Iran–Israel Proxy Conflict: A historical context

The Iran–Israel proxy conflict, also known as the Iran–Israel Cold War, is an ongoing conflict involving indirect confrontations between Iran and Israel. Iran supports groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas, while Israel has engaged in various actions against Iranian interests and allies.

Historical Context

Pre-Modern Relations: Jewish history in Iran dates back to the time of Cyrus the Great, who permitted Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple.

Israeli Independence to Iranian Revolution (1947–1979): Iran initially recognized Israel and maintained close relations during the Shah’s regime. However, relations deteriorated following the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Key Phases of Conflict

Ambivalent Period (1947–1953): Early diplomatic tensions with Iran opposing the UN Partition Plan for Palestine.

Friendly Period (1953–1979): Close ties under the Shah, including military and economic cooperation.

Worsening Period (1979–1990): Relations soured after the Iranian Revolution, with Iran adopting a hostile stance.

Ongoing Hostility (Post-1991): The conflict intensified with both nations engaging in proxy battles and direct confrontations.

Reasons for Conflict

Religious and Ideological Differences: Iran’s Shia Islamic governance contrasts with Israel’s Jewish statehood, fostering mutual suspicion.

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Iran’s support for Palestinian militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah increases tensions.

Geopolitical Rivalry: Competing interests in regional conflicts, such as in Syria and Yemen, heighten hostility.

Nuclear Program: Israel’s concern over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the failure of the JCPOA to alleviate these fears.

Proxy Conflicts: Support for opposing factions in regional conflicts, including Lebanon and Gaza.

Recent Developments

2018: Direct Israeli attacks on Iranian forces in Syria.

2020: Assassination of General Qassem Soleimani and subsequent Iranian retaliation.

2023-2024: Increased hostilities including missile attacks and naval incidents involving Iran and Israel.

Economic and Diplomatic Implications

Oil Supply Disruptions: Potential impact on global oil prices and supply chains, affecting countries like India.

Indian Diaspora: Safety concerns for the Indian community in the Gulf region.

Diplomatic Challenges: India’s balancing act between its relations with Israel and various Arab states.

Efforts Towards Peace

Oslo Accords (1993): A milestone in Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts.

Abraham Accord (2020): Normalization of relations between Israel, UAE, and Bahrain.

I2U2: India, Israel, USA, and UAE collaboration for regional issues.

United Nations: Advocacy for a two-state solution and peace efforts.

India’s Role

Diplomatic Stance: Support for a two-state solution and participation in multilateral forums.

Humanitarian Assistance: Aid to Palestinians and support for development projects.

Proposals for Peace

Sustainable Ceasefire: Immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza.

Dialogue and Diplomacy: Direct talks facilitated by neutral parties.

Regional Cooperation: Establishing comprehensive security frameworks.

Normalisation of Relations: Steps towards diplomatic normalization between Iran and Israel.

Historical Debt

Pre-Revolution Debts: Israel’s outstanding debts to Iran for business and oil transactions before the 1979 revolution.