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

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 factorsmarking 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 a republic vehemently opposed to Israel.

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

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

Why are the events of the last year so important?

The conflict has been exacerbated by Iran’s support for militant groups such as 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 actor in the regional power dynamic against Israel.

In addition, Israel perceives Iran as suspicious nuclear ambitions as an existential threat. Despite Iran’s claims that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, Israeli officials fear it a nuclear-armed Iran would embolden its allies and increases aggression towards Israel.

Israel has a nuclear arsenaldespite the fact that he never admitted, but never used the weapons.

The the situation intensified after Israel invaded Gaza in October 2023in response to a Hamas attack on Israel. Both Iran and Israel have lashed out at each other, including the killing of Iranian politicians in Syria and recent Iranian attacks on Israel following the latter’s invasion of Lebanon this week.

Sensing a moment when the international community won’t stop them, the Israeli government found an opportunity to hit Iran’s allies hard with minimal repercussions.