Iran-Israel Conflict Explained: History, Escalation & Impact on India

Q1: How Did Iran-Israel Relations Shift from Allies to Enemies?
Pre-1979 Cooperation:
Iran was the second Muslim-majority nation to recognize Israel (1948), bypassing the Arab boycott.
Under the pro-US Shah Pahlavi, Iran supplied oil to Israel and embraced its “periphery doctrine” to counter Arab hostility.
The 1979 Revolution Turning Point:
Iran’s Islamic Revolution overthrew the Shah, branding Israel an “occupier” and the “Little Satan” alongside the US (“Great Satan”).
Iran pivoted to funding anti-Israel proxies like Hezbollah (Lebanon) and Hamas (Gaza).
Decades of Shadow Warfare (1979-Present):
No direct wars, but covert attacks: Israel targeted Iran’s nuclear scientists and facilities (e.g., Stuxnet cyberattack on Natanz, 2010).
Iran expanded regional influence through militant proxies, challenging US allies (Israel, Saudi Arabia).
 

Q2: Why Did Recent Strikes Escalate the Conflict?
Immediate Triggers:
Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion” (June 13):
Airstrikes killed Iranian military officers and scientists.
PM Netanyahu cited Iran’s accelerated uranium weaponization as an existential threat.
IAEA Censure (June 12):
First IAEA condemnation of Iran in 20 years for nuclear non-compliance.
Reports revealed secret nuclear activities at 3 sites.
Underlying Grievances:
Iran’s rejection of Israel’s right to exist.
Israel’s “Begin Doctrine” – preemptively striking rivals developing WMDs.
Iran’s support for Hamas post-October 7 attacks.
 

Q3: Global & Regional Consequences
Oil Price Surge:
Brent crude spiked 11% since June 13; may cross $100/barrel if Hormuz closes.
Energy Trade Disruptions:
Risk of Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz (25% of global oil transit).
Israel shut its Leviathan gas field, impacting Egypt/Jordan.
Freight Inflation:
Red Sea diversions via Cape of Good Hope could raise shipping costs by 30%.
 

Q4: Impact on India
Strategic Risks:
INSTC Corridor Threat: Iran is vital to this India-Russia trade route (cuts Suez transit by 20 days).
Chabahar Port Vulnerability: India’s gateway to Afghanistan/Central Asia faces instability.
Economic & Diplomatic Fallout:
Inflation Risk: Rising oil prices strain India’s import-dependent economy.
Balancing Act: India must navigate ties with Israel, Iran, and Gulf allies simultaneously.
Expat Safety: 8 million Indians in Gulf nations face conflict spillover risks.
 

Sample UPSC Q&A:
Q: What was Israel’s “periphery doctrine” in Iran relations pre-1979?
A: A strategy to counter Arab hostility by allying with non-Arab states like Iran.
Q: Name two Iranian proxies involved in anti-Israel activities.
A: Hezbollah (Lebanon) and Hamas (Gaza).
Q: How did the IAEA escalate tensions before Israel’s June 13 strikes?
A: It censured Iran for nuclear non-compliance after discovering secret activities.
Q: Why is the Strait of Hormuz critical in this conflict?
A: 25% of global oil passes through it; Iran could block it in retaliation.
Q: How does the Iran-Israel conflict endanger India’s INSTC project?
A: INSTC relies on Iranian corridors; war disrupts this India-Russia trade route.