The enmity between Iran and Israel is well documented, but their relationship was once characterized by cooperation. In 1948, following Israel’s establishment, Iran was one of the few Muslim nations to recognize the new state. This led to a strategic partnership, where Israel provided military technology and arms to Iran in exchange for oil. The bond strengthened to the extent that Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, trained Iran’s SAVAK for intelligence operations.
The Turning Point The 1979 Revolution
The seismic shift came in 1979 when Ayatollah Khomeini led a revolution that overthrew the Shah of Iran. The new Islamic Republic rejected Western influence and distanced itself from Israel, branding it an enemy. Khomeini’s regime not only ceased recognizing Israeli passports but also repurposed the Israeli embassy in Tehran for the Palestine Liberation Organization. Iran began positioning itself as a champion of the Palestinian cause, fueling anti-Israel sentiment across the region.
Rising Tensions and Hostility
Throughout the 1980s, the dynamic further soured. Iran began supplying weapons to anti-Israel factions in countries like Syria and Lebanon. The formation of Hezbollah, supported by Iran, marked a new phase of conflict. Attacks against Israel, often attributed to Iranian backing, increased significantly.
In 1994, the bombing of the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires, which resulted in the deaths of 29 people, further exemplified the growing hostilities. This was reciprocated by Israel, which began targeting Iranian officials and their allies.
The Modern Era of Conflict
Recent events have escalated the conflict to alarming levels. Tensions peaked following Iran’s ballistic missile attack on Israel, described by Tehran as retaliation for the killings of prominent leaders from Hamas and Hezbollah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently warned Iran against threats, asserting Israel’s capability to strike anywhere in the region.
The recent violence, particularly following Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, has intensified the longstanding animosity. Israel’s military response to Gaza underscores the deteriorating situation between these two nations, each viewing the other as an existential threat.
The transition from allies to adversaries reflects a complex interplay of political, ideological, and military factors. As Iran continues to assert itself as a regional power and Israel stands firm in its defense, the prospects for reconciliation appear bleak, with both nations entrenched in a cycle of hostility and retaliation.