Iran-Israel Conflict: History and Current Scenario
1. Historical Context:
- Pre-1979: Friendly ties under Iran's Shah.
- Post-1979: Islamic Republic declared Israel illegitimate; backed Hezbollah, Hamas.
- 2006: Hezbollah-Israel War—proxy war backed by Iran.
2. Current Scenario (2024–2025):
- Iran surrounds Israel via proxies in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, Yemen.
- Israel targets Iranian assets directly (Octopus Doctrine).
- Direct drone and missile attacks between the two in April 2024.
- Nuclear tension remains critical.
- U.S. supports Israel; Russia & China support Iran diplomatically.
3. Critical Analysis:
- Ideological and strategic dimensions intertwined.
- Proxy warfare gives Iran flexibility but invites instability.
- Israel’s preventive strikes risk escalation.
- Civilians in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon suffer most.
- Diplomacy remains weak; risk of wider war persists.
Infographic Summary
1. Timeline:
1948 – Israel founded.
1979 – Islamic Revolution.
1982 – Hezbollah founded.
2006 – Hezbollah-Israel war.
2015 – JCPOA signed.
2018 – U.S. exits JCPOA.
2023 – Hamas attacks Israel.
2024 – Direct strikes between Iran and Israel.
2. Strategic Geography:
Iran’s proxy network encircles Israel (Hezbollah, Hamas, Syria, Iraq, Yemen).
3. Core Issues:
Iran: Anti-Zionist, supports Palestinians, opposes Western dominance.
Israel: Views Iran as existential threat, opposes its proxies and nuclear ambitions.
4. Current Scenario:
Proxy and direct warfare, nuclear tension, U.S.-Iran-Israel rivalry.
5. Critical View:
Both act from insecurity, civilians suffer, dialogue missing.
6. Way Forward:
Revive JCPOA, engage regional diplomacy, create de-escalation channels.