Israel and the US have been at war with Iran since February 28th, marking a significant shift from a once-cooperative relationship, according to Al Jazeera, though the impact of the conflict has become global, with all sides suffering casualties, though it wasn’t always this way. Al Jazeera’s Ruby Zaman explains how Iran and Israel once had a very different kind of relationship.

The Historical Roots of Cooperation

Iran and Israel were not always adversaries, and In the 1970s, the two nations shared a strategic partnership, with Iran providing Israel with oil and security assurances, according to historical records. At that time. Iran was ruled by the Shah. Who maintained close ties with the United States and Israel, and the two countries worked together on various regional issues.

Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution marked a turning point — the new regime, led by Ayatollah Khomeini, adopted an anti-Western stance, which included opposition to Israel. This ideological shift created a rift between Iran and Israel, as the former began to view the latter as an occupying power in the Middle East.

Despite this, diplomatic relations between Iran and Israel were not entirely severed, though In the early years after the revolution, both countries maintained a cautious approach, with limited contact and occasional back-channel communications, according to historical analyses.

The Rise of Hostility

The 1990s saw the emergence of militant groups in the region, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Palestine, which Iran supported financially and militarily — Israel viewed these groups as direct threats to its security, leading to increased tensions with Iran.

Following the 2003 Iraq War, Iran’s influence in the region grew, particularly through its support for Shia militias in Iraq. This expansion of Iranian power was perceived by Israel as a direct challenge to its regional dominance, according to security experts.

In 2010, the discovery of Iran’s nuclear program by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) further strained relations. Israel, along with the United States, accused Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons, a claim Iran denied. This led to a series of sanctions against Iran by the United Nations, the European Union, and the United States.

The 2015 Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Thorough Plan of Action (JCPOA), was intended to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. However, the deal was never fully accepted by Israel, which viewed it as a threat to its national security.

Israel’s opposition to the JCPOA was evident in its public statements and military actions. In 2018, the United States withdrew from the deal under President Donald Trump, citing its failure to address Iran’s regional influence and nuclear ambitions. This move further deepened the rift between Iran and Israel.

The Current State of Hostilities

Since February 28th, Israel and the US have been at war with Iran, according to recent reports. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties on all sides, with civilian and military targets affected. The situation has escalated rapidly, with both nations accusing each other of aggression and violating international norms.

Iran has accused Israel of conducting airstrikes in Syria and Iraq, targeting Iranian-backed militias. Israel has denied these claims, stating that its actions are in self-defense against Iranian aggression. The United States has supported Israel in the conflict, providing military assistance and intelligence sharing.

Regional allies of both Iran and Israel have also been drawn into the conflict. Countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have aligned with Israel, while nations like Syria and Lebanon have supported Iran. This has led to a broader regional conflict, with implications for global stability.

The conflict has also had economic repercussions. Oil prices have fluctuated due to concerns over the stability of the Middle East. The global energy market has been affected, with traders speculating on the long-term impact of the conflict on supply chains and energy security.

Despite the current hostilities, some analysts believe that there is still room for dialogue between Iran and Israel. They argue that the historical relationship between the two nations, though strained, is not irreparable. However, both sides must be willing to engage in meaningful negotiations to resolve the conflict.

The situation remains volatile, with no immediate signs of a ceasefire. Both Iran and Israel have vowed to continue their efforts to achieve their respective goals, with the United States playing a central role in the ongoing conflict.