Current Situation in West Asia
The current situation in West Asia, particularly between Israel and Iran, is tense—especially following the 12-day war, which ended with a ceasefire brokered by the US President. Israel bombed two major nuclear facilities in Iran—Natanz and Isfahan (Fordow), reportedly with assistance from the USA.
To truly understand this conflict, we must delve into the historical roots of both Iran and Israel. These two nations are central to the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East. It is important to listen to both sides of the argument. The conflict is not merely about nuclear weapons; it is rooted in deeply held ideologies and historical grievances.
Historical Background
The conflict dates back to the formation of Israel as a state in 1948 and further intensified after the Iranian Revolution of 1979. Israel is a Jewish state, while Iran is an Islamic republic—religious disparities have only added to the mistrust between the two.
During the era of the Persian Empire, Jews contributed to Persian society. However, as Persia adopted Islam more widely, Jews faced religious persecution. Later, the Zionist movement further divided Iranian Jews.
The Zionist movement provided a foundation for the Jews to establish their own state, gaining international momentum through the Balfour Declaration of 1917 by Britain.
Iran’s Perspective
Iran views Israel as an illegal state and supports its destruction to resolve the Palestinian issue. Israel claims that Iran backs a coalition of terrorist organizations, such as Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthi rebels, and the Assad regime. However, this was not always Iran’s official stance. Antisemitic notions also circulated over time.
When Iran Provided Oil to Israel
During the Arab-Israeli War of 1948, Iran officially supported the Arab nations but was simultaneously supplying oil to Israel. In return, Israel provided military technology and weapons to Iran.
Iran even assisted Israel in relocating Jews from Iraq. Israel maintained a de facto diplomatic mission in Tehran.
These ties changed drastically after the collapse of the Pahlavi dynasty and the establishment of the Islamic Republic following the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Iran then officially labeled Israel as an illegal state. This revolution was not only about religion (Islam vs. Zionism) but extended to political instability, economic sanctions, and severed diplomatic relations.
From Common Grounds to Differences
From a geopolitical perspective, sanctions can often indicate a breaking point in diplomatic relations. However, despite tensions, Israel provided military support to Iran during the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988), although Iran continues to deny this.
After the 1988 ceasefire, all indirect links ceased. Iran began aligning itself more with Arab and Muslim states.
Proxy Wars
Proxy wars between Iran and Israel are a well-known reality. Whether through Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, or the Houthi rebels in Yemen, every confrontation involving Israel and these groups reflects the broader Israel-Iran conflict.
Iran provides both military and non-military aid to Hezbollah, estimated at around $200 million per year (Pentagon, 2010), and currently closer to $700 million per year (The Times of Israel).
In Syria, Iran supported the Assad regime during the civil war. Israel viewed this as a direct threat and conducted airstrikes on Iranian military bases and supply routes, particularly those passing through Baghdad.
Targeting Nuclear Facilities
Israel’s consistent targeting of nuclear facilities in Islamic nations reflects more than military strategy—it highlights ideological opposition rooted in history. Examples include:
- Iraq’s Osirak nuclear reactor (1981)
- Syria’s Al-Kibar reactor (2007)
- Iran’s nuclear sites (ongoing)
These actions demonstrate the ideological conflict between Islamist and Zionist worldviews.
