Israel and Iran have been involved in a shadow war for years, using proxy forces, assassinations, informants, spies, and covert means to attack each other. However, this silent war has now escalated into a shooting war, with no end in sight. Israel’s recent large-scale air assault on Tehran and other Iranian targets was in retaliation for Iran’s missile barrage earlier in the month.
The conflict between the two nations has deep roots. Since Iran’s 1979 Islamic revolution, the country has supported Palestinian rights and vowed to destroy Israel. Iran has built an “axis of resistance” involving various militias and groups across the Middle East, creating a ring of fire around Israel. On the other hand, Israel, under the leadership of Benjamin Netanyahu, views these threats as existential and has gradually expanded its military actions against these groups, including direct attacks on Iranian targets.
The recent escalation began with Israel bombing Iran’s diplomatic consulate in Damascus, leading to Iran’s first direct military assault on Israeli territory. Subsequent retaliations and assassinations further escalated the situation, culminating in the recent attacks and counterattacks between the two nations. The United States has been actively involved in trying to prevent further escalation, with President Joe Biden pressuring Netanyahu to avoid hitting civilian targets and high-value facilities in Iran.
Despite the recent attacks, efforts to address the root causes of the conflict, particularly the situation in Gaza and the wider Palestinian question, remain unaddressed. The ongoing human tragedy in Gaza is often overshadowed by the conflict between Israel and Iran. Until these underlying issues are resolved, the cycle of violence and instability in the region is likely to continue.
As tensions remain high, the international community, including the UK and the US, is urging all parties to show restraint and avoid further escalation. The hope is to prevent a full-scale regional conflict between Israel and Iran, which could have devastating consequences for the entire Middle East. It is crucial for all sides to engage in dialogue and diplomacy to address the root causes of the conflict and work towards a peaceful resolution for the benefit of all parties involved.
