Iran vs Israel: The Current War and the History Behind Their Conflict

Current context:

As of June 2025, the Iran–Israel conflict has escalated into one of the most dangerous standoffs in decades.

• On June 13, Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion,” a massive military campaign targeting over 100 Iranian sites, including suspected nuclear facilities like Natanz and Fordow.

• In response, Iran fired hundreds of missiles and drones toward Israeli cities between June 14–16, hitting both civilian and diplomatic targets.

• A missile hit Soroka Hospital in Beersheba. Other strikes damaged schools and even the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, causing injuries to civilians.

• Iran has reported over 650 deaths and 2,000+ wounded from Israeli strikes. Israel also confirmed several civilian casualties.

• The U.S., EU, Russia, and China are now actively involved in pushing for de-escalation. The European Union is holding emergency talks in Geneva, while the U.S. considers its next move.

💥 This is no longer a proxy war — it's dangerously close to a full-scale war between two regional powerhouses.

How Did It Come to This?

To understand the recent context of Iran and Israel war  we need to go back in time — to when Iran and Israel were once quiet partners.

Before 1979: When Iran and Israel Were Not Enemies

Yes, this might surprise you: Iran and Israel were actually on good terms before 1979.

• Under the Shah of Iran (Mohammad Reza Pahlavi), Iran had diplomatic ties with Israel.

• They both shared a fear of Arab nationalism and worked closely with the United States.

• Military and trade cooperation were strong, although not public. Israelis even visited Iran for business and oil deals.

Things changed dramatically after 1979.

1979 Iranian Revolution: The Relationship Breaks

In 1979, Iran underwent a dramatic change. The Shah was overthrown in a revolution led by Ayatollah Khomeini, who brought a new Islamic regime to power.

This new leadership saw the world very differently:

• They called America “The Great Satan” and Israel “The Little Satan.”

• They believed Israel was illegally occupying Muslim land and oppressing Palestinians.

• Khomeini’s government cut all ties with Israel and turned its foreign policy toward supporting “resistance movements” like Hezbollah (Lebanon) and later Hamas (Gaza) — both enemies of Israel.

So, why did Iran suddenly oppose Israel?

👉 Because the new regime wasn't just changing leaders — they were changing ideologies.
From a pro-Western monarchy, Iran became an Islamic republic that wanted to stand against the West and defend the oppressed Muslims, especially Palestinians.
And in that worldview, Israel became the symbol of everything they opposed.

The Conflict Grows: Proxy Wars and Power Games

Since then, Iran and Israel haven’t fought a direct war — but they’ve clashed through others:

• Lebanon: Iran supports Hezbollah, which has thousands of rockets aimed at Israel.

• Syria: Iran has troops and bases there; Israel keeps bombing them to prevent weapon smuggling to Hezbollah.

• Gaza: Iran funds Hamas and Islamic Jihad, both of which regularly launch attacks on Israel.

• Red Sea/Yemen: Even the Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, have attacked Israeli ships.

Israel, on the other hand, sees Iran’s growing influence as a major security threat and tries to block Iran from getting too close — especially near its northern borders.

What Keeps Fueling the Fire?

• The Nuclear Shadow

The biggest fear for Israel? Iran's nuclear program.

Iran says it’s for peaceful energy, but Israel and many others believe Iran is secretly trying to build nuclear weapons.

• Israel has strongly opposed any nuclear deal with Iran (like the 2015 JCPOA), and is suspected of cyberattacks and assassinations of Iranian scientists to slow the program down.

• Iran says it has the right to nuclear technology and doesn’t trust the West or Israel.

This nuclear angle has added even more fuel to the already burning fire.

• Israel Making New Friends — Iran Feeling Surrounded

In 2020, something unexpected happened. Countries like the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco started normalizing relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords.

This was a major blow to Iran, who expected Muslim nations to stay united against Israel.
Now, Israel has military and diplomatic access right in Iran’s neighborhood.

Iran sees this as a Western plan to isolate and encircle it.

Final Thoughts

The Iran–Israel conflict is no longer just a “Middle East issue.” It’s a clash of religion, ideology, power, and politics — and it’s now affecting civilians, economies, and governments across the world.

To understand today’s war, we need to remember its history.
From secret friends to sworn enemies, their journey is a powerful reminder that geopolitics can change overnight — and the cost is often paid by ordinary people.