Iran Israel Conflict: An Atomic Bomb In Arabian Region

The Iran Israel conflict is rooted in deep historical, religious, and geopolitical tensions. It is a multifaceted conflict that has impacted not just the two nations involved, but also the entire Middle East. Understanding the core issues requires tracing the history of Israel, the plight of Palestinians, the involvement of international bodies like the United Nations, and the evolving role of Iran in this protracted struggle. This blog takes a detailed look at how the conflict developed, its key turning points, and where it stands today along with its impact on future.

Introduction

Iran Israel relations have been characterized by deep-seated animosity and geopolitical tension since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, which transformed Iran into an Islamic republic and shifted its stance from a close ally of Israel to a vocal opponent. The two countries have engaged in a complex rivalry, with Iran supporting groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, which oppose Israel, while Israel views Iran’s nuclear ambitions as a significant threat to its national security. Additionally, regional conflicts in Syria and Iraq have further complicated their relationship, as both nations seek to expand their influence. The ongoing strife is underscored by a series of proxy battles and intelligence operations, contributing to a volatile situation in the Middle East.

How The Conflict Was Generated: Historical Perspective

The Birth of Israel and Palestinian Displacement (1948)

The year 1948 marked as seismic shift in the Middle East region. After years of persecution in Europe, culminating in the Holocaust, Jewish leaders sought to establish a homeland in Palestine, where they had historical and religious ties. Following World War II, global sympathy for the Jewish plight was at an all-time high, and this led to the formation of Israel under the UN’s partition plan on the Palestinian lands.

The UN General Assembly Resolution

The UN General Assembly’s Resolution 181, passed in 1947, called for the division of Palestine into two states: one Jewish and one Arab. While the Jewish community accepted the partition, Arab nations and the Palestinian population rejected it, seeing it as an unjust division of their ancestral lands. When Israel declared independence on May 14, 1948, neighboring Arab nations—Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq—immediately responded to this illegal act of territorial capture and a war like situation was created.

The subsequent war resulted in a decisive Israeli victory, but it also led to the forced displacement of approximately 750,000 Palestinians, an event known as the Nakba (“catastrophe”). Many of these refugees fled to neighboring countries, where they and their descendants have lived in camps for generations. The Nakba remains a founding moment in Palestinian history and a key reason for the enduring conflict with Israel.

Role of The United Nations in Search for Peace

From the outset, the United Nations (UN) has played a so called biased role in attempting to mediate the Israel-Palestine conflict. The international body’s involvement began with the 1947 partition plan, but its role would become even more prominent as the conflict escalated.

Year 1948: The Arab-Israel War

After the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the UN adopted Resolution 194, which called for the return of Palestinian refugees to their homes or compensation for those who chose not to return. However, Israel opposed the large-scale return of refugees, fearing it would undermine the demographic balance of the newly formed Jewish state. As a result, the resolution was never fully implemented, and taken as the failure of UN, contributing to the prolonged refugee crisis.

In the years that followed, the UN passed numerous resolutions aimed at resolving the conflict. Some of the most notable include Resolution 242, passed after the Six-Day War in 1967, which called for Israel’s withdrawal from occupied territories, and Resolution 338, which aimed to end the Yom Kippur War of 1973. Despite these efforts, peace has remained elusive, with both sides accusing the UN of bias.

The Six-Day War and Israeli Expansion (1967)

The Six-Day Arab Israel War of 1967 was another pivotal moment in the Israel-Palestine conflict. In just six days, Israel achieved a stunning military victory over Egypt, Syria, and Jordan, occupying of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem, the Golan Heights, and the Sinai Peninsula.

This illegal territorial expansion altered the landscape of the conflict dramatically. For Palestinians, the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip became a central issue and illegal as well in terms of international laws. These territories, which Palestinians hoped would form the basis of their future state, were now under Israeli control. The war also cemented Israel’s control over East Jerusalem, a city of immense religious significance to Jews, Muslims, and Christians.

UN Security Council Resolution 242, passed in the response of the war, called for the “withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from territories occupied in the conflict” and the “termination of all claims or states of belligerency.” However, this resolution is cited as the foundation for a future peace settlement in the region, but its vague wording—particularly regarding the extent of Israel’s withdrawal—has been a major sticking point in negotiations.

Israeli Occupation and Expansion Plans

Israel’s continued expansion of settlements in the West Bank, which began in the 1970s, further complicated the situation. Many in the international community, including the UN, view these settlements as illegal under international law. However, Israel disputes this, arguing that the West Bank was never an official part of any sovereign state and thus is not technically occupied.

Palestinian Resistance and Rise of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO)

The creation of Israel and the displacement of Palestinians led to the emergence of various resistance movements. Chief among them was the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), founded in 1964. The PLO, under the leadership of Yasser Arafat, sought to liberate Palestine through armed struggle, initially advocating for the destruction of Israel and regain the control of Israeli occupied Palestinian lands.

Over time, the PLO gained international recognition as the representative of the Palestinian people. In 1974, the UN General Assembly recognized the PLO as the “sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people,” granting it observer status at the UN. This marked a turning point in the Palestinian struggle, as it shifted from a largely militaristic approach to one that also sought diplomatic solutions.

Oslo Accord

The PLO’s willingness to negotiate was tested in the 1990s during the Oslo Accords, which were intended to lay the groundwork for a two-state solution. The accords, signed in 1993 and 1995, established the Palestinian Authority (PA) and granted Palestinians limited self-rule in parts of the West Bank and Gaza. However, the failure to address core issues—such as the status of Jerusalem, the right of return for refugees, and the expansion of Israeli settlements—meant that the accords ultimately failed to bring long lasting peace.

The Islamic Revolution and Iran’s New Role (1979)

While Israel’s conflict with Palestine and neighboring Arab states was well-established by the late 1970s, Iran had not yet emerged as a major player in the dispute. In fact, prior to 1979, Iran maintained diplomatic relations with Israel. This all changed with the Islamic Revolution of 1979, which brought Ayatollah Khameini to power and dramatically altered Iran’s foreign policy.

Stance from Iranian Supreme Leader

Khameini’s government adopted a staunchly anti-Israel stance, denouncing the Jewish state as an illegitimate, occupying force. Iran cut diplomatic ties with Israel and began supporting Palestinian resistance movements, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Iran’s involvement in the conflict grew even more pronounced in the 1980s, when it began backing Hezbollah, a Shia militant group based in Lebanon.

Iran’s support for these groups is rooted in both religious ideology and geopolitical strategy. The Iranian leadership views Israel as a illegal Western foothold in the Middle East and a threat to Islamic unity. Other Muslim nations also take it as an illegal act of Israeli occupational forces. Over the years, Iran’s backing of Hezbollah and Hamas has provided these groups with the financial and military support needed to challenge Israel’s military dominance in the region.

The Emergence of Hezbollah and Iranian Proxy Warfare

Hezbollah, which emerged in the early 1980s during the Lebanese Civil War, has become one of the most formidable players in the Israel-Iran conflict. Israel was invading the neighboring countries specially Lebanon and Syria so Hezbollah was formed to resist Israel’s invasion of southern Lebanon in 1982 which was reportedly backed by Iran. Over the years, it has evolved into both a political party and a powerful paramilitary organization.

Escalation of The Conflict

Iran’s support for Hezbollah has been crucial to its survival and success. Reportedly the group has received training, weapons, and funding from Tehran, allowing it to launch a sustained campaign of resistance against Israel. The 2006 Lebanon War is a prime example of Hezbollah’s capabilities, as the group managed to inflict significant damage on Israeli military forces, despite Israel’s superior firepower.

For Israel, Hezbollah represents a major security threat, not only because of its military capabilities but also because of its deep ties to Iran. The Iran-Hezbollah alliance has allowed Tehran to extend its influence across the Levant, creating a network of proxies that can challenge Israeli and Western interests in the region.

Nuclear Diplomacy: A Central Element

Nuclear diplomacy has been a critical factor in the Iran Israel conflict, responsible for shaping the strategic landscape of the Middle East. Israel has long viewed a nuclear-armed Iran as an existential threat, prompting it to take a variety of measures aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The controversy over Iran’s nuclear program intensified in the early 2000s, leading to international efforts to limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities through negotiations and sanctions.

Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed in 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 countries (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany), aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for lifting economic sanctions enforced by the US. The agreement was viewed as a diplomatic breakthrough, but Israel strongly opposed it, arguing that it did not go far enough in preventing Iran from achieving nuclear weapons capability. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fearfully condemned the deal during a speech at the UN, warning that it would allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons.

After the U.S. withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 under President Donald Trump, tensions between Iran and Israel escalated further. Iran resumed enriching uranium beyond the limits set by the agreement, heightening fears for Israel and of nuclear proliferation in the region. Israel intensified its military posturing, threatening preemptive strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and carrying out a series of covert operations aimed at sabotaging Iran’s nuclear program.

The nuclear issue remains central to the Iran Israel conflict, as both countries continue to engage in a strategic standoff, with Iran advancing its nuclear capabilities and Israel attempting to prevent it through both diplomacy and military action. The specter of a nuclear Iran has far-reaching implications, not just for Israel and Iran, but for the entire Middle East, as it raises questions about a potential arms race among regional powers.

The Abraham Accords: A Switchover in Middle Eastern Alliances

The signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020 marked a significant shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics, fundamentally altering the dynamics of the Israel-Palestine conflict and the broader regional landscape. The accords normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, most notably the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, signaling a growing acceptance of Israel among some Arab states. This development was largely driven by mutual concerns over Iran’s regional influence and its nuclear ambitions.

Diplomatic Victory for Israel

For Israel, the Abraham Accords represented a major diplomatic victory, as it established formal relations with countries that had historically been adversaries. The normalization agreements provided Israel with greater legitimacy in the Arab world and expanded economic, cultural, and security cooperation. For the Arab states involved, the accords were seen as a way to strengthen their own security against Iran and enhance economic opportunities through partnerships with Israel.

However, the accords also had significant implications for the Palestinian cause. Many Palestinians viewed the agreements as a betrayal by their Arab neighbors, who had long championed their rights. The accords sidelined the Palestinian issue, prioritizing Arab-Israeli relations over Palestinian statehood. This shift led to protests and condemnation among Palestinian factions, as the accords were perceived as undermining their aspirations for an independent state.

The Abraham Accords illustrated the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics, where traditional rivalries and alliances are continually shifting. The normalization of relations between Israel and some Arab nations could further isolate Iran, yet it also risks deepening divisions within the Arab world, complicating efforts for peace and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians.

Proxy Conflicts: Syria and Beyond

The Iran Israel conflict has increasingly manifested through proxy wars across the region, particularly in Syria and Lebanon. Iran has supported groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and various militia groups in Syria, which operate against Israeli interests. Reportedly these proxies serve as strategic assets for Iran, allowing it to project power and influence in the region while maintaining plausible deniability.

Syrian Civil War

In the Syrian civil war, Iran has provided military support to the government of Bashar al-Assad, deploying Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) units and supporting various Shiite militias. This intervention aimed not only to secure Iran’s foothold in Syria but also to create a direct supply route for arms and support to Hezbollah, thereby threatening Israel’s northern borders.

Israel has responded with a series of airstrikes targeting Iranian positions in Syria, aiming to disrupt weapon shipments and military installations to prevent Iran from establishing a permanent military presence in the country. These strikes are often framed as preemptive measures to safeguard Israel’s national security, underscoring the asymmetrical nature of the conflict.

The rivalry has extended beyond Syria, with Iran’s influence manifesting through support for various militant groups across the region, including the Houthis in Yemen and Shia militias in Iraq. Israel has maintained that it will take action whenever it perceives a threat from Iranian proxies, leading to an ongoing cycle of escalation and retaliation. The proxy warfare complicates the conflict further, as it draws in multiple actors with their own agendas, creating a landscape of violence and instability that extends beyond Israel and Iran.

Humanitarian Impact and Regional Ramifications

The Israel-Palestine conflict, intertwined with the broader Iran Israel rivalry, has profound humanitarian implications for millions of people in the region. Civilians in both Israel and Palestinian territories continue to suffer from violence, displacement, and instability. The ongoing occupation of Palestinian lands, particularly in the West Bank, and the blockade of Gaza have led to significant humanitarian crises. High levels of poverty, unemployment, and restricted access to essential services create dire living conditions for many Palestinians.

Furthermore, the conflict has fostered deep-seated animosities and divisions within the region. The ideological battle between Iranian-backed groups and Israel-aligned states contributes to a climate of fear and mistrust that affects not only Israel and Iran but also the neighboring countries. This instability presents challenges to any efforts aimed at peace and reconciliation.

As the humanitarian situation deteriorates, international organizations and human rights groups continue to call for accountability and a resolution to the conflict. Yet, the complex interplay of regional politics, historical grievances, and foreign intervention makes achieving lasting peace a formidable challenge. The cycle of violence has perpetuated suffering for generations, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue and a commitment to a peaceful resolution.

In conclusion, the Iran Israel conflict remains a multi-dimensional struggle deeply rooted in history, ideology, and geopolitical maneuvering. The roles of nuclear diplomacy, shifting alliances through the Abraham Accords, and proxy conflicts illustrate the complexities of the situation. The interplay of these elements will continue to shape the future of the region, impacting not just the countries involved but also the broader international community.

Current Dynamics and the Path Forward

As of today, the Iran Israel conflict remains unresolved, with both nations entrenched in their positions. Diplomatic efforts have largely stalled, and the prospect of a broader regional war remains a real possibility. However, the changing dynamics in the Middle East—such as the Abraham Accords and shifting alliances—could present new opportunities for resolving the conflict.

For peace to be achieved, both Iran and Israel would need to engage in serious negotiations, something that seems unlikely in the current political climate. Yet, history has shown that even the most intractable conflicts can sometimes find unexpected solutions.

Palestine, Current Situation

Israel, Current Situation

Future Perspective

The future of the Iran Israel-Palestine conflict is complex and uncertain, shaped by deep historical grievances, regional geopolitics, and the involvement of external powers. While it’s challenging to predict specific outcomes, we can consider several key trends and scenarios that could influence how the conflict evolves in the coming years:

1. Continued Proxy Conflicts and Regional Tensions

Iran has been a major player in the region, supporting groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Gaza. These groups act as Iranian proxies in their conflict with Israel. Iran’s backing of these organizations—whether through funding, military training, or weaponry—ensures that indirect confrontation between Israel and Iran continues.

This could mean more localized conflicts in Gaza or southern Lebanon, with periodic escalations leading to significant violence. Iran’s influence in Syria also puts Israel in direct conflict with Iranian-backed forces near its borders. As long as Iran’s regional ambitions remain focused on countering Israel, such proxy conflicts are likely to persist.

2. Impact of Iran’s Nuclear Program

Iran’s nuclear program remains one of the most critical issues in the Iran Israel dynamics. Israel has consistently warned that it will not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon, and it has already carried out cyberattacks and other covert operations to delay Iran’s progress.

If diplomacy, such as negotiations over the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) or similar agreements, fails to halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions, the possibility of an Israeli military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities remains on the table. This could lead to a regional war, drawing in not only Israel and Iran but also their allies across the Middle East. The Abraham Accords may play a role in such a conflict, as Israel could look for support from newly allied Arab states.

3. Evolving Alliances: Israel’s Growing Regional Ties

One major change in the Middle East has been Israel’s growing diplomatic relationships with Arab states. The Abraham Accords (2020) saw Israel normalize relations with several Arab countries, including the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco, and later, Sudan. While these accords shifted focus away from the Palestinian issue, they also signaled that some Arab states were prioritizing regional stability and economic partnerships over opposition to Israel.

This growing alliance could embolden Israel in its confrontations with Iran and reduce the likelihood of a united Arab front against Israel. However, these alliances could also introduce complexity if Israel engages in a major conflict with Iran, as countries like the United Arab Emirates may find themselves balancing new partnerships with Israel and old ones with Iran.

4. The Role of the United States and Other Powers

The United States continues to play a critical role in the region, as Israel’s closest ally and a major player in diplomacy with Iran. U.S. policies under different administrations could shift the dynamics of the conflict. For instance, a more diplomatically inclined administration may focus on reviving the nuclear deal with Iran, while a more hawkish administration may support Israel’s tougher stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Russia’s and China’s growing roles in the region also add to the complexity. Russia is involved in Syria, where it supports the Assad regime alongside Iran, and China is deepening its economic ties with Iran. Both countries could be key influencers in any future conflict or resolution efforts.

5. Palestinian Internal Divisions and the Two-State Solution

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains central to the broader Israel-Iran dynamic. However, the divisions between Fatah, which controls the West Bank, and Hamas, which governs Gaza, make it difficult to present a united Palestinian front for peace negotiations. The international community, especially the United States, has long pushed for a two-state solution as the best path to peace, but Israeli settlements in the West Bank and the political impasse between Palestinian factions are significant obstacles.

Israel’s new right-wing governments have often been less inclined to negotiate with the Palestinians, especially Hamas. However, if a peace deal were to be reached, perhaps with international backing, it could reduce the influence of Iran in Palestinian territories. Iran’s support for Palestinian militant groups is partly based on the ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestinian land.

6. The Role of Palestinian Public Sentiment

Public opinion in both Israel and Palestine will continue to be an important factor. Among Palestinians, frustration with both the Israeli occupation and their own leadership (especially with the corruption and inefficiency of the Palestinian Authority) is growing. Should there be significant changes in leadership, especially within the Palestinian Authority or Hamas, it could open the door for new negotiations, but it could also lead to further destabilization.

Additionally, younger generations of Palestinians are increasingly mobilized through social media and grassroots movements, as seen during the 2021 Sheikh Jarrah evictions and subsequent protests. This activism may continue to place pressure on both Palestinian leaders and Israel, potentially leading to new forms of resistance or even reconciliation.

7. International Diplomatic Pressure

There is growing global recognition of the need to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and many European countries and international organizations, such as the United Nations, continue to advocate for a two-state solution. However, with Israeli settlements continuing to expand in the West Bank, the viability of a two-state solution seems increasingly remote.

Still, international diplomatic efforts could intensify in response to escalating violence or humanitarian crises, forcing both Israel and Palestine to come back to the negotiating table. The role of countries like Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt as mediators will likely continue, especially in preventing all-out wars between Israel and Hamas.

8. Potential for a Broader Middle East Conflict

In the worst-case scenario, the Israel-Iran conflict could escalate into a broader regional war involving multiple actors. With Saudi Arabia also concerned about Iranian influence, especially regarding the Shia-Sunni divide, there is the potential for a larger regional alignment against Iran. However, this would bring immense destabilization to the region, with devastating consequences.

Role of Pakistan as the Only Muslim Atomic Power

Pakistan, as an influential player in the Muslim world and a country with a unique geopolitical standing, has maintained a delicate position in the ongoing Iran Israel conflict. While Pakistan does not have direct involvement in the conflict, it has historically sided with Iran and opposed Israel, based on religious, ideological, and political considerations. Pakistan’s foreign policy in this regard is shaped by a combination of factors including its relationship with Iran, solidarity with the Palestinian cause, its position in the broader Muslim world, and its strategic alliances with other powers like Saudi Arabia and the United States.

1. Pakistan’s Ideological Stance: Solidarity with Palestine and Opposition to Israel

From its inception, Pakistan has held a firm stance against Israel, driven largely by its Islamic identity and solidarity with Palestine. Pakistan is one of the few countries that still refuses to recognize Israel as a state, primarily because of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian lands. The country’s founding father, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, openly supported the Palestinian cause and viewed the creation of Israel as an unjust imposition on the Arab and Muslim world.

Pakistan’s opposition to Israel has naturally aligned it with countries like Iran, which also vehemently opposes Israel’s existence. Though the Iran Israel conflict is largely focused on geopolitical and ideological rivalries, Pakistan’s consistent opposition to Israeli actions in Palestine has influenced its broader position on the issue.

2. Pakistan-Iran Relations: Shared Concerns and Diverging Interests

While Pakistan and Iran share a long border and historical ties, their relationship is complex, particularly due to sectarian differences and regional politics. Pakistan is a Sunni-majority country, while Iran is predominantly Shia, and these religious differences have occasionally strained their relations. However, both countries share a common opposition to Israel, which has been a point of convergence in their foreign policies.

Pakistan has consistently supported Iran’s stance in international forums regarding Israel and has echoed Iran’s concerns about Israeli policies, especially with regard to the treatment of Palestinians. However, Pakistan also has to balance its relationship with Saudi Arabia, a rival of Iran, which complicates its position in the broader Iran Israel dynamic.

3. Strategic and Diplomatic Considerations

Pakistan’s role in the Iran Israel conflict is shaped by its strategic calculations. While Pakistan opposes Israel and aligns ideologically with Iran on this issue, it has been cautious not to get directly entangled in the Iran Israel confrontation. Pakistan’s relationship with the United States, a close ally of Israel, also plays a significant role in how Pakistan navigates its stance on the conflict. Pakistan relies on American military aid and diplomatic support, especially regarding its tensions with India. This makes it unlikely for Pakistan to take any direct action that would jeopardize its ties with Washington by becoming too closely involved in Iran’s conflict with Israel.

Furthermore, Pakistan has supported non-proliferation efforts in the region, advocating against the spread of nuclear weapons, an issue at the heart of the Iran Israel conflict. Pakistan’s own nuclear capabilities, coupled with concerns over Iran’s nuclear program, add another layer of complexity to its role in the region.

4. Pakistan’s Role in Muslim World Diplomacy

As a leading member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Pakistan has often voiced its support for the Palestinian cause and condemned Israeli actions in international forums. Pakistan has also been an advocate for Muslim unity in addressing conflicts involving Israel. This includes support for Iran’s opposition to Israel, although Pakistan remains wary of deepening sectarian divides within the Muslim world.

In recent years, Pakistan has called for peaceful resolutions to conflicts involving Israel, including those with Iran, while maintaining its firm stance on supporting Palestinian statehood. This diplomatic balancing act reflects Pakistan’s broader approach to foreign policy in the Middle East—seeking to maintain alliances with key players without becoming directly involved in their rivalries.

In summary, Pakistan’s role in the Iran Israel conflict is largely shaped by ideological alignment with Iran’s opposition to Israel, its long-standing support for Palestine, and its strategic considerations in the Middle East. While Pakistan refrains from direct involvement, it consistently voices support for Iran’s anti-Israel stance in international platforms while navigating its complex relationships with both the Muslim world and the West.

A Tense and Uncertain Future

The future of the Iran Israel-Palestine conflict remains fraught with tension and uncertainty. Key factors like Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Israel’s regional alliances, internal Palestinian divisions, and the shifting global geopolitical landscape will all play pivotal roles. Although there are avenues for peace and diplomacy, the deeply entrenched historical grievances, religious significance of the land, and ongoing political dynamics make a comprehensive resolution difficult to achieve soon.

That said, regional shifts such as the Abraham Accords offer glimpses of changing priorities in the Middle East, where economic cooperation and stability are increasingly valued. In the short term, more flare-ups and proxy wars are likely, but the long-term trajectory depends on leadership decisions, global diplomatic efforts, and whether any breakthroughs can be made on key issues like Iran’s nuclear program and Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.

Recent Events Which Added Fuel To the Fire

Over the past 12 months, several key events have significantly impacted the Iran Israel conflict, marking both direct confrontations and indirect proxy battles:

1. Escalation of Airstrikes and Drone Warfare (2023 – 2024)

• Throughout 2023 and into early 2024, Israel intensified airstrikes targeting Iranian military assets in Syria, which serve as a key conduit for weapons to Hezbollah. In retaliation, Iranian proxies, including Hezbollah and militias in Iraq and Syria, launched missile attacks on Israeli positions, escalating tensions further.

2. Iran’s Direct Attack on Israel (April 2024)

• For the first time in the history of the Islamic Republic, Iran launched a direct attack on Israeli territory. Over 300 drones and missiles were deployed, targeting key Israeli military and civilian sites. Israeli defences intercepted the majority, but this represented a major escalation in hostilities.

3. Israeli Strikes (April 2024)

• Israel responded with multiple airstrikes targeting Iran’s missile facilities in Isfahan and Tabriz. This was one of the most extensive Israeli operations on Iranian soil in recent years, severely damaging Iran’s missile capabilities.

4. Hezbollah’s Role and Clashes at the Israel-Lebanon Border (2023-2024)

• Hezbollah, an Iranian proxy, played a key role in escalating tensions. The group launched several attacks on Israeli positions along the northern border, prompting Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon. In September 2024, clashes at the Israel-Lebanon border reached their highest point in years, with both sides suffering casualties.

5. Iran Israel Proxy War in Syria (Ongoing)

• The ongoing proxy war in Syria remains a focal point for both Iran and Israel. Iran continues to supply and support militias aligned with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while Israel focuses on targeting Iranian weapons shipments destined for Hezbollah and other proxies. Multiple rounds of airstrikes have been reported throughout 2023 and 2024​.

6. Covert Operations: Sabotage and Assassinations (2023-2024)

• Israel has been linked to a series of covert operations aimed at disrupting Iran’s nuclear program and military infrastructure. Notably, Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was assassinated in late 2023, widely believed to be the work of Israeli intelligence.

7. Diplomatic Maneuvers and Regional Shifts

• Throughout this period, diplomatic shifts have also been notable. Iran and Saudi Arabia, historically rivals, have improved relations, potentially impacting the Israel-Iran dynamic. Meanwhile, Israel continues to strengthen ties with Gulf states under the Abraham Accords, seeking to create a united front against Iranian influence in the region.

8. The Abraham Accords’ Impact (2023-2024)

• The growing cooperation between Israel and Arab nations, especially through the Abraham Accords, has placed increased pressure on Iran, isolating it further. While these nations have improved relations with Israel, the Palestinian issue remains a major point of contention, and Iran continues to capitalize on this division.

These events over the past 12 months reflect the heightened volatility and multifaceted nature of the Iran Israel conflict, with increasing direct military engagements and complex proxy wars across the region.

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