Iran and Israel: A History of Conflict and Cooperation

The Early Years

The relationship between Iran and Israel has been complex and often fraught with conflict. The two countries have a long history, dating back to the Persian Empire, which ruled over the region that is now Israel from the 6th to the 4th century BCE.

During the 20th century, Iran and Israel were both founded as modern states. Israel was established in 1948, and Iran in 1979. The two countries quickly became rivals, with Iran supporting the Palestinian cause and Israel opposing it.

The 1979 Iranian Revolution

The 1979 Iranian Revolution was a major turning point in the relationship between Iran and Israel. The revolution brought to power a new regime that was hostile to Israel and the United States. The new Iranian government cut off diplomatic ties with Israel and began to support militant groups that were opposed to Israel's existence.

The Iranian Revolution also led to a wave of anti-Semitism in Iran. Many Jews were forced to flee the country, and those who remained faced discrimination and persecution.

The Iran-Iraq War

The Iran-Iraq War was a major regional conflict that lasted from 1980 to 1988. Iran and Israel were on opposite sides of the conflict, with Iran supporting Iraq and Israel supporting Iran's enemies.

The Iran-Iraq War was a bloody and costly conflict, and it left both countries weakened. It also increased tensions between Iran and Israel.

The 1990s and 2000s

The 1990s and 2000s were a period of relative calm in the relationship between Iran and Israel. However, tensions remained high, and there were several close calls to war.

In 2005, Israel launched a series of air strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The strikes were condemned by Iran and many other countries, and they further increased tensions between the two countries.

The 2010s

The 2010s were a tumultuous period in the Middle East, and the relationship between Iran and Israel was no exception. The Syrian Civil War, the rise of ISIS, and the nuclear deal between Iran and the United States all had a major impact on the relationship between the two countries.

In 2015, Iran and the United States signed a nuclear deal that limited Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of sanctions. The deal was opposed by Israel, which argued that it did not do enough to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

The nuclear deal has been a major source of tension between Iran and Israel. Israel has accused Iran of violating the deal, and it has threatened to take military action if Iran develops nuclear weapons. Iran has denied violating the deal, and it has said that it will not give up its nuclear program.

The Future of the Relationship

The future of the relationship between Iran and Israel is uncertain. The two countries remain deeply divided on many issues, and there is little trust between them. However, there is also a growing recognition that the two countries need to find a way to coexist peacefully.

The future of the relationship between Iran and Israel will likely be shaped by a number of factors, including the outcome of the Syrian Civil War, the rise of ISIS, and the nuclear deal between Iran and the United States. It is also likely that the relationship will continue to be influenced by the domestic politics of both countries.