Iran Vs. Israel: Unraveling Decades Of Middle East Conflict

Aditya Considine 18 Jun 2025

The persistent question of why are Iran and Israel fighting each other lies at the heart of the Middle East's most enduring and dangerous geopolitical rivalries. This isn't merely a clash of nations but a deeply entrenched struggle shaped by historical grievances, ideological differences, existential fears, and a fierce competition for regional dominance. For decades, this complex conflict has been a simmering pot, occasionally boiling over into direct confrontation, threatening to engulf an already volatile region in wider turmoil.

Understanding the intricate layers of this animosity requires a journey through time, from a period of surprising cooperation to an era of overt hostility. It demands an examination of each nation's strategic imperatives, its alliances, and the red lines that neither side is willing to compromise on. As recent events demonstrate, the stakes are incredibly high, making it imperative to grasp the fundamental drivers behind this multifaceted and perilous rivalry.

The Shifting Sands of Early Relations: From Allies to Adversaries
Ideology and Existential Threats: Core Drivers of Hostility
The Nuclear Conundrum: A Red Line for Israel
Proxy Wars and Regional Hegemony: A Shadow Battleground
The American Factor: Alliance and Influence
Escalation and Direct Confrontation: Breaking the Silence
- Cyber Warfare and Covert Operations
- Economic Sanctions and Their Impact
The Future Landscape: Navigating a Volatile Region
- The Role of Regional Actors
- Pathways to De-escalation?
Why Are Iran and Israel Fighting Each Other: A Multifaceted Conflict
Conclusion

The Shifting Sands of Early Relations: From Allies to Adversaries

The current animosity between Iran and Israel is a relatively modern phenomenon, a stark contrast to their relationship prior to 1979. In the mid-20th century, under the rule of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Iran was one of the few Muslim-majority nations to recognize Israel. This alliance was born out of shared strategic interests: both saw themselves as non-Arab states in a predominantly Arab region, facing similar threats from Arab nationalism and Soviet expansionism. Covert cooperation flourished, particularly in intelligence and security matters. Historical records indicate that it was always Israel that was the proactive party, but the Shah also wanted a way to improve its [Iran’s] relations with the US, and at the time Israel was seen as a good way to achieve that aim. This pragmatic alignment allowed for a quiet exchange of technology, military training, and even oil. Israeli companies operated in Iran, and cultural ties, though limited, existed. This period, often overlooked in the current narrative, highlights that the conflict is not an immutable historical given, but rather a consequence of profound political and ideological shifts. The watershed moment arrived with the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran. The overthrow of the pro-Western Shah and the establishment of the Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini fundamentally altered Iran's foreign policy. The new regime, rooted in revolutionary Islamic principles, immediately denounced Israel as a "Zionist entity" and an "occupier" of Palestinian lands, labeling it a "little Satan" (with the US being the "Great Satan"). This ideological transformation laid the groundwork for the deep-seated animosity that defines why Iran and Israel are fighting each other today, replacing pragmatic cooperation with revolutionary confrontation.

Ideology and Existential Threats: Core Drivers of Hostility

At the core of the current conflict lies a profound ideological chasm and a mutual perception of existential threat. For the Islamic Republic of Iran, the very existence of Israel is seen as an illegitimate Western imposition on Islamic lands, a symbol of colonial oppression and a betrayal of the Palestinian cause. Its revolutionary doctrine calls for the liberation of Jerusalem and the dismantling of the Zionist state. This isn't merely rhetoric; it's enshrined in the regime's foundational principles and propagated through its state media and educational systems. Conversely, for Israel, the Islamic Republic of Iran represents an existential threat of the highest order. Iran's calls for Israel's destruction, its development of ballistic missiles, and its support for armed groups on Israel's borders are not dismissed as empty words but are taken as serious declarations of intent. The memory of the Holocaust deeply influences Israeli strategic thinking, fostering a "never again" mentality that views any credible threat to its survival with utmost gravity. For Israel, an Iranian nuclear weapon was a red line. This fundamental clash of worldviews and perceived threats forms the bedrock of why Iran and Israel are fighting each other with such intensity. Each side views the other's continued existence as a direct challenge to its own security and identity.

The Nuclear Conundrum: A Red Line for Israel

Perhaps no single issue exacerbates the tension between Tehran and Jerusalem more than Iran's nuclear program. From Israel's perspective, an Iran armed with nuclear weapons would fundamentally alter the regional balance of power, posing an intolerable threat to its security. Given Iran's stated hostility and its development of long-range missiles, Israel views an Iranian nuclear bomb as a potential "second Holocaust." This fear is not merely theoretical; Israeli leaders have repeatedly stated that they will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, even if it means taking unilateral military action. That alignment further deepened the divide, especially as Iran’s nuclear program advanced. As Iran continued its uranium enrichment activities and missile development, Israel intensified its covert operations, including cyberattacks and assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists, aimed at disrupting and delaying the program. The international community's efforts, such as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) or Iran nuclear deal, were viewed with skepticism by Israel, which argued that the deal did not sufficiently dismantle Iran's nuclear infrastructure or address its ballistic missile program and regional destabilizing activities. The US withdrawal from the JCPOA under the Trump administration further complicated matters, leading to Iran's gradual rollback of its commitments and an accelerated pace of enrichment, pushing it closer to weapons-grade material. This continuous cycle of Iranian nuclear advancement and Israeli counter-measures is a central component of why Iran and Israel are fighting each other in a shadow war that occasionally spills into the open.

Proxy Wars and Regional Hegemony: A Shadow Battleground

While direct military confrontation has historically been rare, the conflict between Iran and Israel has largely played out through proxy forces across the Middle East. It was largely on a low boil as the two sides attacked each other — mostly quietly and in Iran’s case often by using its network of allied non-state actors. Iran has meticulously built an "Axis of Resistance" comprising various Shiite militias, Palestinian factions, and political groups across the region. Key among these are Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza, and various Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria. These groups receive financial, military, and logistical support from Iran, serving as forward operating bases and deterrence mechanisms against Israel. For Israel, these proxies represent direct threats on its borders. Hezbollah, heavily armed with tens of thousands of rockets and missiles, is seen as Iran's most potent proxy, capable of inflicting significant damage on Israeli cities. Hamas and Islamic Jihad launch rockets from Gaza, necessitating frequent Israeli military responses. In Syria, Iran has established military bases and supply lines, which Israel consistently targets with airstrikes, aiming to prevent the entrenchment of Iranian forces and the transfer of advanced weaponry to Hezbollah. These constant, low-intensity engagements, often referred to as a "war between wars," are a primary manifestation of why Iran and Israel are fighting each other and competing for regional influence, with each side seeking to undermine the other's strategic position without triggering a full-scale war.

The American Factor: Alliance and Influence

The United States plays a pivotal, albeit complex, role in the Iran-Israel dynamic. For decades, the US has been Israel's staunchest ally, providing substantial military aid, advanced technology, and diplomatic backing. Israel, on the other hand, drew closer to Washington—militarily, technologically, and strategically. This unwavering support has been crucial for Israel's qualitative military edge in the region. Backing, it emerged as the most powerful military actor in the region, a status heavily reliant on American support. This deep alliance is viewed by Iran as a direct threat, cementing its perception of Israel as an American outpost in the Middle East. The US approach to Iran has swung between engagement and confrontation. While some administrations have pursued diplomatic avenues, others have adopted a "maximum pressure" campaign of sanctions and military deterrence. These sanctions, aimed at crippling Iran's economy and forcing it to abandon its nuclear program and regional activities, are strongly supported by Israel. The US presence in the region, its military bases, and its naval forces in the Persian Gulf are also seen by Iran as part of a broader containment strategy orchestrated by Washington and Jerusalem. The US position regarding direct conflict between Iran and Israel remains cautious. While Washington reaffirms its commitment to Israel's security, it generally seeks to de-escalate tensions and avoid being drawn into a direct regional war. This was evident when Iran and Israel continued to attack each other on Wednesday night, as US President Donald Trump said, "I may do it, I may not do it," when asked whether the US would join the conflict. This hesitation underscores the delicate balance the US attempts to strike: supporting its ally while trying to prevent a wider conflagration that could have catastrophic global consequences.

Escalation and Direct Confrontation: Breaking the Silence

While the conflict has largely been a shadow war, recent years have witnessed a concerning shift towards more direct confrontations, raising fears of a full-blown regional conflict. The April 2024 events served as a stark reminder of this escalating danger. Following an Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate in Damascus, which killed several senior Iranian commanders, Iran launched an unprecedented direct retaliatory attack on Israeli territory. Iran launched at least 180 missiles into Israel on Tuesday, the latest in a series of rapidly escalating attacks between Israel and Iran and its Arab allies. This massive barrage, though largely intercepted by Israeli and allied air defenses, marked a significant departure from Iran's usual reliance on proxies. The attack set off air raid sirens across Israel, sending millions into shelters and demonstrating the tangible threat posed by direct Iranian capabilities. Israel, in turn, conducted a retaliatory strike inside Iran, targeting a military base near a nuclear facility. While limited in scope, this exchange signaled a dangerous new phase where both sides are increasingly willing to breach long-standing red lines of direct attack. This direct tit-for-tat escalation highlights the inherent risks of miscalculation and unintended consequences. Each side feels compelled to respond to the other's actions to maintain deterrence and project strength, yet each response brings them closer to a full-scale war that neither side, nor the international community, truly desires. The underlying reasons why Iran and Israel are fighting each other are now manifesting in increasingly overt and dangerous ways.

Cyber Warfare and Covert Operations

Beyond conventional military means, the conflict extends into the clandestine world of cyber warfare and covert operations. Both Iran and Israel possess sophisticated cyber capabilities, which they have reportedly used against each other's critical infrastructure, military systems, and intelligence networks. These attacks range from disrupting power grids and transportation systems to stealing sensitive data and spreading disinformation. The Stuxnet virus, widely attributed to US and Israeli intelligence, famously targeted Iran's nuclear centrifuges, setting back its program by years. In response, Iran has been accused of launching cyberattacks against Israeli hospitals, water facilities, and financial institutions. Furthermore, a series of mysterious explosions and assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists and military commanders within Iran have been widely attributed to Israeli intelligence. These covert actions aim to degrade Iran's capabilities, sow internal discord, and send a clear message about Israel's determination to prevent Iran from achieving its strategic goals. While these operations are designed to be deniable, their impact on the ongoing rivalry is undeniable, adding another layer of complexity and danger to why Iran and Israel are fighting each other.

Economic Sanctions and Their Impact

Economic sanctions, primarily imposed by the United States with strong Israeli backing, form a crucial non-military front in the conflict. These sanctions target Iran's oil exports, banking sector, and access to international financial systems, aiming to cripple its economy and force a change in its behavior regarding its nuclear program and regional activities. The rationale is that economic pressure will compel Iran to negotiate or reduce its support for proxies. While sanctions have undoubtedly hurt the Iranian economy, leading to inflation, unemployment, and public discontent, they have not fundamentally altered the regime's strategic objectives. Iran has developed strategies to circumvent sanctions, including illicit oil sales, bartering, and strengthening economic ties with non-Western countries. Furthermore, the economic hardship has sometimes been used by the regime to galvanize nationalist sentiment, blaming external enemies for the country's woes. The effectiveness of sanctions in achieving long-term behavioral change remains a subject of debate among analysts, yet they remain a key tool in the broader struggle why Iran and Israel are fighting each other.

The Future Landscape: Navigating a Volatile Region

The future of the Iran-Israel conflict remains highly uncertain, fraught with the potential for further escalation. The direct exchange of fire in April 2024 demonstrated a dangerous new normal, where the threshold for direct military action has seemingly lowered. The risk of miscalculation, accidental escalation, or a deliberate decision to broaden the conflict remains ever-present. Analysts are closely watching several key factors that could shape the trajectory of this rivalry. Iran's continued nuclear advancements, its regional entrenchment, and the political stability within both countries will be crucial. The role of external powers, particularly the United States, and their willingness to mediate or intervene, will also play a significant part. You and other analysts have suggested this actually makes it more likely that Iran will continue to pursue a path of strategic defiance, potentially accelerating its nuclear program or expanding its regional influence, believing that direct confrontation is now a viable option for deterrence.

The Role of Regional Actors

The dynamics of the broader Middle East significantly influence the Iran-Israel conflict. Arab states, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, share Israel's concerns about Iranian expansionism. The Abraham Accords, which saw several Arab nations normalize relations with Israel, represent a significant geopolitical shift, potentially creating a united front against Iran. However, these alliances are not monolithic, and the Palestinian issue continues to be a point of contention that can divide regional partners. The ongoing conflict in Gaza, for instance, has complicated normalization efforts and inflamed public opinion across the Arab world, potentially strengthening Iran's narrative of resistance. The actions and alignments of these regional actors will continue to shape the strategic environment in which why Iran and Israel are fighting each other plays out.

Pathways to De-escalation?

Despite the grim outlook, the possibility of de-escalation, however remote, cannot be entirely discounted. Diplomacy, either direct or through intermediaries, remains a theoretical pathway. International mediation, perhaps by European powers or the United Nations, could help establish channels for communication and de-escalation protocols. However, given the deep ideological differences and existential fears, any lasting resolution would require fundamental shifts in policy and perception from both sides, which currently appear unlikely. Confidence-building measures, regional security dialogues, or even a return to a revised nuclear agreement could offer temporary relief, but the underlying drivers of the conflict would persist. For now, the region braces for continued tension, hoping that the next escalation does not spiral into an uncontrollable war.

Why Are Iran and Israel Fighting Each Other: A Multifaceted Conflict

In essence, why Iran and Israel are fighting each other is not reducible to a single cause but is a confluence of historical grievances, deeply rooted ideological animosity, and a ruthless competition for regional power. It's a conflict fueled by Iran's revolutionary anti-Zionist stance and its pursuit of regional hegemony through proxies, met by Israel's unwavering determination to maintain its security, prevent a nuclear Iran, and counter Iranian influence. The US-Israel alliance further complicates this dynamic, while the shadow war of cyberattacks and covert operations adds another layer of complexity. Recent direct confrontations have shattered the illusion of a contained conflict, bringing the two adversaries to the brink of a full-scale war that would have devastating consequences for the entire world.

Conclusion

The conflict between Iran and Israel is a defining feature of the modern Middle East, a complex tapestry woven from history, ideology, and strategic imperatives. The conflict between Israel and Iran has shaped the Middle East for decades, evolving from a quiet, pragmatic alliance to an overt, existential struggle. Understanding the multifaceted reasons why Iran and Israel are fighting each other is crucial for anyone seeking to comprehend the region's volatility and the potential for wider conflict. This is not a simple dispute but a high-stakes geopolitical chess match with profound implications for global stability. We hope this in-depth analysis has provided valuable insights into this critical rivalry. What are your thoughts on the future of Iran-Israel relations? Do you believe a diplomatic solution is possible, or is further escalation inevitable? Share your perspectives in the comments below, and consider sharing this article with others who seek to understand this complex issue. For more insights into Middle Eastern geopolitics, explore our other articles on regional conflicts and international relations.

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