The Israel-Iran Conflict: Shaping New Regional Dynamics in the Middle East

Abstract

Israel-Iran is one of the most important and multi-faceted geopolitical rivalries in the Middle East, that has strong geopolitical, ideological and religious grounds. This is a conflict that has been developing ever since the Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979, and this conflict is still affecting the relations in the region and is shaping allies, security systems and power relations in the Middle East. Israel and Iran have been arch enemies since the ideological change in Iran by Ayatollah Khomeini to the current nuclear politics and proxy wars. The competition is not only between the bilateral relations of the two countries but also between the influence on the wider regional tensions and affecting the major world powers. The paper investigates how the conflict between Israel and Iran is redefining regional alliances such as the changes in political interests, and promoting proxy wars especially in Syria, Yemen and Lebanon. The paper seeks to evaluate the implications to the future regional stability and security by studying the historical as well as current dynamics. The most important aspects of the research will be devoted to the changing character of alliances, especially to the normalization of Israel and Gulf States relations due to the Abraham Accords, as well as the position of external powers, such as the United States, Russia, and China. The paper also examines the possibilities of escalation in the future especially in relation to the nuclear ambition of Iran and points out diplomatic options to de-escalation. Adopting a qualitative approach, the research relies on historical sources, policy reports, professional views, and case scenarios to explain the reality of the Israel-Iran conflict on the geopolitics of the Middle East. Finally, the paper highlights the necessity of continuing the diplomatic efforts and regional cooperation to solve the roots of the conflict and avert further destabilization of the region.

Keywords: Israel-Iran Conflict, Middle East Geopolitics, Nuclear Disputes, Proxy Wars, Regional Alliances, Abraham Accords, Iran’s Nuclear Program, Geopolitical Rivalries, De-Escalation, Regional Security