Why are Israel and Iran fighting?

Israel and Iran are fighting due to decades of deep ideological, geopolitical, and military hostility, shifting from a long-running "shadow war" to direct conflict by 2024–2026. Core drivers include Iran's opposition to Israel’s existence, its funding of anti-Israel proxy groups (Hezbollah, Hamas), and Israel's mission to destroy Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities. 

Ideological Hostility (Post-1979): Following the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Iran adopted a foreign policy calling for the elimination of Israel, which it views as an illegal entity.

Proxy Warfare ("Axis of Resistance"): Iran funds, trains, and arms militant groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, to challenge Israeli security on its borders.

Nuclear and Military Fears: Israel views Iran’s nuclear program as an existential threat and has conducted years of sabotage, assassinations of scientists, and airstrikes against Iranian personnel and assets, particularly in Syria.

Regional Dominance: Both nations vie for influence in the Middle East, with Iran expanding its influence through proxies and Israel attempting to curb this expansion.

Direct Escalation (2024–2026): After years of indirect fighting, the two nations engaged in direct strikes, including a 12-day war in June 2025 and ongoing military actions in 2026, which have included airstrikes on Iran's military and energy infrastructure. 

The conflict has escalated into a major war, with Al Jazeera reporting that Israel and the U.S. launched joint attacks on Iranian military sites and oil facilities in 2026, aiming to dismantle its missile capabilities and influence in the region.