Sadia J. Choudhury
Once allies, now arch-enemies—
Iran and Israel’s relationship is one of the most dramatic geopolitical transformations in modern history.
Once bound by mutual interests and strategic partnerships, today they find themselves on opposing ends of a deeply hostile regional rivalry. But how did two close partners become sworn enemies?
The Age of Cooperation (1948–1979)
• After the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, most Muslim nations refused to recognize it.
• Iran, under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, stood out as an exception—engaging in secret but strong diplomatic, military, and economic ties with Israel.
• Iran supplied oil to Israel, and the countries cooperated on agriculture, infrastructure, and intelligence.
• Mossad (Israel) and SAVAK (Iran) collaborated on regional intelligence and counter-insurgency programs.
The Islamic Revolution: A Turning Point
• In 1979, the Islamic Revolution in Iran toppled the Shah and brought Ayatollah Khomeini to power.
• The newly formed Islamic Republic broke all ties with Israel, calling it “the Little Satan”, and declared unconditional support for Palestinian liberation.
• Iran began funding and arming anti-Israel groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, positioning itself as a permanent foe of the Jewish state.
Today’s Hostility: Cold War in the Desert
The relationship has since devolved into a shadow war involving:
• Assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists, which Tehran blames on Israel.
• Cyber warfare and sabotage operations targeting nuclear facilities.
• Frequent Israeli airstrikes on Iranian proxies in Syria and elsewhere.
• Iran’s continued threats to “wipe Israel off the map”, while Israel vows never to allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons.
Global & Regional Impact
This hostility is not just bilateral—it affects the entire Middle East:
• It plays a central role in proxy wars in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen.
• U.S., Saudi Arabia, Russia, and China are all entangled in the shifting alliances and arms races caused by this rivalry.
• The Iranian nuclear deal (JCPOA) and its fallout have become key flashpoints in global diplomacy.
Conclusion: What Went Wrong?
Once allies in a complex region, Iran and Israel now represent two opposing visions of the Middle East—
one rooted in Islamic resistance and the other in strategic dominance and self-defense.
This story reminds us that in international politics, alliances are often temporary, but ideological conflict can be eternal.
And when friendship turns to enmity, history writes its most tragic chapters.
Author: Editor of The Generation
