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Why are Israel and Iran at War?: The Middle East is currently sitting on a powder keg. A joint operation by Israel and the United States has transformed the decades-long "shadow war" with Iran into a full-blown military conflict. This war has not only transformed regional politics but also shaken global security equations.
1. Current Conflict: Operation Shield of Judah
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Saturday morning went down in history as a dark day when Israel and the United States launched a massive attack on Iran with more than 200 fighter jets.
- Main targets: Iran's nuclear facilities, missile production units, and air defense systems located in Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, and Tabriz.
- Big news: Israeli PM Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump have confirmed that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed in the attack.
- Iran's counterattack: In response, Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones against US and Israeli bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar.
2. Historical Background: When Iran and Israel Were Allies
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It may sound strange today, but after Israel's birth in 1948, Iran was among the first Muslim countries to maintain relations with Israel.
- Common Enemy: At that time, relations between Iran (with a Shia majority) and Arab countries were tense. Israel was also surrounded by Arab countries. In this situation, the policy of 'enemy's enemy is friend' came into play.
- Periphery Doctrine: Israel's first Prime Minister, David Ben Gurion, adopted a policy of forming alliances with non-Arab countries (such as Iran and Turkey).
- The Era of Shah: Under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Iran and Israel had deep trade ties; Iran supplied Israel with oil.
3. The 1979 Islamic Revolution: Turning Point of Enmity
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The real beginning of the hostility was the Islamic Revolution of 1979. The Shah was overthrown, and Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini came to power.
- Ideological Shift: Iran called Israel an 'illegal occupier' and a 'little devil'.
- Accusations of Intervention: Iran believed that the United States and Israel were conspiring to seize the resources of the Middle East and interfering in its internal affairs.
4. Root Causes: Nuclear Ambitions and Proxy Warfare
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This hostility has deepened over the years due to the following reasons:
- Nuclear Program: Israel claims that Iran is developing a nuclear bomb, which poses a threat to its existence. Israel has been targeting Iranian scientists and nuclear plants since 2010.
- Funding Proxy Groups: Israel alleges that Iran provides money and weapons to groups like Hamas (Gaza) and Hezbollah (Lebanon) to attack Israel.
- Military Presence in Syria: During the Syrian Civil War, Iran increased its military presence near the Israeli border, which Israel considered a direct attack on its security.
5. The Road to War: June 2025 to March 2026 Timeline
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In June 2025, Israel inflicted heavy damage on Iran's nuclear facilities under ' Operation Rising Lion'. Now, in March 2026, through 'Operation Shield of Judah', the US and Israel aim to bring about 'regime change' in Iran and completely destroy its military capability.
Also Read: Why are US and Israel Stopping Iran from Building Nuclear Weapons?
