Iran-Israel History: A Critical Analysis for Today

Since 1985, Iran and Israel have been engaged in a proxy conflict that has greatly affected the geopolitics of the Middle East. In 2025, hostility between Israel and Iran escalated into an armed military conflict. Israel carried out strikes against Iranian nuclear and military targets the day after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) declared that Iran had violated its obligations. Timeline: A Recent History of the Israel - Iran Conflict Israel and Iran have been trading attacks in the most intense fighting between the two countries in decades. Explore the history , current tensions, and future outlook of the Israel - Iran conflict , including military, political, and nuclear dimensions. Understanding the intricate dynamics between Israel and Iran is crucial for navigating the geopolitical landscape. This complete analysis delves into the historical context, key players, and potential future scenarios shaping this critical confrontation. The Israeli attack on Iran 's nuclear program and military assets and Iran 's responding missile strikes represent a significant escalation in the long-standing tensions between the two nations. RAND experts provide insights into the strategic, diplomatic, and economic dimensions of this unfolding crisis. Iran and Israel’s first direct clash came in April 2024 . On 1 April, Israel struck Iran’s consulate in Damascus, killing 13 16 people. In response, Iran launched hundreds of drones at Israel. Tensions flared again last October when Iran fired 200 missiles at Israel. Israel and Iran have been enemies for decades — but this is their most sustained direct fighting ever. Here’s how a shadow war erupted into an overt conflict. (RFE/RL) — After 12 days of unprecedented direct hostilities, Israel and Iran have agreed to a cease-fire that has brought a tense and uneasy calm to the region. The war, marked by devastating.