The Iran-Israel Conflict: A Complex Geopolitical Landscape
Introduction When you think of a pipeline, it might not seem like a symbol of geopolitical tension. Yet, there is a pipeline connecting two Israeli cities that once represented cooperation between Israel and Iran. In the 1970s, this pipeline was a joint venture for transporting crude oil through Israel to Europe, showcasing a period of cooperation that is now a distant memory. Today, the relationship between Israel and Iran is vastly different. Let’s explore the intricate and evolving conflict between these two significant Middle Eastern powers. Historical Context Israel and Iran: A Shift from Allies to Adversaries After Israel declared independence in 1948, Iran was one of the first Muslim-majority countries to recognize the new state. This period of cooperation lasted until the Iranian Revolution in 1979, which overthrew the Western-backed Shah regime. The new Islamic Republic of Iran, led by Ayatollah Khomeini, viewed Israel as part of the "West" implanted in the Middle E...