Before today’s bitter conflict, Iran and Israel were close allies—sharing oil, intelligence, and friendship. This is the lost chapter the world rarely remembers. 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. Back in 1948, Iran was among very few Muslim-majority nations that recognised the new country of Israel . The formal break up happened in 1979 when Iran declared Israel an "enemy of Islam". The history between Israel and Iran is a testament to how rapidly geopolitical landscapes can transform. From ancient periods of mutual benefit and modern-era strategic alliances, the relationship has devolved into a dangerous confrontation, shaped by profound ideological differences and competing visions for regional dominance. Iran ' s supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei on Sunday dismissed any discussion of whether Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile attack on Israel hit anything there, a tacit acknowledgment that despite launching a massive assault, few projectiles actually made through to their targets. When were Iran and Israel allies? In fact , Israel and Iran were allies until Iran 's 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iran was one of the first states to recognize Israel after it was founded in 1948. Israel and Iran 's relationship is shaped by historical grievances, power struggles, and ideological conflicts without explicit geographical disputes. Their ties changed post-1979's Islamist revolution, deepening hostilities over regional influence, nuclear capabilities, and support for opposing factions.
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