The History of Iran–Israel Hostility: Iran and Israel were not always foes. In fact, up until the latter half of the 20th century, the two countries were economic and strategic allies. Political developments and differences in ideologies, however, made them silent allies and eventually bitter enemies. The transition from being allies to rivals accounts for the tension that dominated the Middle Eastern sector.
Before 1979, Iran under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi maintained close, albeit discreet, ties with Israel. Both nations saw mutual benefit in cooperating against Arab nationalism, especially since Iran was one of the few Muslim-majority countries that did not publicly oppose Israel. They collaborated in military, intelligence, and oil sectors. Israeli agricultural experts even helped develop parts of Iran’s farming systems.
The turning point was the 1979 Islamic Revolution of Iran. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini toppled the Shah and created a theocratic government that denounced Israel as an illegitimate state. Israel’s propaganda by Khomeini depicted Israel as a Western instrument using Palestinians. The relationship between the two countries immediately became antagonistic. Iran even started supporting anti-Israel organizations like Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Iran and Israel have since the 1980s been engaged in a “shadow war” involving proxies and cyber-attacks. Iran has backed anti-Israel militant organizations, while Israel has targeted Iranian nuclear scientists on an individual level and bombed Iranian bases in Syria. The two countries have also clashed over Iran’s growing regional power and its unwanted nuclear drive.
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Iran’s nuclear ambitions have been the central cause of concern for Israel. Fearing nuclear Iran, Israel has publicly condemned the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) and has reportedly conducted covert operations to counter Tehran’s advancement. This has further deepened the mistrust between the two nations.
What started out as secretive cooperation has evolved into one of the hottest rivalries in modern-day geopolitics. As the two states continue to keep their interests, Iran–Israel tension remains to be one of the sharpest thorns in Middle Eastern peace and global security.
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