18th July, 2025 Author: Isaac Kwabena Boadu (Dedicated to Nelson Mandela for his impact towards fighting against injustices and promoting World Peace)
The Israel-Iran conflict presents a fascinating yet very dangerous trend of conflict in our international system. Prior to the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, the two countries were on very good terms as they had very strong cordial relations with Israel seeing Iran as a strategic partner in the Middle East. However, the Islamic revolution saw a different shift this time with Ayatollah Khomeini’s regime adopting an anti-Zionist stance which has created rivalry between both sides.
The Israel Iran conflict bears some resemblance to the web of alliances and rivalries that led to the outbreak of World War 1 and World War 2. In World War 1, the assassination of Franz Ferdinand in 1914 sparked a chain of reactions that led to one of the deadliest wars in human history. The rise of Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy and Japan led to World War 11. Just as World War 2 saw the creation of alliances between countries of shared interests, the Israel and Iran conflict has drawn in same with Israel even mad at Ghana for not voting against Iran’s Nuclear program. This war has been characterised as a proxy as both sides support different militia groups in the region which is reminiscent of World War 2.
Whilst the Israeli Anatomy have allies like the United Kingdom, the United States and most countries in the West, the Iranian Anatomy also has alliances with powers like Syria, Hezbollah and Hamas and countries in the Middle East. This conflict has drawn regional players like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates who are all also engaged for their potential interests. The conflict which is being seen a struggle between Jewish and Islamic interests.
Ayatollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran who played a significant role in the 1979 revolution passed the baton to his son, Ayatollah Khamenei who has held the position since 1989. The conflict between Israel and Iran escalated in April 2024, with Israel destroying an Iranian consular building in Damascus, Syria, resulting in the deaths of several Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officers. In response, Iran launched a retaliatory attack on Israel’s Nevatim Air Base in the Negev Desert, targeting military assets. Israel then struck back, destroying Iran’s anti-aircraft battery. In this conflict, citizens’ freedom of expression has been severely suppressed. In Iran, the government has intensified surveillance and arbitrary detentions, with protesters and journalists facing abuse and intimidation for voicing their views on foreign policy. In Israel, Arab Israelis have faced backlash for expressing their opinions. The repercussions extend beyond the Middle East. In the United States, pro-Palestinian students have faced severe backlash on university campuses for speaking out against Israel’s restrictions on the Gaza Strip. Some have faced harsh punishments, including detention. For instance, Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian graduate, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement for over three months due to his involvement in pro-Palestinian protests on campus. This suppression of free speech and assembly has sparked concerns about the erosion of democratic values.
The conflict could spill over into countries like Lebanon and Syria also leading high refugee inflows in various countries leading to food shortage, food supply chains, high cost of living, hunger and poverty. Whiles the United States of America has long standing relations with Israel, China has high standing relations with Iran and the actions taken by any of these countries just like what America has done by striking against Iran’s consulate in Qatar in 2025 could have long standing repercussions not even in the now, but in the future. The Strait of Hormuz which is situated between the Omani enclave of Musandam and Iran is a critical waterway for international trade as it serves as a passage for global oil exports from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and the Untied Arab Emirates. It is a major shipping lane with cargo vessels passing through daily. Interruptions in the Strait of Hormuz can lead to a devastating stagflation across the region.
From a Realist perspective the Israel-Iran conflict can be seen as a classic security vendetta where both sides’ pursuit of security and survival is seen as a threat by the other leading to a cycle of attacks from each other. From a realist perspective, the Israel-Iran conflict is driven by security concerns and geopolitical interests. Israel views Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities as a threat not only to its national security but also to its alliance with the United States. However, America’s support for Israel raises questions about its commitment to democratic foreign policy, particularly in its handling of pro-Palestinian protests and criticism.
From a neorealist perspective, Israel’s actions can be seen as a pursuit of dominance and a desire to prove its strength to the world. However, this raises questions about its legitimacy as a democratic hegemony. Niccolò Machiavelli’s concept of virtù emphasizes the importance of certain virtues for effective leadership. Courage, prudence, temperance, liberality, and magnificence are essential qualities, but the question remains whether Israel’s actions align with these principles in its pursuit of security and dominance.
From a constructivist point of view, Iran’s anti-Zionist stance post their Islamic revolution underlies the core reason behind their attacks on Israel, which they see as a threat towards the gain of preponderance over their region. Isreal on the other hand has concern on Iran’s nuclear program. Israel fears that Iran’s nuclear programme could wipe away the entire region of Israel which Israelis see as a threat towards their region. Israel on the other hand is concerned about the entire region and sees that Iran’s nuclear program could create an arm’s race, which could lead to loss of lives. the Iran-Israel conflict is shaped by social constructs that form identities. The Jewish identity of Israel and the Islamic Republic identity of Iran have significantly influenced their actions. These identities have led to perceptions, misperceptions, fears, and mistrust, driving suspicion and tension between the two nations. Historical conflicts, such as the 1953 coup and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, have contributed to these tensions, as have competing interests. Israel views Iran’s nuclear program and missile capabilities as an existential threat, while Iran perceives Israel’s military superiority as a threat to its national security. These perceptions can polarize public opinion, making it challenging for diplomats to find a comprehensive solution to the conflict. The constructivist perspective highlights the importance of understanding these social constructs and identities in shaping the conflict and potential paths to resolution.
It should be noted that the Holocaust and persecution of Jews have created a long-standing snare by Israelis on their survival after Iran have repeatedly called for Isrrael destruction, staging freight the side of Israel in seeing their ballistic missile program.
The US has always been a key ally to Israel providing military and economic support. In 2019 under President Joe Biden’s administration begun to work together with Iran towards their country reversing their nuclear activities, reduce its support for militant groups, which according to them pose a significant threat to the region. President Joe Biden was known to work closely with Iran and end their ballistic missile programs as a way of alleviating the tensions between both countries and ease the sufferings of innocent and ordinary Iranians and Americans affected by the tensions between both countries. In September 2023, there was a deal which was brokered whereby five American prisoners were held in exchange for five Iranian prisoners in America. The $6billion in Iranian assets which was also frozen by Iran as they complied to international standards was unfrozen and sent to Qatar as the prisoner swap deal went through, with Qatar playing a mediating role in the deal allowing for the transfer of funds from South Korean Bank to a Qatari bank.
The Israel Iran conflict showcases the complexities in our international relations with realist and constructivist perspectives offering insights into the causes of the conflict. In order to prevent a possible escalation of the war, soft power diplomacy which focuses on building relationships, fostering dialogues and promoting mutual understanding through non-coercive means must be adopted. Track 11 Diplomacy which is informal and non-governmental diplomatic efforts can also help bring together officials from both countries, academicians, human rights activists, Freedom Giants from AFRICAN VOICES INTERNATIONAL, Civil Society representatives and peacebuilders to discuss issues, foster cooperation and ensure that the conflict ceases to exist.
Israel’s perception of Iran’s nuclear programme and Jewish identity particularly in relation to the United States has served as an existential threat to Iran who perceive Israel’s military superiority as a threat to their national security and the Jewish identity of Israel leading to the tensions with Palestinians creating the whole complexities
To prevent a possible third world war, global leaders must put all geopolitical interests side, accommodate diverse and versatile interests of both nations and come together to function as a Global Anatomy where through shared views and resources.
Freedom! Uhuru!
Author: Isaac Kwabena Boadu (+ 233 55 642 7016)
