You hear about the war between Iran and Israel on the news every day but got no freaking idea what the hell is going on over there? You may also not even know where ‘there’ actually are, like where the hell are these two guys on Earth? No worry, I have you covered with this detailed and ‘to the point’ article.

Let’s start with a quick geography lesson so you know exactly where these countries are. Then, we’ll dive into the tangled web of their conflict—why these nations are at odds, who’s backing whom, and what it means for the rest of the world. Buckle up, because we’re about to unpack some complex international drama with no holds barred.

I. WHAT ARE IRAN AND ISRAEL?

Geographical and Demographic Overview

Iran and Israel are situated in West Asia, commonly referred to as the Middle East. Iran is located in Southwest Asia, bordering countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Turkey. It has a coastline along the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Caspian Sea. Israel, on the other hand, lies on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, bordered by Lebanon to the north, Syria to the northeast, Jordan to the east, and Egypt to the southwest.

Iran, with an area of approximately 1.65 million square kilometers, is significantly larger than Israel, which covers around 22,072 square kilometers. The population of Iran is also much larger, estimated at over 80 million, compared to Israel’s approximately 9 million.

Economic Comparison

Economically, both countries present unique profiles. Iran’s economy is largely based on oil and gas exports, which have been heavily affected by international sanctions over the years, particularly those imposed by the United States and European Union due to its nuclear program. These sanctions have significantly hindered Iran’s economic potential, causing inflation and reducing foreign investment.

Israel’s economy, in contrast, is more diversified and technologically advanced. The country is known for its significant achievements in technology, particularly in fields such as cybersecurity, agritech, and medical technology. Israel’s GDP per capita is substantially higher than that of Iran, reflecting a more developed economic status which has benefited from stable political conditions and high levels of foreign investment.

II. THE CONFLICT. THE TENSION. THE WAR.

Historical and Ideological Roots

Before the Iranian Revolution

Prior to 1979, Iran and Israel shared a mostly positive relationship. Iran, under the rule of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, recognized Israel and the two countries engaged in economic and military cooperation. Iran supplied Israel with oil, while Israel helped Iran develop its infrastructure and military capabilities.

The Iranian Revolution

The pivotal shift occurred with the Iranian Revolution in 1979, which brought Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini to power, establishing the Islamic Republic of Iran. The new regime was founded on a strict Shiite Islamic ideology that viewed Western influence in the Middle East with deep suspicion and hostility. Israel was seen not only as a Western implant but also as an oppressor of Palestinian Muslims, making it a natural antagonist in the eyes of the newly established Iranian theocracy.

Khomeini’s doctrine declared uncompromising opposition to Zionism and the existence of the State of Israel, framing it as a religious and moral duty. This marked the beginning of the ideological conflict between Iran and Israel, where Iran no longer recognized the state of Israel and called for its dissolution as part of its foreign policy.

Proxy Wars and Regional Influence

Since direct military confrontation has been rare, much of the conflict between Iran and Israel has been conducted through proxy wars and influence operations in other countries, particularly Lebanon, Syria, and the Palestinian territories.

Lebanon

Iran’s influence in Lebanon, manifested through its support for Hezbollah, a Shiite militant group, has been a significant point of contention. Established in the 1980s with substantial Iranian assistance, Hezbollah has aimed to fight Israeli influence in the region. The group’s growing military capability, bolstered by Iranian support, has led to multiple conflicts with Israel, including a prolonged guerrilla warfare campaign in South Lebanon until 2000 and a full-scale war in 2006.

Syria

The Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, presented another arena for Iran-Israel tensions. Iran has supported the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad both militarily and financially, viewing his survival as critical to maintaining a Shiite axis of influence from Tehran to Beirut. Israel, concerned about Iran’s military presence near its borders and the transfer of advanced weapons to Hezbollah, has frequently conducted airstrikes in Syria targeting Iranian forces and Iranian-backed militias.

Palestinian Territories

Iran also supports Palestinian groups opposed to Israel, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, primarily in the Gaza Strip. This support is part of Iran’s broader strategy to empower entities that challenge Israeli security and further Iranian influence in the region.

Nuclear Tensions

The development of Iran’s nuclear program has significantly heightened tensions. Israel perceives Iran’s potential acquisition of nuclear weapons as a direct existential threat. This concern has led to alleged covert operations by Israel in Iran, including cyber-attacks and assassinations of key figures in the Iranian nuclear program, aimed at delaying or disrupting its progress.

Allies and International Relations

The conflict is further complicated by the international alliances each country holds. Iran has strengthened ties with Russia and China, both of which have served as economic and military allies. Russia has been a significant arms supplier to Iran and has collaborated with Iran in military and nuclear technology. China remains Iran’s largest trading partner, especially important given the economic sanctions from Western nations.

Israel, on the other hand, is a major ally of the United States, receiving extensive military aid and diplomatic support. The U.S. views Israel as a crucial partner in a volatile region, supporting it through military assistance and cooperation. Israel also has growing ties with European countries and, more recently, has normalized relations with several Arab states through the Abraham Accords, signaling a potential shift in regional dynamics.

III. WHY DO UNITED STATES INVOLVES IN THE IRAN-ISRAEL CONFLICT?

The United States has several reasons for its involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict, stemming from a mix of strategic interests, regional stability concerns, and ideological alignments. Here’s a breakdown of why the U.S. intervenes in this ongoing conflict:

1. Strategic Interests

The Middle East is a region of critical strategic importance to the United States, primarily due to its vast oil reserves and its key position in global energy markets. Maintaining stability in this region is seen as essential to the global economy and, by extension, to U.S. national security interests. Iran and Israel are two major powers in the Middle East, and their conflict has the potential to destabilize the region. By intervening, the U.S. aims to manage this instability and maintain a balance of power that favors U.S. interests.

2. Support for Israel

The United States has a long-standing commitment to the security of Israel, which is rooted in shared democratic values, historical ties, and strong domestic support for Israel within the United States. This support manifests in extensive military aid, diplomatic backing in international forums, and a general policy of ensuring Israel’s military and technological edge over its neighbors. The U.S. sees Israel as a key ally in a region where it has few reliable partners, and safeguarding Israel’s security often involves U.S. involvement in its conflicts, including those with Iran.

3. Containment of Iran

Iran’s government, particularly since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has positioned itself in opposition to U.S. interests in the Middle East. Iran’s pursuit of nuclear capabilities, support for terrorist organizations, and its role in various regional conflicts are perceived by the U.S. as threats to regional and international security. U.S. interventions in the Iran-Israel conflict are often aimed at containing Iran’s influence and deterring its nuclear ambitions to ensure it does not become a regional hegemon.

4. Nuclear Non-Proliferation

The U.S. has a vested interest in preventing nuclear proliferation, especially in volatile regions like the Middle East. Iran’s nuclear program has been a point of contention, with the U.S. fearing that a nuclear-armed Iran would pose a direct threat to Israel and other U.S. allies, potentially triggering a regional arms race. The U.S. has thus been actively involved in diplomatic efforts (like the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA) and sanctions to curb Iran’s nuclear development.

5. Counterterrorism

Iran’s support for groups that the U.S. considers terrorist organizations, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and various militias in Iraq and Syria, is another critical reason for U.S. involvement. The U.S. aims to limit Iran’s capacity to project power and influence through these non-state actors, which often involves supporting Israel’s military and intelligence operations against such groups.

6. Promotion of Regional Alliances

The U.S. has sought to build and maintain alliances with other countries in the Middle East, such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE, as part of a broader strategy to counterbalance Iran. These alliances often involve mutual defense agreements, arms sales, and shared intelligence. By supporting Israel and opposing Iran, the U.S. strengthens these relationships, promoting an alignment of interests among these nations against Iranian influence.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Trying to wrap your head around the Iran-Israel conflict is like peeling an onion with unlimited layers—each one promising a fresh set of tears. At its heart, the whole debacle is a spicy mix of clashing ideologies and regional chess moves, spiced up with a hearty dose of suspicion from both sides. They’ve got proxy wars, a tug-of-war for influence, and enough drama to fuel several seasons of a geopolitical reality show. This ongoing saga has not only kept diplomats and policymakers on their toes but has also reshaped the party scene across the broader Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape.

THE END

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Read more about Iran-Israel relations: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran%E2%80%93Israel_relations