Recent Airstrikes: An Overview
On the early morning of June 13, 2024, Israel conducted airstrikes against Tehran and other Iranian cities. According to the official version, the targets were strategic military and nuclear enclaves of the Islamic Republic. The Israeli government claimed to have eliminated “nine high-level scientists and experts,” describing the operation as “a severe blow to the Iranian regime’s ability to acquire weapons of mass destruction.”
Historical Context: The Roots of the Conflict
To understand the origins of this confrontation, we must go back to the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. It was a result of Zionist ideology and the colonial project supported by powers like Britain and the United States.
The new state was founded on Palestinian territory, leading to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people in a process known as the Nakba (Arabic for “catastrophe”). From the start, many regional countries, including Iran, voiced their rejection of the UN plan to partition Palestine, warning about the risk of increased regional violence. Iran advocated for a single federal state that would ensure the rights of all inhabitants.
In 1953, during the Cold War, the US and Britain orchestrated a coup to overthrow then Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh. This led to the establishment of the Shah’s regime, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Under his rule, Iran became an ally of the Western bloc, and Israel significantly benefited from Iranian oil, accumulating a debt it has never acknowledged or repaid.
The situation drastically changed in 1979 with the Islamic Revolution led by Ayatollah Khomeini. Iran broke its dependence on the US and adopted a confrontational foreign policy stance towards Israel, marking the beginning of open enmity.
Nuclear Capabilities: Israel vs. Iran
Israel has had an advanced nuclear program since the late 1970s. Despite maintaining a policy of “strategic ambiguity”—neither confirming nor denying its nuclear capabilities officially—the existence of its arsenal is internationally recognized since 1986 when technician Mordechai Vanunu revealed details about Dimona facilities to the Sunday Times. As a result, Vanunu was kidnapped by the Mossad in Rome and charged with treason and espionage, remaining largely isolated since.
Iran, on the other hand, appears not to possess nuclear weapons, though its program has been subject to international controversy. Negotiations over its development have repeatedly been disrupted by geopolitical tensions, including the recent Israeli attack.
However, this is not the first direct attack by Israel on Iran in recent years. Since the beginning of its offensive against Gaza, Israel has directly targeted Iran at least twice and carried out numerous indirect actions.
- April 1, 2024: Bombing of the Iranian consulate in Syria and assassination of high-ranking IRGC officers.
- July 31, 2024: Bombing of Ismail Haniyeh’s residence, the political leader of Hamas, further escalating regional tensions.
Domestic Motivations: Why Now?
Beyond the stated objectives, what are the primary motivations behind Israel’s current attacks on Iran? This offensive should be analyzed not only through an international lens but also in terms of domestic politics, as it currently benefits the Israeli government alone.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeases the most bellicose elements within the Israeli government, satisfying extremist politicians like Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir.
Moreover, Netanyahu seeks to maintain a state of war to secure his continued leadership and immunity from corruption charges that have haunted him for years.
The attack coincides with the start of negotiations between Washington and Tehran regarding Iran’s nuclear program, effectively sabotaging these talks.
Gaza Sidelined: Media Focus Shifts
The attack continued amidst a complete blackout in the Gaza Strip, caused by the bombing of the last telecommunication infrastructure, further isolating it from the world. The current confrontation with Iran has entirely shifted the media focus away from Palestine, which continues to suffer from famine and “unprecedented massacres in the 21st century,” according to historian Omer Bartov.
The attack was not preventive but an act of aggression that undermines international consensus and violates established norms governing international relations. Iran had not initiated any military action against Israel and was engaged in diplomatic negotiations with the US.
Clearly, above other factors, this new attack primarily serves Israel’s internal political interests and strategic media diversion from the Gaza genocide rather than an imminent threat from Iran.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the historical context of Israel-Iran tensions? The conflict stems from the establishment of Israel in 1948, rooted in Zionist ideology and colonial projects supported by Britain and the US. Iran, which advocated for a single federal state ensuring rights for all inhabitants, rejected the UN partition plan for Palestine.
- What are Israel’s nuclear capabilities? Israel has an advanced nuclear program, maintaining “strategic ambiguity” about its capabilities. Its arsenal is internationally recognized since 1986, when technician Mordechai Vanunu revealed details about Dimona facilities.
- Does Iran possess nuclear weapons? While Iran’s nuclear program has faced international controversy, there is no concrete evidence suggesting it possesses nuclear weapons.
- Why did Israel attack Iran recently? The recent attacks serve domestic political interests for the Israeli government, appease extremist elements, and maintain a state of war to ensure Prime Minister Netanyahu’s continued leadership. These attacks also aim to sabotage ongoing negotiations between the US and Iran regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
