Iran Israel Conflict
Why in news?
Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, in retaliation for an Israeli attack on its
consulate that occurred in Damascus, Syria.
History of Iran and Israel relations
• Iran was one of the first countries in the region to recognise Israel after its formation in
1948.
• First Arab Israeli war- In 1948, the opposition of Arab states to Israel led to the first
Arab-Israeli war. Iran was not a part of that conflict, and after Israel won, it established ties
with the Jewish state. It made Iran the second Muslim-majority country after Turkey to take
such a step.
• Israel’s diplomacy- It was part of Israel’s “periphery doctrine”, a strategy that aims to
build alliances with non-Arab countries in the Middle East.
• Pahlavi dynasty- Under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Iran maintained close ties with
the US and Israel, even selling oil to Israel during Arab economic boycott.
• Islamic Revolution, 1979- The overthrow of the Shah led to the establishment of a
religious state in Iran, altering its stance on Israel to view it as an occupier of Palestinian
territories.
• Iran’s regional ambitions- Post revolution, Iran aimed to expand its influence,
challenging regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Israel, both US allies.
• Iran Iraq accord, 1975- Iran ceased support for Kurdish-Iraqi separatists, reduced
hostilities and affected Israel’s strategic value to Iran.
• Nuclear facility attack- Israel periodically targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities to hinder
Iran’s potential development of nuclear weapons.
• Stuxnet cyberattack, 2010 US and Israel reportedly created Stuxnet, a computer virus
that disrupt Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, marking a significant moment in cyber warfare.
• Iran’s proxy support- Iran's support for militant groups like Hezbollah and Hamas,
which oppose Israel and the US further escalate tensions between two countries.
What is the current issue?
Hamas attack- On October 7, 2023 Hamas-led militants storm across the border into
Israel, Hamas hopes that other regional adversaries of Israel would join the conflict.
Militants involvement- Hezbollah, Houthi which are backed by Iran have involved in
Israel-Hamas, they pressure Israel to cease war with Hamas.
Damascus strike- Israeli war jets targeted an Iranian consulate in Syria, resulting in
the death of senior Iranian military commanders.
Iran aerial assault- Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles on Israel as a
response to Damascus strike, a significant attack that was largely neutralized by
Israel’s defence system and international support.
Support from US- US played a significant role in countering the attack, deploying air
defence missiles and aircraft in the region.
What is India’s stake in Iran Israel conflict?
Strategic balance- India has managed to maintain diplomatic ties with both Iran and
Israel, balancing its interests in the region for decades.
Israel Iran
• India and Iran established diplomatic links
• India recognised Israel in 1950 and full in 1950.
diplomatic relations were established after • Iran has been a significant supplier of
the opening of embassies in 1992. crude oil to India, although this has been
• India has benefited from Israeli expertise affected by international sanctions.
and technologies in agriculture such as • In 2018, India and Iran signed an
horticulture mechanization, protected Agreement for the Avoidance of Double
cultivation etc., Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion
• The relationship with Israel is particularly with respect to taxes on income.
strong in defence and security, with Israel • Both India and Iran share concerns over
being a major arms supplier to India. terrorism, particularly from Pakistan and
• India-Israel cooperation in S&T is overseen Afghanistan and the situation with Taliban.
by the Joint Committe on S&T, established • India over the years has emerged as one of
under the S&T Cooperation Agreement the favourite tourist destinations for Iranian
signed in 1993. tourists and every year around 40,000
• There are approximately 85,000 Jews of Iranians visit India for various purposes.
Indian-origin in Israel (with at least one • Chabahar port project in Iran is backed by
Indian parent), who are all Israeli passport India, it is crucial for India’s access to
holders. Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing
Pakistan.
What lies ahead?
India's consistent call for calm and restraint underscores its desire to maintain peace
and prevent the escalation of hostilities within its borders and in the region.
India’s stance is a reflection of its broader foreign policy approach, which seeks to
navigate complex international relations while upholding its national interests.
Quick facts
Regional groups supported by Iran
• Hamas- It originated during the first Intifada in 1987 to establish a Palestinian state, it
has governed the Gaza Strip since 2007.
• Palestine Islamic Jihad, 1979- It is the second-largest militant group in the Gaza Strip
and the West Bank, it receives financial assistance and training from Iran.
• Hezbollah- It means “Party of God” set up by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in 1982 to
fight Israeli forces that had invaded Lebanon that year.
• Houthis- They have been engaged in Yemen’s civil war for over a decade, they attacked
ships in the Red Sea during Israel Hamas conflict disrupting a major shipping route
between Europe and Asia it is supported by Iran.
• Popular mobilisation Forces- It is Iraq’s state sanctioned coalition of paramilitary
groups they maintain close ties with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.
References
1. Indian Express- History of Iran-Israel relations
2. Indian Express- Iran launches attack on Israel
3. Indian Express-India’s stake in Iran-Israel conflict
