The geopolitical trajectory of Iran-Israel relations Premium

The relationship between Iran and Israel is one of the most complex and determining relationships in the West Asian region. This article is from The Hindu e-book. Iran: Revolution in retreat

This relationship has shaped the geopolitical and security landscape of West Asia over the past eight decades. The present antagonism between the two countries developed after the 1979 Islamic revolution that brought Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini to power. In the preceding decades, both countries enjoyed a close relationship, despite the differences under Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi of Iran. Before the revolution, both maintained a pragmatic and discreet relationship based on mutual geopolitical interests, shared security concerns and strategic cooperation against common regional adversaries. It was a mutually beneficial relationship cautiously maintained in a tense regional atmosphere dominated by the Arab–Israeli tensions.

The emergence of Khomeini transformed Iran’s foreign policy toward Israel. The bilateral relations gradually moved from covert collaboration to explicit political confrontation. Since then, they have only continued to deteriorate without any signs of improvement. The rivalry has encompassed ideological rivalry, proxy wars, alliance with regional and external powers, and divergence of interests. There has been no serious effort on the part of either of the countries to negotiate and establish formal diplomatic ties, and the relationship has continued to spiral down the path. Several factors — such as the Iranian nuclear controversy, Iranian support for armed militias against Israel, the U.S.–Israel relations — have contributed to the further worsening of the relationship. While previously the rivalry was confined to mutual threat perception, proxy wars and strategic posturing, the recently fought 12-day war that witnessed the first direct military confrontation has opened a new chapter of rivalry between the two countries.

This article is from The Hindu e-book. Iran: Revolution in retreat

Under the Shah, Iran’s relationship with Israel was shaped primarily by shared geopolitical interests. Although the two states did not formally recognise one another, they developed substantive economic and military ties that advanced their respective strategic objectives. For Iran, the principal concerns during this period were the rise of Pan-Arabism in West Asia under the leadership of Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt and the expansion of Soviet communism in its neighbourhood. Despite being conscious of the strong anti-Israel sentiments prevalent across the Muslim world, the Shah maintained engagement with Israel.

During the 1950s, Israel pursued its “periphery doctrine”, a strategy aimed at strengthening ties with non-Arab states in the Middle East to offset pressures from hostile Arab neighbours. The 1956 Suez Crisis marked a significant geopolitical turning point in the region. In its aftermath, Nasser emerged as the leading Arab figure championing the Palestinian cause and articulating the broader agenda of Arab nationalism.

MAJOR ISSUES: Leaders of four states mark the first stage in the building of the Aswan High Dam, from left: President Gamal Abdul Nasser of Egypt, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, President of Iraq Abdul Salam Arif and President of the Yemen Arab Republic Abdullah al-Sallal, on May 13, 1964. For Iran, the principal concerns during the Shah’s period were the rise of Pan-Arabism in West Asia under the leadership of Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt and the expansion of Soviet communism in its neighbourhood. | Photo Credit: AFP/GETTY IMAGES