“Iran-Israel War Explained: Why It Started, What America Wants, and What’s Coming Next”

Simran Rai · Jul 19, 2025

The Rising Flames in the Middle East: A Deeper Look into the Iran-Israel Conflict of 2025

In the summer of 2025, the Middle East once again finds itself caught in the grip of conflict, with Iran and Israel stepping beyond long-standing hostility into open confrontation. What was once a simmering proxy battle has turned into an alarming and direct military exchange, dragging the eyes and interests of the entire world into its vortex. To understand why this conflict has erupted now and what it means for global politics, security, and economic stability, it is essential to examine the historical tensions, immediate triggers, and the emerging roles of international players.

Historical Backdrop: Decades of Distrust

The foundation of the Iran-Israel conflict lies in a decades-old rivalry rooted in ideological, religious, and geopolitical differences. Following Iran’s Islamic Revolution in 1979, the country’s new regime adopted an uncompromising stance against the existence of Israel. This ideological posture translated into direct support for anti-Israel militant groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel has viewed Iran as an existential threat, particularly due to its nuclear ambitions, proxy networks across the region, and deep entrenchment in neighboring states like Syria and Iraq.

This persistent friction has led to years of shadow warfare — cyberattacks, covert operations, and targeted assassinations — all beneath the surface of direct engagement. That veil was shattered in April 2024, when an Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Syria killed several high-ranking Iranian commanders. Iran’s retaliatory barrage of more than 300 drones and missiles marked the first time in recent history that a state-level military attack occurred openly between the two powers, pushing the region into unprecedented territory.

The United States: Ally, Arbiter, and Guardian of Balance

The United States, with its long-standing strategic and military alliance with Israel, has found itself thrust into a familiar yet deeply complicated role. By deploying naval assets to the Mediterranean and Red Sea, assisting in missile interceptions, and issuing stern warnings to Iran and Hezbollah, the U.S. has reinforced its commitment to Israel’s security. However, Washington’s enthusiasm for deeper military engagement remains tempered by multiple factors.

After two decades of military entanglements in Iraq and Afghanistan, there is a prevailing reluctance among American policymakers and citizens to be drawn into another prolonged conflict. Additionally, U.S. oil security and upcoming elections play a critical role in influencing foreign policy decisions. While strong support for Israel continues, there is an evident push from American diplomats to de-escalate the situation and prevent the kind of regional war that could devastate economies and destabilize global markets.

Iran’s Strategy: Power, Influence, and Survival

For Iran, the conflict presents both an opportunity and a peril. The Iranian leadership projects its actions as a defense of oppressed Muslims and a stand against what it perceives as Israeli aggression. Yet, beneath the rhetoric lies a broader ambition to assert regional dominance, resist Western influence, and galvanize Shia groups across the Middle East under its banner.

Domestic unrest, economic stagnation, and mounting international sanctions have weakened Iran internally. By engaging in external conflict, the leadership seeks to unify public sentiment, distract from internal failures, and reassert Iran’s relevance in regional politics. Military engagement with Israel — especially one seen as avenging past humiliations — serves this dual purpose of external projection and internal stabilization.

Israel’s Motive: Deterrence, Defense, and Demonstration of Strength

For Israel, the primary goal remains national security and deterrence. The conflict with Iran is viewed through the lens of preemptive defense — neutralizing threats before they manifest. Preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, dismantling its influence in Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria, and maintaining regional superiority are central to its strategy.

This military assertiveness also reflects a political calculus. Post-October 2023, domestic divisions have emerged in Israel regarding the direction of the state and the balance between diplomacy and force. The government’s aggressive response to Iran aims to restore unity, project strength, and consolidate public support by reaffirming its commitment to national defense.

Beyond Borders: A Global Conflict in Disguise

Although centered on Iran and Israel, the war’s implications are far-reaching. Major powers and regional actors are already navigating the fallout. The U.S. is involved diplomatically and militarily; Russia, which maintains military ties with Iran and operates in Syria, is observing cautiously; China, reliant on stable oil flows from the Middle East, urges de-escalation while maintaining neutrality.

Nations like Saudi Arabia and India are also affected. Saudi Arabia remains silent but alert, wary of both Iranian expansion and broader regional instability. India, balancing relations with both Iran and Israel, has adopted a cautious neutrality, emphasizing the need for peace and stability to safeguard energy imports and the welfare of its diaspora in the region.

Possible Scenarios: What Lies Ahead?

The trajectory of the conflict remains uncertain. Three outcomes are currently under consideration:

Full-Scale War – An open regional conflict involving Hezbollah, Syria, and other Iranian-backed forces could spiral into prolonged warfare, impacting millions and severely disrupting global oil supplies.
Sustained Proxy Conflict – A continuation of the status quo, with tit-for-tat attacks and no formal declarations of war. This would maintain a fragile balance but prevent full-scale escalation.
Conditional De-escalation – Diplomatic pressure from the U.S., Europe, and Gulf countries could force a temporary ceasefire. However, underlying tensions would likely remain unresolved, making future flare-ups inevitable.

Conclusion: A Moment of Reckoning

The Iran-Israel conflict of 2025 is not an isolated episode but a reflection of decades of unresolved tensions, ideological hostilities, and shifting power dynamics in the Middle East. As global powers take positions and regional players navigate the fallout, the world watches closely. Whether this confrontation leads to transformative peace efforts or deepens into a protracted crisis will depend on decisions made in boardrooms, war rooms, and international chambers over the coming weeks. Stability hangs in the balance — and with it, the future of an entire region.

“Iran-Israel War Explained: Why It Started, What America Wants, and What’s Coming Next”

Simran Rai

Active member

Historical Backdrop: Decades of Distrust​

The United States: Ally, Arbiter, and Guardian of Balance​

Iran’s Strategy: Power, Influence, and Survival​

Israel’s Motive: Deterrence, Defense, and Demonstration of Strength​

Beyond Borders: A Global Conflict in Disguise​

Possible Scenarios: What Lies Ahead?​

Conclusion: A Moment of Reckoning​