From Covert Ties To Open Hostility: Are Iran And Israel Allies?
The question of whether Iran and Israel are allies today elicits a resounding "no" from anyone familiar with the contemporary Middle East. Their relationship is widely characterized by deep-seated animosity and proxy conflicts, making the idea of an alliance seem almost absurd. The current geopolitical landscape paints a clear picture of two nations locked in a bitter, often violent, rivalry, each viewing the other as a primary existential threat.
However, to truly understand the complex dynamics at play, one must delve into the historical nuances of their interactions, which reveal a past far different from the current state of affairs. This article explores the dramatic transformation of Iran-Israel relations, from a pragmatic partnership grounded in shared strategic interests to an open, often violent, rivalry that shapes much of the Middle East's instability. By examining key historical junctures and current alignments, we can fully grasp why the notion of "are Iran and Israel allies" is a relic of a bygone era.
The Unthinkable Past: When Iran and Israel Were Allies
For anyone observing the current geopolitical landscape, the idea of asking, "Are Iran and Israel allies?" might seem utterly preposterous. Yet, history offers a fascinating and starkly different narrative. From the early 1950s until the pivotal 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran and Israel maintained a quiet, pragmatic partnership grounded in shared strategic interests. This alliance, though often discreet, was substantial and mutually beneficial, a testament to the fluid nature of international relations.
Iran was, in fact, one of the first states to recognize Israel after it was founded in 1948. This early recognition set the stage for a relationship built on realpolitik rather than ideological alignment. Israel, for its part, regarded Iran as an ally, particularly against the backdrop of an often hostile Arab neighborhood. The Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, saw Israel as a key partner against Arab rivals who posed a threat to his monarchy and regional influence. This strategic alignment provided both nations with a non-Arab ally in a volatile region.
The practical manifestations of this partnership were significant. Iran supplied up to 60% of Israel’s oil through a discreet pipeline, a crucial energy lifeline for the nascent Israeli state. Beyond oil, the two nations engaged in a robust exchange of arms and intelligence, demonstrating a deep level of trust and cooperation. El Al flights, Israel's national airline, connected Tel Aviv and Tehran, symbolizing the open channels of communication and commerce that existed between them. This period represents a stark contrast to today's reality, where the question of "are Iran and Israel allies" is met with an immediate and emphatic negative.
The Turning Point: The 1979 Islamic Revolution
The delicate balance of power and the pragmatic alliance between Iran and Israel were irrevocably shattered by the 1979 Islamic Revolution. This monumental event marked the definitive end of their quiet partnership and ushered in an era of profound ideological antagonism. The rise of the Islamic Republic fundamentally altered Iran's foreign policy, transforming a relationship of convenience and shared interests into one of deep-seated enmity.
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Under the new revolutionary government, led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Iran's foreign policy shifted dramatically from a pro-Western, monarchical stance to an anti-imperialist, Islamist ideology. Israel, previously a strategic partner, was now denounced as a "Zionist entity" and an extension of Western influence in the Middle East. The revolution's core tenets, emphasizing Islamic solidarity and anti-Zionism, left no room for the previous covert cooperation. The cordial relationship that had largely prevailed for most of the Cold War rapidly deteriorated, replaced by open hostility.
The Islamic Republic's rise, fueled by revolutionary zeal, proxy wars, and later, its nuclear ambitions, systematically turned friendship into an entrenched rivalry. The pragmatic considerations that once bound them were completely overridden by an ideological chasm. This revolution was not just a change in government; it was a complete reorientation of Iran's national identity and its place in the world, directly impacting its stance towards Israel and leading to the current state where the very idea of "are Iran and Israel allies" is unthinkable.
The Era of Open Hostility: Post-Gulf War Dynamics
Following the transformative events of 1979, the relationship between Iran and Israel entered a new phase of overt and unyielding hostility. This animosity became particularly pronounced and openly hostile since the end of the Gulf War in 1991. The period since has been defined by a dangerous interplay of proxy conflicts, a relentless arms race, and Iran's persistent pursuit of nuclear capabilities, all contributing to a volatile regional environment.
The post-Gulf War era solidified the adversarial stance, turning a historical alliance into a declared rivalry. Both nations have since engaged in a shadow war, characterized by cyberattacks, assassinations, and military strikes against each other's assets and allies across the Middle East. This ongoing tension is not merely a political disagreement; it is rooted in fundamental ideological differences and perceived existential threats, making the question of "are Iran and Israel allies" an anachronism.
Iran's Non-Recognition of Israel
A cornerstone of Iran's hostile stance is its unwavering refusal to recognize Israel's legitimacy as a state. This non-recognition is not merely a diplomatic formality; it is a deeply embedded ideological principle of the Islamic Republic. Since the 1979 revolution, Iranian leaders have consistently referred to Israel as the "Zionist regime" or the "occupying regime," denying its right to exist on Palestinian land. This position translates into a foreign policy aimed at undermining Israel's security and influence in the region, often through support for various Palestinian and Lebanese militant groups.
This fundamental rejection of Israel's sovereignty means that any direct diplomatic engagement is impossible, and all interactions are framed through the lens of conflict. The non-recognition serves as a constant declaration of war by other means, fueling the proxy conflicts and contributing to the perpetual state of tension in the Middle East. It is a clear and unequivocal answer to the question of whether Iran and Israel are allies.
Israel's View of Iran as Its Biggest Adversary
Mirroring Iran's stance, Israel, for its part, regards Iran as its biggest adversary. This mutual animosity forms the core of their current relationship. Israel views Iran's nuclear program as an existential threat, fearing that a nuclear-armed Iran would pose an unacceptable danger to its security. Beyond the nuclear issue, Israel is deeply concerned by Iran's expansion of influence across the Middle East, particularly through its network of proxy militias, which are often positioned on Israel's borders.
Israel's security doctrine is heavily influenced by the need to counter Iranian aggression and its regional ambitions. This includes preemptive strikes against Iranian military targets or arms shipments to its proxies, as well as intelligence operations aimed at disrupting Iran's capabilities. The perception of Iran as the primary threat shapes Israel's defense spending, strategic alliances, and foreign policy decisions, further solidifying the adversarial nature of their relationship. The concept of "are Iran and Israel allies" is therefore entirely antithetical to Israel's national security strategy.
The "Axis of Resistance": Iran's Regional Allies Against Israel
To fully grasp the current conflict in the Middle East and the unequivocal answer to "are Iran and Israel allies," one must understand Iran's sprawling network of regional allies, often collectively referred to as the "Axis of Resistance." This network is a cornerstone of Iran's foreign policy, designed to project its power and challenge Israeli and Western influence across the region. The term "Axis of Resistance" started being used more frequently after Hezbollah’s war with Israel in 2006, which was seen by Iran and its allies as a successful act of defiance against Israeli military might.
This axis comprises a diverse array of state and non-state actors, bound by a shared opposition to Israel and, to varying degrees, to the United States. Iran provides these groups with financial support, military training, and advanced weaponry, enabling them to exert pressure on Israel from multiple fronts. This strategy allows Iran to engage in a proxy war, avoiding direct confrontation with Israel while still pursuing its strategic objectives.
Hezbollah and Hamas: Key Pillars of Resistance
Among Iran’s closest and most formidable allies within the Axis of Resistance are Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Hezbollah, a powerful Shiite political party and militant group, has been a long-standing recipient of Iranian support, transforming into a significant military force capable of challenging Israel directly. Its extensive arsenal of rockets and its experienced fighters pose a credible threat to Israel's northern border, acting as a deterrent and a potential second front in any major conflict.
Hamas, the Sunni Islamist movement that governs the Gaza Strip, along with Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), also receives significant backing from Tehran. Despite ideological differences (Iran is predominantly Shiite, while Hamas is Sunni), their shared animosity towards Israel forms the basis of their alliance. Iran's support enables these groups to launch rocket attacks and other forms of resistance against Israel, keeping the Palestinian issue at the forefront and contributing to regional instability. These alliances emphatically demonstrate that the answer to "are Iran and Israel allies" is a resounding no, as these groups are explicitly anti-Israel.
Broader Network: Houthis, Iraqi Militias, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad
Beyond Hezbollah and Hamas, Iran’s influence extends to a broader network of groups across the Middle East. In Iraq, Iran expanded its influence after the 2003 invasion, forming ties with local Shiite groups and militias. These Iraqi militias, some of which are heavily armed and politically influential, serve Iran's interests by potentially targeting US forces in Iraq and Syria, and by providing a land bridge for Iranian influence and arms shipments to Syria and Lebanon.
In Yemen, the Houthi movement, a Zaidi Shiite group, has emerged as another key Iranian ally. While the extent of direct Iranian control is debated, Tehran provides significant support, enabling the Houthis to launch attacks against Saudi Arabia and, more recently, against shipping in the Red Sea, adding another dimension to regional tensions and indirectly pressuring Israel's allies. This diverse and geographically widespread network allows Iran to project power and destabilize its adversaries from multiple directions, cementing the reality that Iran and Israel are not, and cannot be, allies.
Escalation and Direct Confrontation: Recent Developments
The long, complex history of animosity between Iran and Israel has recently taken a dramatic and dangerous turn, moving beyond proxy conflicts to instances of direct confrontation. This escalation marks a significant shift, bringing the two adversaries closer to open warfare than ever before. Israel’s first open offensive on Iran, targeting Iranian military assets or nuclear facilities, represents a new phase in their shadow war, one that carries immense risks for regional stability.
Such Israeli attacks have consistently drawn strong reactions from Tehran. For instance, Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes on Israel into Saturday morning, killing at least three people and wounding dozens, after a series of blistering Israeli attacks on the heart of Iran’s nuclear program and its armed forces. These direct exchanges, though often framed as "retaliation," underscore the profound level of hostility and the willingness of both sides to directly target each other's territory or strategic assets. The image of a woman carrying her child after Israeli strikes on Tehran on June 15, 2025 [amir kholousi], serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of this escalating conflict.
These direct engagements signal a dangerous departure from previous norms, where much of the conflict was fought through proxies or covert operations. The increasing frequency and intensity of these direct attacks raise concerns about miscalculation and uncontrolled escalation, highlighting the urgent need for de-escalation in a region already fraught with tension. The very occurrence of such direct strikes unequivocally answers the question: "Are Iran and Israel allies?" The answer is a resounding no, they are direct adversaries.
Global Alignments: Who Stands with Iran and Who with Israel?
The question of "are Iran and Israel allies" extends beyond their bilateral relationship to encompass their broader global alignments. The current geopolitical landscape reveals distinct camps, with major world powers aligning themselves with one side or the other, further solidifying the adversarial nature of the Iran-Israel dynamic. These alliances provide crucial diplomatic, economic, and sometimes military support, influencing the balance of power in the Middle East.
On one side, the United States is a steadfast ally of Israel. This alliance is deeply rooted in shared democratic values, strategic interests, and historical ties. The U.S. provides Israel with substantial military aid, advanced weaponry, and diplomatic backing on the international stage. US President Donald Trump, and indeed other global leaders, have consistently hardened their stance against the Islamic Republic, imposing sanctions and supporting efforts to curb Iran's nuclear program and regional influence. This strong American commitment to Israel acts as a significant counterweight to Iran's ambitions.
Conversely, Iran's key global allies include Russia, China, and North Korea. These nations often provide diplomatic cover, economic lifelines, and, in some cases, military technology to Tehran. Iran’s key global allies, Russia and China, have, for instance, condemned Israel’s strikes and have previously shielded Tehran from punitive resolutions at the UN Security Council. This diplomatic protection is crucial for Iran, allowing it to circumvent international pressure and continue its policies. North Korea, known for its nuclear and missile programs, has also been a reported partner in arms technology.
However, the support from Russia and China comes with caveats. While they offer diplomatic and economic assistance, neither power appears willing, at least for now, to escalate the confrontation by providing direct military support to Iran or engaging in a standoff with the United States. This delicate balancing act is particularly evident with Russia, one of Iran’s key allies that also maintains ties with Israel, navigating its own complex strategic interests in the region. These global alignments clearly illustrate that Iran and Israel operate in opposing blocs, making any notion of them being allies utterly impossible in the current world order.
The Weakening Axis? Challenges to Iran's Network
Despite having invested significantly in a sprawling network of allies across the Middle East, Iran finds its "Axis of Resistance" coalition severely weakened as a result of an exhausting battle with Israel and other regional dynamics. While this network remains a potent force, recent developments suggest that its cohesion and operational capacity are facing unprecedented challenges. The idea of "are Iran and Israel allies" is not only historically inaccurate but also fundamentally at odds with the very purpose of this axis.
One of the most telling signs of this weakening is the reduced engagement of some of Iran's key proxies in recent confrontations. Some of Iran's key allies have been weakened militarily and have stayed on the sidelines of its conflict with Israel. Despite their strong ties to Tehran, groups like Lebanon’s Hezbollah, Iraqi militias, and Yemen’s Houthis have not joined the latest round of attacks with the same intensity or coordination seen in previous conflicts. This reticence could stem from several factors: internal exhaustion from prolonged conflicts, a desire to avoid direct, large-scale confrontation with Israel and potentially the U.S., or perhaps a reassessment of their own strategic priorities.
The financial strain on Iran due to international sanctions also impacts its ability to fully fund and equip its proxies. Iran’s paramilitary network, Pakistan’s support, and global ties are being tested as the US weighs joining Israel in escalating conflict. This external pressure, combined with the internal wear and tear of continuous low-intensity conflict, puts a strain on the entire network. The effectiveness of the Axis of Resistance relies on its ability to act as a unified front, but signs of fragmentation or strategic caution among its members suggest that its overall strength might be diminishing. This dynamic adds another layer to understanding why Iran and Israel are entrenched adversaries, with Iran's primary tool of regional influence facing increasing headwinds.
Conclusion: A Future Defined by Enmity?
The journey of Iran and Israel's relationship is a compelling narrative of dramatic transformation, from a quiet, pragmatic partnership to an overt, deeply entrenched animosity. The question, "Are Iran and Israel allies?" is unequivocally answered by history and current events: no, they are not. What was once a strategic alliance, built on shared interests against Arab rivals, was irrevocably shattered by the 1979 Islamic Revolution, giving way to an era defined by ideological opposition and proxy warfare.
Today, Iran's government steadfastly refuses to recognize Israel's legitimacy, while Israel views Iran as its primary existential threat. This mutual antagonism fuels a dangerous regional dynamic, characterized by Iran's "Axis of Resistance" and Israel's determined efforts to counter Iranian influence and nuclear ambitions. The recent direct exchanges of fire between the two nations underscore the perilous state of their relationship, pushing them closer to a full-scale conflict.
Global alignments further solidify this divide, with the United States firmly allied with Israel, and Russia and China offering diplomatic support to Iran, albeit with their own strategic limitations. While Iran's network of allies remains formidable, there are signs that its cohesion and operational capacity are being tested by prolonged conflict and external pressures. The historical record and contemporary realities leave no doubt that the relationship between Iran and Israel is one of profound enmity, shaping the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East for the foreseeable future.
What are your thoughts on the evolving dynamics between these two nations? Do you see any pathways to de-escalation, or is continued confrontation inevitable? Share your insights and perspectives in the comments below, and explore other articles on our site for more in
Iran says no to nuclear talks during conflict as UN urges restraint
Iran says no to nuclear talks during conflict as UN urges restraint
Iran says no to nuclear talks during conflict as UN urges restraint
