Iran & Israel: Unpacking Decades Of Dangerous Rivalry

Gordon Muller 22 Jun 2025

The escalating tensions between Iran and Israel have captured global attention, transforming a long-standing "cold standoff" into a palpable fear of wider regional conflict. For many, the question "why is Iran and Israel fighting?" remains complex, rooted in a tangled web of historical grievances, ideological clashes, nuclear ambitions, and a dangerous dance of proxy warfare that has now erupted into direct confrontation. Understanding this volatile dynamic requires a deep dive into its origins and the critical events that have shaped it.

What began as a strategic rivalry between two powerful Middle Eastern nations has evolved into a direct, often deadly, exchange of blows. The world watches with bated breath as airstrikes, drone attacks, and the constant threat of retaliation push the region ever closer to the brink, underscoring the urgent need to comprehend the forces at play.

The Deep Roots of Hostility: A Historical Perspective
Ideological Clash and Existential Threats
The Nuclear Ambition: A Central Catalyst
The Proxy Wars: A Battlefield Across the Region
Escalation to Direct Confrontation: A Dangerous New Phase
- The April 1st Strike and Iranian Retaliation
- The Fear of Regional Conflagration
The Role of the United States: Alliance, Deterrence, Diplomacy
- Balancing Act: US Strategy
- Impact on Global Stability
Future Outlook and Potential Pathways

The Deep Roots of Hostility: A Historical Perspective

To truly grasp why is Iran and Israel fighting, one must look beyond recent headlines and delve into the historical turning points that forged this animosity. Surprisingly, relations between the two nations were once cordial, even strategic. Prior to 1979, Iran under the authoritarian Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was a close ally of Israel, sharing common interests in regional stability and a mutual distrust of Arab nationalism.

However, this dynamic was irrevocably altered by Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. The overthrow of Israel’s close ally, the Shah, by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s forces in Iran in 1979, transformed previously cordial relations between Iran and Israel to fierce hostility. The new Islamic Republic, founded on principles of anti-imperialism and anti-Zionism, immediately adopted a hostile stance towards Israel, viewing it as an illegitimate entity and an outpost of Western influence in the Middle East. This marked the genesis of a rivalry that has now spanned decades, with the roots of this aggression tracing back directly to 1979.

From that point forward, Iran and Israel have been enemies for the past few decades, with Iran explicitly stating its desire to wipe Israel off the map. This foundational ideological opposition, deeply embedded in the revolutionary ethos of the Islamic Republic, forms the bedrock upon which the subsequent layers of conflict have been built. The shift from an ally to a sworn enemy set the stage for the protracted and increasingly dangerous confrontation we witness today.

Ideological Clash and Existential Threats

At the heart of the conflict between Iran and Israel lies a profound ideological clash. For Iran's revolutionary government, Israel represents an illegitimate occupation of Muslim lands and a symbol of Western dominance that must be resisted. This view is not merely rhetorical; it is enshrined in the very fabric of the Islamic Republic's foreign policy and is frequently articulated by its leadership. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has consistently reiterated this stance, fueling the perception of an existential threat to Israel.

Conversely, Israel views Iran's rhetoric and actions as a direct threat to its very existence. The calls to "wipe Israel off the map" are taken with extreme seriousness, particularly given Iran's growing military capabilities and regional influence. For Israel, the Iranian regime is not just a geopolitical rival but an ideological adversary committed to its destruction. This perception of an existential threat drives much of Israel's aggressive posture and its determination to counter Iranian influence wherever it appears. This mutual perception of an existential threat creates a highly combustible situation, where any action by one side is interpreted through the lens of survival by the other.

The Nuclear Ambition: A Central Catalyst

One of the most significant and persistent drivers of tension, and a core reason why is Iran and Israel fighting, is Iran's nuclear program. What began as a cold standoff rooted in nuclear ambitions and ideological rivalry now threatens to ignite the Middle East. Israel views a nuclear-armed Iran as an unacceptable existential threat, believing that such a development would fundamentally alter the regional power balance and embolden Iran to act more aggressively against it.

Israel has consistently advocated for a robust international effort to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons capabilities, and has, at times, taken unilateral action. The concern is not merely about the existence of nuclear facilities, but the potential for Iran to develop a weapon, especially given its stated intentions regarding Israel. The strikes took place despite negotiations between Iran and Israel’s principal ally, the United States, over the future of Tehran’s nuclear programme, leading many to suspect that the threat of nuclear proliferation remains a central, unresolved issue. Israel's strategy has often involved covert operations, cyberattacks, and targeted assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists, all aimed at disrupting and delaying Iran's progress. The location of Iran’s nuclear facilities, some of which are deeply buried, adds to the complexity and urgency of Israel's concerns, making it a flashpoint for potential conflict.

The Proxy Wars: A Battlefield Across the Region

For many years, the conflict between Israel and Iran wasn’t new, but it was largely fought through proxies, a strategy that allowed both sides to inflict damage and project power without engaging in direct, all-out war. This shadow war extended across the Middle East, leveraging existing conflicts and cultivating non-state actors. Iran has meticulously built an "Axis of Resistance" comprising various militant groups and political entities across the region, all sharing an anti-Israel and anti-Western agenda.

Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group and political party backed by Iran, Israel’s chief regional rival, rose to regional prominence after fighting a devastating month-long war with Israel in 2006. This conflict demonstrated Hezbollah's formidable capabilities and its role as a crucial Iranian proxy on Israel's northern border. Similarly, Iran supports Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Gaza, and various Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria, as well as the Houthi rebels in Yemen. These proxies serve multiple purposes for Iran: they extend its strategic depth, pressure Israel from multiple fronts, and provide a means to retaliate against Israeli actions without direct attribution. For years, Israel’s strategy was primarily focused on degrading these proxy capabilities, conducting numerous airstrikes in Syria against Iranian arms shipments and military infrastructure, aiming to prevent the transfer of advanced weaponry to Hezbollah and to curb Iran's military entrenchment near its borders. This period was characterized by what many observers called a "war between wars," a constant, low-intensity conflict fought through intermediaries.

Escalation to Direct Confrontation: A Dangerous New Phase

While the proxy wars have been a constant feature of the Iran-Israel rivalry, a significant shift has occurred recently. Now, instead of focusing on proxies, Israel is taking its fight directly to Iran. This marks a dangerous new phase, where the long-standing shadow war has erupted into open conflict, marked by airstrikes, drone attacks, and fears of a wider regional war. This direct confrontation is unprecedented in its scale and frequency, elevating the risk of a full-blown regional conflagration.

Israel and Iran had also exchanged missile, drone, and air strikes twice last year, in their first direct confrontation ever, signaling a clear departure from the previous proxy-centric approach. These initial direct exchanges were a precursor to the more intense escalation witnessed recently. The "war between wars" has morphed into a direct, overt struggle, with both sides openly acknowledging their actions and threats.

The April 1st Strike and Iranian Retaliation

The latest escalation was dramatically triggered by a specific event. Iran blames Israel for a strike on its Syria consulate on April 1st, which killed several high-ranking Iranian military officials. This attack, which Israel did not officially claim but was widely attributed to it, was a significant breach of diplomatic premises and a direct targeting of Iranian leadership. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, immediately vowed to retaliate, stating that the April 1st attack on the consulate would not go unpunished. This vow set the stage for a retaliatory strike that further ratcheted up tensions.

On April 13, 2024, Iran launched a massive drone and missile attack directly at Israel, marking an unprecedented direct assault from Iranian soil. While the vast majority of these projectiles were intercepted by Israel and its allies, the act itself was a clear demonstration of Iran's capability and willingness to strike Israel directly. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in a video released on Friday claimed that Iran struck a children’s center in southern Israel, among other targets, illustrating the scope and impact of these direct exchanges. This sequence of events — Israel's alleged strike on the consulate, followed by Iran's direct retaliation — brought the long-simmering conflict into the open, changing the rules of engagement and raising the stakes dramatically.

The Fear of Regional Conflagration

The most immediate and pressing concern stemming from this direct escalation is the fear of a wider regional war. The war between Israel and Iran continues to rage on, with both sides ramping up deadly attacks on one another, threatening to engulf the region in a broader conflict. What began as a cold standoff rooted in nuclear ambitions and ideological rivalry now threatens to ignite the Middle East — and the world is watching. The potential for miscalculation or overreaction by either side is immense, and the consequences could be catastrophic for the entire region and beyond.

The big fear is Iran starts striking targets in the Persian Gulf, potentially disrupting global oil supplies and drawing in other regional and international powers. Such a scenario would have devastating economic and humanitarian repercussions, extending far beyond the immediate combatants. The current trajectory of direct confrontation has moved the conflict from a manageable proxy war to a volatile, unpredictable situation with the potential for widespread destabilization.

The Role of the United States: Alliance, Deterrence, Diplomacy

The United States plays a pivotal and complex role in the Iran-Israel conflict. As Israel's principal ally, the U.S. is deeply invested in its security and has historically provided significant military and diplomatic support. This alliance means that any major escalation between Iran and Israel inevitably draws Washington into the fray. Now, however, American and Israeli officials are warning of the risk of a direct attack by Iran against Israel, highlighting the immediate threat that requires U.S. attention.

The U.S. position is a delicate balancing act: providing unwavering support to Israel while simultaneously trying to prevent a wider regional war that could pull American forces into a direct confrontation. Why Israel attacked Iran now, what led to the latest escalation, and how the U.S. is balancing alliance, deterrence, and diplomacy are questions at the forefront of international policy discussions, with a full timeline of events often scrutinized to understand the nuances of this intricate relationship.

Balancing Act: US Strategy

The U.S. strategy involves a combination of deterrence, diplomacy, and defense. On one hand, it seeks to deter Iran from aggressive actions against Israel or U.S. interests in the region through military presence and clear warnings. On the other hand, it engages in diplomatic efforts, often through intermediaries, to de-escalate tensions and prevent the conflict from spiraling out of control. For instance, the strikes took place despite negotiations between Iran and Israel’s principal ally, the United States, over the future of Tehran’s nuclear programme, illustrating the ongoing diplomatic channels even amidst military actions.

Historically, the U.S. has shown a reluctance to get pulled into the fight directly, despite past rhetoric. For example, President Donald Trump, despite his strong stance against Iran, at one point said he would make a decision about attacking Iran "within the next two" days, yet direct military intervention remained limited. However, with the recent direct exchanges, Israel is increasingly waiting for the United States to get directly involved, putting immense pressure on Washington to define its red lines and potential responses. This creates a challenging dynamic for the U.S., which must reassure its ally while avoiding being dragged into a full-scale war.

Impact on Global Stability

The U.S. involvement, or lack thereof, has significant implications for global stability. A direct military confrontation between the U.S. and Iran would have far-reaching consequences, impacting global energy markets, international trade, and potentially drawing in other world powers. The U.S. role is not just about supporting Israel; it's about managing a volatile region to prevent a crisis that could destabilize the entire international system. The balancing act of alliance, deterrence, and diplomacy is therefore crucial, as the world watches to see how this delicate equilibrium holds under increasing pressure.

Future Outlook and Potential Pathways

The current trajectory of the Iran-Israel conflict is deeply concerning. The direct exchanges of fire, particularly the April 1st consulate strike and Iran's subsequent missile barrage, have fundamentally altered the nature of their rivalry. The question of "why is Iran and Israel fighting" has moved from a theoretical geopolitical analysis to an immediate concern about an unfolding military confrontation. As of June 13, 2025, the situation remains highly volatile, with both sides on high alert and the international community scrambling for solutions.

The immediate future hinges on restraint and de-escalation, but the underlying drivers of the conflict remain potent. Diplomatic efforts, such as those where European diplomats held talks with Iran, offer a glimmer of hope for de-escalation, but their effectiveness is limited without a fundamental shift in the strategic calculus of both Tehran and Jerusalem. The images of people stocking up with supplies at a shop in Jerusalem on June 13, 2025, after an ambassador explained why Israel attacked Iran, underscore the public's anxiety and the very real fear of further escalation impacting daily life.

Potential pathways forward include:

Continued De-escalation: International pressure and behind-the-scenes diplomacy could lead to a mutual stand-down, returning the conflict to its proxy phase, albeit with higher stakes.
Limited Retaliation Cycles: A series of tit-for-tat strikes that remain below the threshold of all-out war, but keep tensions dangerously high.
Full-Scale Regional War: The worst-case scenario, where miscalculation or an uncontrollable event triggers a broader conflict involving multiple regional and international actors.
Renewed Nuclear Diplomacy: A concerted international effort to revive nuclear talks with Iran, potentially offering a pathway to reduce one of the core drivers of Israeli concern.

The complexity of this conflict, deeply rooted in history, ideology, and strategic interests, means there are no easy answers. The world remains on edge, hoping that diplomacy and restraint can prevail over the dangerous momentum towards a wider conflagration.

Conclusion

The question of why is Iran and Israel fighting is a multifaceted one, encompassing decades of shifting alliances, ideological animosity, existential fears, and a dangerous nuclear standoff. What began as a strategic rivalry transformed into a proxy war, and has now escalated into direct military confrontation, pushing the Middle East to the precipice of a wider conflict. The role of the United States, balancing its alliance with Israel against the imperative of regional stability, remains critical in navigating this perilous landscape.

Understanding these deep-seated factors is crucial for anyone seeking to comprehend the complexities of Middle East geopolitics. The path forward is uncertain, but the need for de-escalation and a long-term diplomatic solution has never been more urgent. We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below: What do you believe is the most critical factor driving this conflict? How do you think the international community should respond? For more in-depth analysis on regional dynamics, be sure to explore our other articles on Middle East security.

Why you should start with why

Why Text Question · Free image on Pixabay

UTILITY COMPANIES MAKE MISTAKES - WHY? - Pacific Utility Auditing

HeadlineSphere

Iran & Israel: Unpacking Decades Of Dangerous Rivalry

Table of Contents