ISRAEL - IRAN WAR

 The Iran-Israel conflict is a long-standing and complex geopolitical rivalry rooted in deep political, ideological, and strategic differences. Here's a simple breakdown to help you understand it clearly:

1. Core Conflict

• Iran is an Islamic Republic with a Shi’a Muslim leadership.

• Israel is a Jewish state.

• Iran does not recognize Israel as a legitimate country and openly supports anti-Israel groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.

2. Main Reasons for the Conflict

• Ideology: Iran's leadership calls for the elimination of the "Zionist regime" (Israel), considering it an illegitimate occupier of Palestinian lands.

• Nuclear Tensions: Israel strongly opposes Iran’s nuclear program, fearing Iran could build nuclear weapons to attack it.

• Proxy Wars: Iran supports militant groups around Israel’s borders (in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza) — these groups often attack Israel. In return, Israel launches airstrikes against Iranian targets in Syria and elsewhere.

• Regional Power Struggle: Both want to be the dominant power in the Middle East. Israel aligns with the U.S. and Sunni Arab states like Saudi Arabia, while Iran leads a Shi’a alliance.

3. Recent Events (as of 2024–2025)

• In April 2024, Iran launched a direct missile and drone attack on Israel for the first time, claiming retaliation for an Israeli strike on Iran's embassy in Syria.

• Israel intercepted most of these missiles with help from allies (U.S., UK, France).

• This attack escalated fears of a wider Middle East war, involving the U.S., Arab states, and Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah.

• Afterward, Israel launched retaliatory strikes inside Iran, a rare and bold move.

• Tensions remain high, but both countries have avoided full-scale war — so far.

4. Impact on Other Countries

• Middle East Stability: Gulf countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq are on alert. A wider war could damage oil supplies and economies.

• Global Economy: Rising oil prices and fears of shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz affect global trade.

• India and Other Nations: Countries with large energy imports from the Middle East watch closely. Any war can increase fuel prices and inflation.

5. Current Situation

As of mid-2025:

• The conflict remains mostly in a "cold war" stage, with cyberattacks, covert operations, and indirect strikes.

• Talks for de-escalation have not succeeded yet, and risk of sudden war remains.