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Are Israel and Iran teetering on the edge of full-scale war?
There are reports of explosions near Isfahan, as Iranian state media downplay any Israeli attack. Photo Credit: BBC
In the dynamic terrain of Middle Eastern geopolitics, tensions between Israel and Iran have once again reached a fever pitch. Recent military strikes between the two countries have raised fears of an impending escalation to all-out war.
The facts
In a recent escalation of hostilities, an Israeli missile apparently targeted Iran, according to US sources via CBS News.
This attack came after Iran launched its first direct attack on Israel, in response to an Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus. The violence escalated during the Gaza war, which began with Hamas’ attack on Israeli cities.
The conflict between Israel and Iran dates back to the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran, which ended their previous relationship. Iran’s reluctance to recognise Israel’s existence, as well as its support for anti-Israeli organisations such as Hezbollah, have exacerbated hatred. Israel sees Iran’s actions, notably its purported nuclear ambitions, as existential dangers.
The Israeli strike on the Iranian embassy in Syria, which killed senior military officers, shows Israel’s efforts to prevent Iran from equipping Hezbollah and strengthening its military presence in the region.
Iran responded with a huge drone and missile attack on Israel, launching more than 300 projectiles. Despite interception efforts, some ballistic missiles penetrated Israeli defences.
In a related development, US sources verified an Israeli strike on Isfahan, Iran, however details are hazy, with Iran denying any serious damage.
The arguments
The long-standing hostility between Israel and Iran derives from ideological disagreements worsened by Iran’s Islamic revolution. Iran’s rhetoric and funding for anti-Israeli groups exacerbate the antagonism, while Israel sees Iran’s actions as existential dangers.
Israel’s strike on the Iranian embassy in Syria demonstrates its proactive approach to preventing Iran from strengthening its proxies and military presence in the region. This incident fits into a larger pattern of Israeli deterrence against perceived Iranian threats.
Iran’s enormous drone and missile attack on Israel appears to be designed to minimise casualties and demonstrate Iran’s military might without escalating the confrontation to a full-fledged war.
The Israeli strike on Isfahan demonstrates Israel’s willingness to counter perceived Iranian threats, whilst Iran’s denial indicates an attempt to diminish the incident’s significance.
The nuclear capabilities of both countries add to regional tensions, with Israel retaining an ambivalent attitude and Iran denying any aim to build nuclear weapons despite breaching accords.
Iran’s connections with groups such as Hezbollah, the Houthis, and others jeopardise US and Israeli interests in the region, increasing regional tensions and fuelling additional antagonism between Iran and Israel.
