself as the leader of the Islamic world, standing against the influence of the West. One of its main goals became the freedom of Palestine. Iran openly rejected Israel’s right to exist, claiming that Israel had illegally occupied Palestinian land.
On the other side, Israel saw Iran’s actions and speeches as a serious security threat. For Israel, it became more than just politics — it was a battle for survival. As a Jewish state surrounded by mostly Muslim nations, Israel feared Iran’s growing influence.
Proxy Wars Became the New Battleground
Even though Israel and Iran have never fought a direct war, both nations have been fighting from the shadows. Iran supports several armed groups across the region, including:
- Hezbollah in Lebanon
- Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Gaza
- Shia militias in Syria and Iraq
These groups often carry out attacks against Israeli forces and civilians. Iran supplies them with missiles, weapons, and training.
In response, Israel conducts airstrikes on Iranian bases in Syria and Lebanon. Israel is also believed to have carried out cyberattacks and secret missions, targeting Iranian nuclear scientists and military leaders.
Nuclear Program: The Biggest Tension Point
The most serious point of tension between the two countries is Iran’s nuclear program. Iran claims its nuclear activities are peaceful. But Israel strongly believes that Iran is secretly working on building nuclear weapons.
Israel has a simple policy: it will not allow any enemy nation in the region to become nuclear. Based on this policy, Israel had earlier destroyed nuclear facilities in Iraq in 1981 and Syria in 2007. Today, Iran is at the centre of Israeli defence concerns.
April 2024: The Fight Becomes Open
Until recently, most of the conflict remained behind the scenes. But in April 2024, the fight came into full public view. Israel bombed the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, killing several Iranian military officers.
In response, on April 13, 2024, Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israel — something that had never happened before. Although most missiles were intercepted, the message was clear: the silent war had turned into an open fight.
Global Powers Take Sides
This growing tension is no longer just between two countries. Major world powers have taken sides:
- The United States and Europe support Israel.
- Russia and China lean towards Iran, though they don’t openly admit it.
- Arab nations like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, once enemies of Israel, have now signed peace deals and maintain formal ties with the Jewish state.
This has put Iran in a tougher spot, as many of its former allies in the Arab world now remain silent or neutral.
Can There Be Peace?
Experts say the chances of peace are very low. The reasons are deep and complex:
- Religion: Iran sees itself as the leader of Islamic causes, especially Palestine.
- Politics: Israel refuses to allow a hostile Islamic state to become too powerful.
- Security: Both countries fear that backing down could make them look weak.
- Nuclear threat: As long as Iran keeps pushing its nuclear plans, Israel will stay on high alert.
Many believe that both countries understand the cost of a full-scale war, not just for themselves but for the world economy, especially oil. That’s why they keep the conflict at a limited level, through airstrikes, drone attacks, cyber warfare, and proxy groups.
But one thing is now clear: the war that once used words has now entered the era of missiles and drones. And until one side changes its core beliefs, this conflict will keep shaking the Middle East.
