Tehran, Iran – Tensions in the Middle East have long been shaped by the complex relationships between Iran, Israel, and the United States, with a covert struggle now threatening to escalate into direct conflict.
For decades, Iran and its allies have targeted Israel and Jewish interests worldwide, while U.S. military bases in the region have also come under attack. In response, Israel has been accused of carrying out assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists and launching airstrikes on Iranian targets in Syria. These actions have fueled a cycle of retaliatory attacks, bringing the two nations closer to all-out war.
Before the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Iran and Israel once enjoyed a cooperative relationship, with Iran even being the second Muslim country to recognize Israel. However, the rise of Ayatollah Khomeini and his followers marked a turning point, as the new Islamic Republic viewed Israel as a tool of the United States and a colonial power in the Middle East.
Despite initial rhetoric, Iran and Israel continued to cooperate during Iran’s war with Iraq, until conflicts over Israel’s actions in Lebanon in 1982 strained their relationship. This led to the emergence of Hezbollah, a powerful force in Lebanon supported by Iran as part of the “axis of resistance” opposed to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories.
The ongoing conflict over Jerusalem has further solidified the alliance between Iran, its proxies, and other anti-Israel forces. The desire for a Palestinian state remains a key factor in any potential resolution of hostilities between Iran and Israel, but prospects for peace seem distant.
As both Iran and Israel continue to be led by hard-line factions, the risk of further escalation and military confrontation looms large. The absence of moderate voices in leadership positions raises concerns about the potential for a lasting peace agreement in the region.