Iran’s history with Israel has been a rollercoaster ride, from being allies under the Pahlavi dynasty to bitter enemies post the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The two countries joined forces against a common enemy, Iraq, with the help of the United States, forming a deep military and Intelligence alliance. The Shah of Iran saw Israel as a means to strengthen relations with the US, despite concerns about his authoritarian rule.
However, the dynamics changed after the Islamic Revolution, with Iran transforming into an anti-Israel Islamic Republic. Despite ideological differences, both countries found reasons to collaborate during the Iran-Iraq War. The partnership extended beyond conventional arms deals to ambitious projects like Operation Flower, involving missile modifications for potential nuclear capabilities.
By the 1990s, the factors that once united Israel and Iran were no longer relevant, leading to sustained animosity. Iran’s support for groups like Hezbollah and Hamas solidified its position as Israel’s adversary. As Israel battled these groups in the 2000s, any remnants of the past alliance were long gone, signaling the end of a complex and intriguing chapter in Middle Eastern history.
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