Why are Israel and Iran now at war?

 Why are Israel and Iran now at war?

The conflict between Israel and Iran is rooted in decades of geopolitical, religious, and ideological tensions.

Key reasons include:

1. Ideological Opposition 

   - Iran’s Islamic regime does not recognize Israel’s right to exist and has called for its destruction.  

   - Israel sees Iran as an existential threat due to its nuclear program and support for militant groups.

2. Proxy Wars  

   - Long‑standing proxy conflict (since 1979).

   - Iran backs Hezbollah (Lebanon), Hamas (Gaza), and Houthis (Yemen), which frequently clash with Israel.  

   - Israel has conducted strikes in Syria and Lebanon to counter Iranian influence.

3. Nuclear Program 

   - Iran’s nuclear program raised alarm in Israel, leading to covert strikes and assassinations of Iranian nuclear        scientists — operations Israel sees as necessary, others compare to past strikes on Iraq and Syria .

    - Israel opposes Iran’s nuclear ambitions, fearing it could lead to atomic weapons.  

   - Iran claims its nuclear program is peaceful.

4. Recent Escalations (2023-2024) 

   - After **Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel (1,200+ killed)**, Israel blamed Iran for supporting              Hamas.  

   - Israel’s military response in Gaza led to over **37,000+ Palestinian deaths** (as of June 2024).  

   - In **April 2024**, Israel reportedly bombed Iran’s consulate in Syria, killing Iranian officials.  

   - Iran retaliated with **300+ missiles/drones** (mostly intercepted). Israel then struck inside Iran.

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