"Iran-Israel Conflict 2025: Causes, Impact on India, and Diplomatic Solutions | UPSC IR Analysis"

 

Iran-Israel Conflict 2025 (Explained Simply)

📚 GS Paper 2 – IR | Neighborhood | Conflict | Energy Security | Diplomacy

Source :-IE

---

🔥 What Actually Happened?

1. Israel launched "Operation Rising Lion" – airstrikes and drone attacks hit important places in Iran like:

   • Tehran city,

   • Natanz nuclear site,

   • Military bases in Tabriz,

   • Underground missile depot in Kermanshah.

2. Iran replied with “Operation True Promise 3” – launched many ballistic missiles over Israel, especially hitting areas near Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

---

🤔 Why Are Iran and Israel Fighting?

1. Old Enemies Since 1979

• Before 1979, Iran was a friend of Israel.

• But after the Iranian Revolution, Iran became an Islamic Republic and started hating Israel openly.

Iranian Revolution:- IN 1979, the Iranian Revolution ended the rule of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was criticized for being pro-Western, corrupt, and oppressive. People were angry over poverty, lack of freedom, and Western influence. Religious leader Ayatollah Khomeini led the protests, even while in exile, and gained huge public support. Massive protests forced the Shah to flee, and Khomeini returned to Iran. Under Khomeini's guidance, Iran became an Islamic Republic in April 1979. After the revolution, Iran strongly opposed Israel, accusing it of occupying Palestine and being backed by the U.S.

2. Religion and Beliefs Clash

• Iran follows Shia Islam, Israel is a Jewish country.

• These differences have created deep mistrust between both countries.

3. Iran Supports Anti-Israel Groups

• Iran gives money and weapons to Hamas and Hezbollah, both enemies of Israel.

• Iran also supports Shia militias in Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon – and Israel sees them as threats.

4. Regional Power Fight

• Both countries want to become the most powerful in the Middle East.

• Iran backs Yemeni rebels and the Syrian regime. Israel tries to weaken Iranian influence in these regions.

5. Nuclear Danger

• Israel fears Iran is building a nuclear bomb.

• Israel doesn’t trust Iran and has tried many times to stop Iran’s nuclear program, openly and secretly.

---

🇮🇳 How This Affects India?

1. Oil Tension = Big Trouble for India

• India gets lots of oil from the Strait of Hormuz (near Iran).

• If there's war, oil prices can go high → fuel becomes costly → inflation increases → economy slows down.

2. Indian Workers in Danger

• Around 1.34 crore Indians live in the Middle East.

• If war happens, their lives may be in danger. India may again need to evacuate people like in Kuwait (1990) or Ukraine (2022).

3. Trade Routes Get Messy

• India's Chabahar Port project in Iran may suffer delays.

• The big India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) could also be affected.

• Shipping may get delayed due to Red Sea tension → prices of goods may rise.

4. Diplomatic Balancing Gets Hard

• India is friends with both Israel and Iran.

• If conflict grows, India may feel pressure to choose a side — but India always tries to stay neutral and balanced.

---

🕊️ What Can Be Done to Reduce the Fight?

1. Two-State Solution (Peace for Palestine)

• Israel must work toward peace with Palestinians.

• A separate Palestine state can help reduce long-term tensions.

2. Talks & Diplomacy

• Direct talks between Iran and Israel — with help from the UN or EU — may reduce anger and build some trust.

3. Stop Nuclear Scare

• Iran should agree again to follow the nuclear deal (JCPOA) and allow inspections.

• Israel should promise not to attack if Iran uses nuclear energy peacefully.

4. Regional Friendship

• Countries in the region (like GCC, Arab League) should make both Iran and Israel work together to solve common problems like terrorism.

5. Start Normal Relations

• Both can try steps like opening embassies, people-to-people exchanges, just like Israel did with UAE and Bahrain in 2020.

---

✅ Conclusion (Summary)

• This Iran-Israel fight is not just about religion — it's about power, ideology, and fear.

• For India, it's a major worry — oil security, people safety, trade projects, and diplomacy all may suffer.

• Peace is possible through dialogue, mutual respect, and international support — but both countries must be willing to calm down and talk.

  🧠 FAQs on Iran-Israel Conflict 2025

  ---

  ❓1. What is the Iran-Israel conflict of 2025?

  Answer:
  In 2025, Israel launched air and drone attacks on Iran’s nuclear and military sites under Operation Rising Lion. Iran replied with missile strikes on Israel in Operation True Promise 3. Both countries are fighting over nuclear weapons, religion, regional power, and old rivalries.

  ---

  ❓2. Why are Iran and Israel enemies?

  Answer:
  Since Iran became an Islamic Republic in 1979, it started opposing Israel.
  They differ in religion (Shia vs Jewish), politics, and support to groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Iran also calls for Israel’s destruction, which increases hate and fear.

  ---

  ❓3. Why is Israel concerned about Iran's nuclear program?

  Answer:
  Iran is developing nuclear energy, but Israel fears Iran may secretly build a nuclear bomb. That’s why Israel tries to stop Iran’s nuclear plans using attacks or spy missions.

  ---

  ❓4. How does this conflict affect India?

  Answer:

  1. Oil becomes costlier, because India imports oil from Gulf areas near Iran.

  2. Indian workers (NRIs) living in the Middle East may be in danger.

  3. Large-scale projects like IMEC and Chabahar Port may experience delays.

  4. India’s diplomacy gets tricky because we are friends with both countries.

  ---

  ❓5. What is the Strait of Hormuz, and why is it important?

  Answer:
  It’s a narrow sea passage near Iran where oil tankers pass. If it's blocked during war, worldwide oil prices can rise and affect countries like India badly.

  ---

  ❓6. What is the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)?

  Answer:
  It is a nuclear deal signed in 2015 between Iran and world powers to stop Iran from making nuclear weapons. But the deal is not working well now due to mistrust and violations.

  ---

  ❓7. What is the Two-State Solution?

  Answer:
  It is a peace idea where Israel and Palestine both become separate countries. It’s supported by the UN and many countries as a way to solve the Israel-Palestine conflict, which is connected to Iran-Israel tensions.

  ---

  ❓8. How can the conflict be solved?

  Answer:

  • Through talks and diplomacy.

  • Iran should allow nuclear inspections.

  • Israel must support peace with Palestinians.

  • Regional bodies like the UN, EU, and GCC should help both countries to cooperate.

  ---

  ❓9. Has India ever done evacuations from such regions?

  Answer:
  Yes! India rescued people from:

  India always prioritizes the safety of its citizens.

  ---

  ❓10. Will this conflict lead to World War?

  Answer:
  Unlikely, but if big countries like the US, Russia, or China get directly involved, the situation may become more dangerous. So, global diplomacy is very important right now.