Israel-Iran Conflicts: Challenges and Solutions
Kartavya Desk Staff
#### GS2/GS1 Paper
Syllabus: International Relations/ World History
Source: IE, TH
Context: Iran recently launched a series of air strikes on Israel, employing 200-300 drones and ballistic missiles. The attacks, executed by Iran’s para-military force, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, were in response to Israeli war jets targeting an Iranian consulate in Syria. Iran dubbed the attack “Operation True Promise”.
The attack signals a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, moving beyond previous skirmishes involving Israel and Hamas.
Events that led to the Attack:
Event | Date | Description
US Withdrawal from Iran’s Nuclear Deal | 2018 | Israel praises the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, which it had lobbied against, viewing it as a historic move by President Trump.
Assassination of Iran’s Army General | 2020 | Israel welcomes the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani by a US drone strike in Baghdad, prompting retaliatory missile attacks by Iran on American bases in Iraq.
Hamas Attack on Isreal | October 2023 | Hamas, supported by Iran, launched a missile and land attack on Israel, leading to Israeli airstrikes on Gaza in response.
Israel Raids | November 2023 | Israel conducts raids on medical facilities in Gaza, citing Hamas’s presence, and using them for warfare.
Houthi Group’s Red Sea Incident | November 2023 | The Iran-backed Houthi group’s landing on a cargo vessel in the Red Sea initiates the ‘Red Sea Crisis,’ contributing to regional tensions and supply chain issues.
Escalation of Israel’s Ground Offenses | December 2023 | Israel intensifies ground offensives in Gaza, resulting in a rise in casualties and refugees, prompting international calls for a peaceful resolution.
Airstrike on the Iranian Embassy | April 2024 | Suspected Israeli airstrike on the Iranian embassy in Damascus results in casualties, heightening tensions further.
Iran’s Missile Attack on Israel | April 2024 | Iran launches a missile attack on Israel, allegedly in response to an Israeli strike on Iran’s consulate in Syria, marking the first direct attack on Israel from Iranian territory.
Isreal strikes back | April 2024 | Isreal attacked Iran’s airforce base (however, denied by Iran)
Iran and Israel’s Conflict:
Iran and Israel have a long-standing history of enmity, largely stemming from ideological and geopolitical differences.
Period | Key Events
Pre-1979 Iran-Israel Ties | Iran recognized Israel after its formation in 1948. Despite the Arab-Israeli conflict, Iran established diplomatic ties with Israel.
During Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi’s rule from 1941 to 1979, Iran pursued a pro-Western foreign policy. Despite economic boycotts from Arab states, Iran maintained diplomatic ties with Israel and even sold oil to Israel.
Israel, under Prime Minister David Ben Gurion, adopted the “periphery doctrine,” forming alliances with non-Arab, mainly Muslim, countries like Turkey and pre-revolution Iran to counter Arab hostility.
The 1979 Revolution | Iran’s Islamic Revolution led to a shift in view towards Israel as an occupier of Palestinian land. Ayatollah Khomeini labeled Israel as “Little Satan.”
Post-1979 Shadow War | Both countries engaged in indirect conflicts through proxies and limited strategic attacks. Israel targeted Iranian nuclear facilities through a computer Virus (Stuxnet). Iran supported anti-Israel militant groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.
Fig: Iran’s Proxy groups
Impact of Middle-East Escalation:
Impact | Description
Increasing Regional Escalation | Heightened tensions could lead to military action, escalating the conflict regionally. Other countries such as Syria, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia could be drawn into a broader conflict.
Israel is believed to be nuclear-capable therefore conflict can lead to a nuclear flashpoint
Potential to Disrupt Oil Supplies | Escalation could disrupt crude oil supplies, impacting global oil prices and economies heavily reliant on oil imports.
With Iran being a key producer of crude oil within OPEC, volatility in oil prices may increase due to disruptions in shipping routes and geopolitical tensions.
Spike in Inflation and Capital Outflow | Increased geopolitical tensions may lead to commodity price hikes and capital outflows, affecting global markets.
Trade and Travel Disruptions | Recent events include Iran seizing an Israel-linked ship near the Strait of Hormuz and Houthis hijacking a commercial ship in the Red Sea. These incidents affect global trade routes.
India faces challenges balancing relationships with Iran and Israel, aiming to maintain stability in the region.
Aspect | Israel’s Importance for India | Iran’s Importance for India
Economic and Commerce | India is Israel’s third-largest trade partner in Asia. Bilateral merchandise trade has grown significantly. | Iran has been a major supplier of crude oil to India, contributing significantly to India’s energy security.
Defence | India imports critical defence technologies from Israel. Nearly 41% of Israel’s defence exports go to India. | Both countries share geopolitical concerns, especially regarding terrorism and stability in the region.
Energy | India has exploration licenses for natural gas extraction from Israel’s gas fields, diversifying the relationship. | US sanctions on Iran have impacted India’s oil imports, highlighting Iran’s importance for India’s energy needs.
Science & Technology | India-Israel Industrial R&D Fund promotes joint projects. | Strategic collaboration on space projects, including satellite launches, strengthens bilateral ties.
Strategic Location | Isreal connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea through land | Iran’s strategic location (including Chabahar Port) enhances India’s connectivity and economic interests in the region.
India’s Position:
India calls for immediate de-escalation and a return to diplomacy to resolve conflicts. India’s position is on the ‘Two-State Solution’ of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
What should India do?
India must carefully balance engagements with key regional actors in the Middle East, considering their diverse interests and orientations. India should prioritize non-ideological engagements in the region to support its expanding interests in the Middle East.
What Should be done to de-escalate the situation?
• UN Reaction: The UN urges Iran and Israel to show restraint amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The Secretary-General warned against further escalation and mutual accusations, emphasizing the need for peace.
• Sustainable Ceasefire and Two-State Solution: Israel should accept a ceasefire in Gaza, open borders for humanitarian aid, and work towards a two-state solution for long-term peace.
• Dialogue and Diplomacy: International mediation and direct talks facilitated by neutral parties could build trust and find common ground between Iran and Israel.
• Addressing Nuclear Proliferation Concerns: Iran should adhere to the JCPOA and allow international inspections, while Israel could recognize Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy.
• Regional Cooperation: Promoting cooperation within regional organizations could address security concerns and foster stability.
• Long-Term Vision for the Middle East: Establishing a comprehensive security architecture and addressing underlying issues can contribute to peace and reconciliation.
• Normalization of Relations: Steps towards diplomatic normalization, such as exchanging ambassadors and reopening embassies, could promote peace, as seen in recent agreements between Israel and some Arab states.
Insta Link:
Gaza conflict: India-Israel Relations
Prelims Link:
The term “two-state solution” is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of (UPSC 2018)
(a) China (b) Israel (c) Iraq (d) Yemen
Ans: B