Iran–Israel proxy conflict

Iran and Israel have been involved in a long-standing proxy conflict since 1985. This means they support different groups to fight each other instead of fighting directly. Iran has helped groups in Lebanon, like Hezbollah, and groups in Palestine, like Hamas. Israel has supported rebels in Iran and carried out airstrikes against Iran's allies in Syria. In 2024, the conflict grew more serious with direct fights between the two countries, and in June 2025, they had a 12-day war together, with the United States also involved.

Before 1979, Iran and Israel had close ties because they both saw Arab powers as a threat. But after Iran's Islamic revolution, the two countries cut off official relations. Iran started supporting groups resisting Israel's actions in Lebanon and Palestine. Israel and Hezbollah fought a war in 2006, and Israel has fought several wars with Palestinian groups around the Gaza Strip in different years.

There are many reasons for this ongoing conflict. Iran feels strongly about supporting the Palestinian people, whom they see as oppressed. By doing this, Iran hopes to gain more support from other countries in the Middle East. Israel, on the other hand, views Iran as a serious threat to its safety. Israel has tried to stop Iran from getting nuclear weapons and has called for sanctions and military action against Iran. During the 2025 war, Iranian groups did not support Iran much, leaving the country somewhat alone in the fighting.

Background

Main articles: Iran–Israel relations and South Lebanon conflict (1985–2000)

Iran has long shown support for the Palestinian people. In the 1960s, Iranian leaders spoke out for Palestinians and helped raise money for them. After the Iranian revolution in 1979, the new government became very opposed to Israel, cutting off all ties and calling Israel an unfair ruler of Palestine.

Even though relations were tense, Israel helped Iran during its war with Iraq in the 1980s by providing military supplies. Later, when Israel invaded Lebanon in 1982, it led to changes in the region. Iran built a network of allies across the Middle East to stand against Israel and the United States. Israel sees Iran as a serious threat because of its support for groups like Hamas. These groups sometimes act as political parties while also working against Israel. Experts say Iran aims to pressure Israel without starting a full-scale war.

History

Relationship with PLO

Starting in the 1960s, many Iranians volunteered to fight against Israel with Palestinian organizations, including the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). Some of these volunteers returned to Iran to fight against the Shah after training in Lebanon and Jordan.

Yasser Arafat visited Iran on 17 February 1979, becoming the first foreign leader to visit after the Islamic Revolution. During this visit, Iran ended ties with Israel and closed Israeli offices. The PLO saw Iran's revolution as inspiring because it defeated a powerful enemy supported by the US, similar to what they hoped to do against Israel. Palestinians also felt that Arab nationalism had failed after losing the 1967 war, Jordan expelling the PLO in 1970, and Egypt recognizing Israel in 1978.

During the Iran hostage crisis, the PLO tried to help but failed. Secret documents found at the US embassy showed Israel supported the Shah's rule.

At the start of the Iran–Iraq War, Yasser Arafat tried to make peace between Saddam Hussein and Iran's leaders but failed. Arafat sided with Iraq during the war, but Iran kept supporting Palestinian causes.

Iran under Khomeini (1979–1989)

After the Iranian Revolution in 1979, Iran took a strong stand against Israel. Iran cut off all official ties, stopped accepting Israeli travel papers, and banned Iranian travelers from going to "occupied Palestine." The Israeli Embassy in Tehran was closed and given to the PLO. Ayatollah Khomeini called Israel an "enemy of Islam" and the "Little Satan." The United States was the "Great Satan" and the Soviet Union the "Lesser Satan." Iran helped form Hezbollah in Lebanon, giving them training, weapons, and support to attack Israeli and American targets.

Israeli occupation of Lebanon

In 1982, Israel invaded Lebanon. Leaders of Lebanon's Shia community asked Iran for help. Khomeini sent military leaders to Syria but decided Iran could not fight on two fronts while at war with Iraq.

Though Israel succeeded in destroying PLO bases and partly leaving Lebanon by 1985, the invasion made conflicts with local Lebanese groups worse. It helped unite several Shia movements in Lebanon, including Hezbollah and Amal, into a stronger force. Over time, both sides suffered more losses as they used better weapons, and Hezbollah improved its tactics.

Iran gave Hezbollah many resources, including training, weapons, money, and political support, encouraging them to act against Israel. Hezbollah's 1985 goals included making Israel leave Lebanon and, eventually, destroying it completely. By the early 1990s, with help from Syria and Iran, Hezbollah became the main group leading guerrilla attacks in southern Lebanon.

2000s

Shabaa Farms conflict

After Israel left Southern Lebanon in May 2000 and Hezbollah took control of the South Lebanon Army, fighting continued at a lower level, focusing on the Shabaa Farms area.

With the election of Iran's hardline leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2005, tensions between Iran and Israel grew, leading to several secret conflicts and operations against each other.

2006 War

During the 2006 Lebanon War, Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) were thought to have helped Hezbollah in attacking Israel. Some reports said hundreds of Revolutionary Guard members took part in firing rockets into Israel and helped Hezbollah with long-range missiles. Revolutionary Guard members were said to have been seen at Hezbollah bases during the war. They were also said to have helped Hezbollah attack the INS Hanit with a missile that damaged the ship and killed four crew members. Some reports said six to nine Revolutionary Guard members were killed by Israeli forces during the war. According to Israeli media, their bodies were moved to Syria and then flown to Tehran. On 6 September 2007, the Israeli Air Force destroyed a suspected nuclear site in Syria, with ten North Koreans reportedly killed.

Iranian support to Hamas

See also: Francop Affair

During and after the Gaza War, the Israeli Air Force, with help from Israeli commandos, was said to have carried out three airstrikes against Iranian weapons being sent to Hamas through Sudan. Israel hinted that it was behind these attacks. Two truck groups were destroyed, and an arms ship was sunk in the Red Sea.

On 4 November 2009, Israel seized a ship in the eastern Mediterranean Sea carrying hundreds of tons of weapons said to be from Iran to Hezbollah.

Proxy conflicts and sabotage

2010

In June 2010, Stuxnet, an advanced computer worm, was found. It is believed to have been made by the US and Israel to attack Iran's nuclear facilities. A study estimated Stuxnet may have damaged up to 1,000 centrifuges (10% of all installed) at the Natanz enrichment plant. Other viruses and malware, such as Duqu and Flame, were said to be related to Stuxnet. Iran claims its enemies often use faulty equipment and computer attacks to disrupt its nuclear program.

2011

On 15 March 2011, Israel seized a ship from Syria carrying Iranian weapons to Gaza. The Mossad was also suspected of an explosion that reportedly damaged the nuclear site at Isfahan. Iran denied any explosion, but The Times reported damage based on satellite images and quoted Israeli intelligence saying the blast targeted a nuclear site. Hours after the blast, Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel. The Israel Defense Forces responded by firing at the launch site. The Israeli attack was said to have killed seven people, including foreigners. Twelve others were injured, seven of whom later died in the hospital.

The Mossad was suspected of an explosion at a Revolutionary Guard missile base in November 2011 that killed 17 Revolutionary Guard members, including General Hassan Moqaddam, a key figure in Iran's missile program. Israeli journalist Ron Ben-Yishai wrote that several lower-ranked Iranian missile experts may have been killed earlier in explosions at various sites.

In response, Iranian agents reportedly tried to attack Israeli targets; possible targets were put on high alert. Yoram Cohen, head of Shin Bet, said three planned attacks in Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Thailand were stopped just in time. On 11 October 2011, the United States said it stopped an alleged Iranian plan to bomb the Israeli and Saudi embassies in Washington DC and Buenos Aires.

2012

On 13 February 2012, Israeli embassy staff in Georgia and India were targeted. In Georgia, a car bomb did not go off near the embassy and was safely removed by police. In India, the bomb exploded, hurting four people, including the wife of an Israeli Defense Ministry employee. Israel accused Iran of being behind the attacks. The next day, three suspected Iranian agents were found in Bangkok, Thailand, planning to attack Israeli officials by putting bombs on embassy cars. One bomb exploded early, leading to a police response. One suspect threw an explosive at officers, losing a leg, and was arrested. Another was caught trying to fly away, and the third escaped to Malaysia but was later arrested. Thai police arrested two more people thought to be involved. Indian police arrested a journalist in connection with the February car bomb. The journalist, Syed Mohammed Kazmi, was an Indian citizen working for an Iranian publication.

On 18 July 2012, a bus carrying Israeli tourists in Bulgaria was destroyed in a bombing that killed five Israeli tourists and the Bulgarian driver and hurt 32 people. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed Iran and Hezbollah for the attack. In July 2012, a senior Israeli defense official said that since May 2011, over 20 terrorist attacks planned by Iranians or suspected Hezbollah agents against Israeli targets worldwide had been stopped, including in South Africa, Azerbaijan, Kenya, Turkey, Thailand, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Nepal, Nigeria, and Peru. Iranian and Hezbollah agents were said to be in prisons around the world.

On 6 October 2012, Israeli airplanes shot down a small drone flying over northern Negev. Hezbollah said it sent the drone and its parts were made in Iran.

On 24 October 2012, Sudan said Israel had bombed a weapons factory thought to belong to Iran's Revolutionary Guard south of Khartoum.

In November 2012, Israel said an Iranian ship was loading rockets to send to countries within range of Israel and that Israel "will attack and destroy any shipment of arms."

2013

In January 2013, reports said the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant may have been hit by an explosion. IAEA reports later said this did not happen.

On 25 April 2013, an Israeli aircraft shot down a drone off the coast of Haifa said to belong to Hezbollah.

On 7 May 2013, people in Tehran reported hearing three explosions in an area where Iran keeps its missile research and supplies.

On 10 December, Hamas said it had restored ties with Iran after a break over the Syrian conflict.

2014

An Israeli man, Yitzhak Bergel, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for agreeing to spy for Iran. Bergel was part of the anti-Zionist Jewish group Neturei Karta.

On 5 March 2014, the Israeli navy stopped the Klos-C cargo ship. Israel said Iran was using the ship to smuggle long-range rockets to Gaza, including Syrian-made M-302 rockets. The operation, named Full Disclosure and carried out by Shayetet 13 special forces, happened in the Red Sea, 1,500 kilometers from Israel and about 160 kilometers from Port Sudan.

Iranian media said that on 24 August 2014, the IRGC shot down an Israeli drone near the Natanz fuel enrichment plant. The Israeli military did not comment.

Two workers died in an explosion at a military explosives factory southeast of Tehran, near a suspected nuclear site in Parchin. In what seemed to be a response from Iran, Hezbollah set off an explosive on the border between Lebanon and Israeli-controlled Shebaa farms, hurting two Israeli soldiers. Israel replied with artillery fire at two Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon.

During the Syrian civil war

Main article: Iran–Israel conflict during the Syrian civil war

Further information: Hezbollah involvement in the Syrian civil war and Iranian involvement in the Syrian civil war

Israel and Syria have kept a truce since Israel confirmed control of most of the Golan Heights after the 1973 Yom Kippur War, but the Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, led to several exchanges of fire across the borders. The Israeli military prepared for possible threats if there was a power struggle in Syria. "After Assad and after building or strengthening their position in Syria, they will move to attack Israel," an Israeli official told the Associated Press in January 2014. Some experts think that while militant groups near Israel's border may increase security measures, these developments are unlikely to greatly change Israel's policy of staying out of the Syria crisis.

In the Syrian Civil War, Iran aimed to create a path from its capital to the Mediterranean coast. The Israeli government believes Iran wants to build a connection from Iran to the Mediterranean and move military forces, including ships, planes, and troops, to bases in Syria. Israel is trying to stop this and prevent Iran from taking over Syria using Shia militias, as it did with Hezbollah in Lebanon. As Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman warned, "everything possible will be done to prevent a Shia path from Tehran to Damascus." In 2017, Israeli intelligence found an Iranian base being built in Syria just 50 km from the Israeli border.

The help from Iran's IRGC Quds Force under General Qasem Soleimani, Hezbollah, and Russia allowed Bashar al-Assad to win the war in 2017. This ensured that the "worst-case scenario" for Israel, a continuous "Axis of Resistance" from Iran and Iraq through Syria to the Lebanese-Israeli border, had come true. Mossad director Yossi Cohen said in 2018 that Israel's failure to stop Assad's win in Syria, along with not defeating Hezbollah in 2006, meant that "[Iranian General] Qasem Soleimani could drive from Tehran to Lebanon's border with Israel without stopping. The same path would be open for trucks carrying rockets to Iran's main regional ally, Hezbollah."

Covert operations (2013–2017)

Between 2013 and 2017, Israel reportedly carried out or supported attacks on Hezbollah and Iranian targets in Syrian territories or Lebanon. One of the first confirmed incidents happened on 30 January 2013, when Israeli aircraft struck a Syrian convoy said to be moving Iranian weapons to Hezbollah. Israel usually did not comment on these incidents, a position believed to prevent the Syrian government from feeling it must retaliate.

More incidents were linked to the Israeli Air Force (IAF) in May 2013, December 2014, and April 2015. Some were confirmed by the Syrian Arab Republic, while others were denied. Israel consistently did not comment on alleged attacks on Hezbollah and Ba'athist Syrian targets in Syria. In 2015, suspected Hezbollah fighters attacked Israeli forces in Shebaa farms in response to an Israeli airstrike in the Syrian Golan that killed Hezbollah and IRGC leaders. In March 2017, Syria launched anti-aircraft missiles toward the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, said to target Israeli IAF planes allegedly heading to attack targets in Palmyra in Syria. After the incident, Israel said it was targeting weapons shipments to anti-Israeli forces, especially Hezbollah, in Lebanon. Israel denied Syria's claim that one jet was shot down and another damaged. Israel has not reported any pilots or planes missing in Syria or elsewhere in the Middle East after the incident. By September 2017, this was the only time Israel openly confirmed striking a Hezbollah convoy during the Syrian Civil War.

In January 2014, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Iran's nuclear program would only be delayed six weeks by its interim agreement with the international community. Israel and Gulf Arab states, led by Saudi Arabia, found common concerns about a nuclear deal in Geneva that could limit Tehran's atomic program but keep key parts, such as uranium enrichment. In June 2017, former Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon said that "We and the Arabs, the same Arabs who united in the Six-Day War to try to destroy the Jewish state, today find ourselves in the same boat ... The Sunni Arab countries, except Qatar, are largely in the same boat as us because we all see a nuclear Iran as the top threat to us all".

Open engagement (2017–2018)

Starting in January 2017, the Israeli Air Force began almost daily attack missions against Iranian targets in Syria, dropping about 2,000 bombs in 2018 alone. Some Iranian targets were also attacked by Israeli surface-to-surface missiles or in raids by Israeli special forces. According to former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eizenkot, the decision to strike Iranian bases in Syria was made after Iran changed its strategy in 2016 as the US-led military intervention against ISIL ended, planning to use the power gap to establish control in Syria, building bases and bringing in foreign Shiite fighters. Although the full extent of the campaign would not be known until 2019, by early December 2017 the Israeli Air Force said it had attacked arms convoys of Ba'athist Syria and Lebanon's Hezbollah nearly 100 times during more than six years of the conflict in Syria. In January 2019, Eizenkot claimed that up to that point, only a few dozen Iranian military members had been killed in the attacks, as Israel focused on targeting Iranian infrastructure while avoiding personnel to prevent Iran from having a reason to fight back.

Heist of Iranian nuclear secrets in 2018

Main article: Mossad infiltration of Iranian nuclear archive

Reports said the Mossad stole nuclear secrets from a secure building in Tehran in January 2018. Agents arrived in a truck at midnight, cut into safes with "high intensity torches," and took "50,000 pages and 163 compact discs of documents, videos, and plans" before leaving before the morning guard shift at 7 am. The Israelis said the files, shared with European countries and the United States, showed that the Iranian AMAD Project aimed to build nuclear weapons, that Iran had a nuclear program when it said it had "mostly stopped it," and that there were two nuclear sites in Iran hidden from inspectors. This led to the Trump administration withdrawing the United States from the JCPOA and reimposing US sanctions on Iran. Shortly after leaving as Mossad head, Yossi Cohen admitted in a June 2021 television interview that he led the operation to steal the Iranian documents. Benjamin Netanyahu's 2022 book gave more details, including the aim to sabotage the nuclear program by stealing important documents, as well as proving it existed.

Syria, Iraq and Lebanon (2019–2020)

Main article: 2019 Israeli airstrikes in Iraq

In July 2019, reports said Israel had expanded its strikes against Iranian missile shipments to Iraq, with Israeli F-35 planes allegedly hitting Iranian targets in Iraq twice. Israeli airstrikes reportedly targeted Iran-backed militias in Iraq during 2019.

On 16 September 2019, airstrikes hit three positions of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards and allied Iraqi militias, killing at least 10 pro-Iranian fighters in Albu Kamal, Syria. The strikes were said to be Israel's doing. The increase in Iran-Israel tension happened as talks of a possible Iran-US relationship developed.

According to Lebanese media, on 26 August 2019, Israeli drones attacked a Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) position in Qousaya, in the Beqaa Valley of Lebanon, near the Syria border. The attack came a day after two drones exploded in the Lebanese capital Beirut. An official from the Palestinian position said three airstrikes hit the PFLP-GC military position in Quasaya early on 26 August 2019, causing only property damage.

On 27 July 2020, explosions and gunfire were heard during a "security incident" at the border between the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and Lebanon. The incident involved Israeli soldiers and four Hezbollah fighters who reportedly crossed the border, days after a Hezbollah member was killed by Israeli airstrikes in Syria and an Israeli drone crashed in Lebanon. The Israel Defense Forces said there were no Israeli injuries and that the four Hezbollah fighters ran back to Lebanon after being shot at. However, Hezbollah said their forces did not attack Israel and that Israel fired first. Twenty-four explosions were heard in Lebanon; an Israeli shell hit a civilian home, narrowly missing a family without injury.

Assassinations, cyberwarfare and sabotage

2020

See also: 2020 Iran explosions

The US killed Qasem Soleimani on 3 January, changing the policy of the previous administration, which had warned Iran about Israeli plans to kill Soleimani. Iran replied with Operation Martyr Soleimani, in which 11 Qiam 1 missiles hit Al-Asad Airbase, causing traumatic brain injuries to 110 American soldiers. On the same day, the IRGC mistakenly shot down Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, killing all 176 people on board, including 82 Iranians. This led to more protests in Iran (part of the larger 2019–2020 Iranian protests), with many Iranians calling for the removal of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. When large U.S. and Israeli flags were painted on the ground for Iranian protesters to step on, videos confirmed by NBC News showed protesters at Beheshti University refusing to step on them.

On 9 May 2020, Israel was said to be behind a cyberattack that disrupted the Shahid Rajaee port in the Strait of Hormuz, causing traffic jams for delivery trucks and delays in shipments. The attack was thought to be a reply to a failed Iranian cyberattack on an Israeli water system in the Sharon central region in April.

In June and July, a series of explosions hit Iran's nuclear and missile programs and other infrastructure. There were reports of accidents and damage at the Parchin military site near Tehran on 26 June, the Sina At'har clinic in Northern Tehran on 30 June, the Natanz nuclear site on 2 July, the Shahid Medhaj power plant (Zargan) in Ahvaz and the Karun petrochemical center in Mahshahr on 4 July. It is believed Israel may have been involved, and the damage at the Natanz centrifuge plant could delay Iran's nuclear weapons program by one to two years, according to intelligence officials. On 6 July, another explosion was at the Sepahan Boresh factory in Baqershahr. On 9 July, explosions were reported at a missile base of Iran's Revolutionary Guards west of Tehran. On 11 July, an explosion happened in the basement of an old two-story house with gas cylinders in northern Tehran. On 12 July, a fire broke out at the Shahid Tondgooyan Petrochemical Company in southwest Iran. On 13 July, an explosion was at a gas condensate plant in the Kavian Fariman industrial zone in Razavi Khorasan province. On 15 July, a large fire spread to seven wooden boats at a shipyard in Bushehr. On 18 July, an oil pipeline exploded in the Ahvaz region of Southern Iran. On 19 July, another explosion was at a power station in Isfahan. On 4 August, a huge explosion happened at the Beirut port from ammonium nitrate stored there. Die Welt reported that Iran gave Hezbollah hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate between 2013 and 2014, and Lebanon seized thousands of tons of the explosive that later caused the blast.

Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah, the second leader of al-Qaeda, was killed on 7 August 2020 in Tehran.

Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, head of Iran's nuclear weapons program, was killed on 27 November 2020 in Absard.

Attacks on ships and incidents in 2021

Israeli commandos attacked many Iranian cargo ships carrying oil and weapons to Syria from late 2019 to 2021. Israeli-owned ships were attacked in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, said to be by Iran. Israel was also said to have attacked an Iranian intelligence ship of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy in the Red Sea with a limpet mine in April 2021.

On 10 April 2021, Iran started putting uranium hexafluoride gas into advanced IR-6 and IR-5 centrifuges at Natanz, but an accident happened the next day in the electricity system, said to be from Mossad activity by Western and Iranian sources. On 13 April 2021, an Israeli-owned ship was attacked by a missile or drone near the Fujairah emirate in the United Arab Emirates, causing minor damage. On 24 April, an Iranian fuel tanker was said to have been attacked by an Israeli drone off the Syrian coast, causing damage but no injuries.

On 7 May, a big fire broke out in Iran's southwestern city of Bushehr near the only working nuclear power plant. The IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News Agency said the fire was on purpose, but the cause was unknown. On 9 May, an explosion hit an oil tanker off the Syrian coast, causing a small fire in one engine. On 23 May, nine people were hurt in a blast at an Iranian plant making UAVs in Isfahan. The blast happened after Prime Minister Netanyahu said a drone with explosives downed by Israeli forces earlier in the week was launched by Iran from Syria or Iraq toward Israel, during fighting in Gaza. On 26 May, an explosion hit a petrochemical complex in Asaluyeh in Southern Iran, killing one worker and hurting two.

On 2 June, a fire broke out on an Iranian navy ship, the IRIS Kharg, near the port of Jask in the Gulf of Oman, and the whole crew escaped safely before it sank. Later that day, a gas leak at an oil refinery in Tehran caused a big fire. No injuries were reported. On 5 June, an explosion was at the Zarand Iranian Steel Company in eastern Iran. No injuries were reported. On 20 June, Iran's only nuclear power plant at Bushehr shut down suddenly for three to four days. On 23 June, major damage was done to one building of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, but Iranian officials said there was no damage or injuries from the sabotage attempt.

On 3 July, an Israeli-owned cargo ship was hit by an "unknown weapon" in the northern Indian Ocean, starting a fire on the ship, but no injuries were reported. Israeli officials think Iran was behind the attack. On 5 July, a big fire was reported at a warehouse or factory near Karaj, where a past attack may have targeted a nuclear site making centrifuges. On 14 July, Iranian media said there was an explosion at an office building in western Tehran, causing major damage to part of the building. On 29 July, an Israeli-operated oil tanker was attacked near the coast of Oman. Senior Israeli officials said Iran carried out the attack.

On 10 August, a big explosion hit a commercial ship at the Latakia port in Syria. Some reports said the ship was Iranian. The same day, a fire broke out at an Iranian petrochemical factory on Khark Island in the Persian Gulf.

On 26 September, three people were hurt in a fire at an IRGC research center west of Tehran.

On 26 October, a cyberattack stopped gas stations across Iran. Some hacked systems showed messages to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, asking "where is the gas?"

On 7 November, Mossad was said to have stopped several Iranian attacks on Israelis in Tanzania, Senegal, and Ghana. African authorities arrested five suspects. Iran has tried to attack Israel overseas and using cyberattacks.

Assassinations and covert bilateral attacks in 2022–2023

In February 2022, an Israeli attack on an Iranian base destroyed hundreds of drones, leading Iran to fire missiles at an American consulate in Irbil (Iraqi Kurdistan) the next month. An Iranian cyberattack on Israeli websites was also reported.

In March 2022, Reuters said Israel carried out airstrikes against Iranian forces and militias backed by Iran in Syria. The report said Israel "wants to stop Iran from sending weapons to Hezbollah".

On 22 May, Col. Hassan Sayyad Khodaei, a top member of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was shot and killed in his car in Tehran. He was in charge of Iranian operations in Iraq and Syria for the Guard's elite Quds Force. On 25 May, an engineer and another employee were hurt during an incident at the Parchin military site south of Tehran. Also in May, Israeli and Turkish security agencies stopped an Iranian plan to kidnap Israeli tourists in Turkey. Another plan was stopped in June after a Mossad rescue in Istanbul.

On 12 June, Argentinian authorities stopped an Iranian Mahan Air cargo plane leased to a Venezuelan state-owned airline. The passports of five Iranian passengers on the plane were taken, and some were said to be linked to the IRGC. On 13 June, Mohammad Abdous, an Iranian Air Force scientist from the Aerospace Unit working on several projects, was killed during a mission at a base in northern Iran. This happened less than 24 hours after another member of the air force's Aerospace Unit, Ali Kamani, died in a car crash in Khomein. The New York Times said Iranian officials think Israel poisoned engineer Ayoob Entezari and geologist Kamran Aghamolaei. On 14 June, an explosion at a chemical factory in the southern city of Firouzabad hurt over 100 Iranian workers, mostly lightly. On 15 June, another IRGC officer of the aerospace division, Wahab Premarzian, died in Maragheh. On 19 June, an explosion was reported at an IRGC missile base in west Tehran. The site was attacked last year too. On 27 June, a big cyberattack stopped the Iranian state-owned Khuzestan Steel Company from producing, and two other major steel producers were also attacked. Israeli military reporters hinted Israel was behind the attack in reply to a suspected Iranian cyberattack that set off rocket alarms in Jerusalem and Eilat the week before.

In July, IRGC engineer Said Thamardar Mutlak was killed in a suspected Mossad assassination in Shiraz, while Iranian state media said a Mossad-linked spy network planning "unprecedented acts of sabotage and terrorist operations" in Iran was caught by IRGC intelligence.

On 22 August, IRGC Brigadier General Abolfazal Alijani was killed in the Aleppo region of Syria.

On 1 September, an explosion hit a key oil refinery in Abadan that provides 25% of Iran's fuel. No injuries were reported.

On 15 November, an oil tanker owned by an Israeli billionaire was attacked off the coast of Oman by an Iranian drone from the IRGC, causing damage but no injuries. The same day, security services in Georgia said they stopped an Iranian plan to kill an Israeli businessman there, which was to be done by a Pakistani hit team hired by Iran and helped by the IRGC. On 23 November, Iran said Israel killed a top adviser of the IRGC's aerospace division with a roadside bomb near Damascus.

On 28 January 2023, a series of bomb-carrying drones attacked an Iranian defense factory in Isfahan, causing damage, while a fire broke out at a refinery in the country's northwest the same day. The Wall Street Journal said Israel was responsible for the strike.

On 17 February, the IRGC fired a drone at an Israeli-owned ship in the Persian Gulf, causing minor damage. In March, Greek authorities—with help from Mossad—arrested two foreigners who were part of an Iranian group planning to attack Jews and Israelis in that country.

In April, Shin Bet said it arrested two Palestinians in the West Bank who were recruited by Hezbollah and the Iranian Quds Force to attack on their behalf.

In June, a planned attack by IRGC members on Jews and Israelis in Cyprus was stopped by Cypriot intelligence services working with US and Israeli agencies.

In September, a suspected explosion hit an Iranian missile base in Khorramabad, with some observers saying it was a Mossad operation. On 27 September, Shin Bet arrested a five-person group, three Palestinians and two Israeli citizens, that security officials said was an Iranian-led group gathering information to kill far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and far-right activist Yehuda Glick. On 28 September, a fire broke out at a car battery factory owned by the Iranian Defense Ministry for the second time in less than a week.

In 2024, former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Iran's intelligence made a unit to fight Mossad operations, but its leader was later found to be a Mossad agent. He also said about 20 Iranian workers were giving information to Israel, working as double agents.

During the Gaza war

Further information: 2024 Iran–Israel conflict and Twelve-Day War

The Gaza war between Israel and Palestinian militant groups led by Hamas started on 7 October 2023, with a surprise attack on Israel. The attack began with a rocket attack of at least 3,000 rockets from the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip against Israel. At the same time, about 2,500 Palestinian fighters crossed the Gaza–Israel barrier, attacking military bases and killing people in nearby Israeli towns. At least 1,200 people were killed, including 360 at a music festival. Unarmed civilian hostages, including women and children, were taken to the Gaza Strip. Israel replied with airstrikes and formally declared war on Hamas and its allies a day later.

Iran, which reportedly helped Hamas plan the attack, told Israel to immediately stop the war on Gaza. Fighting was reported between fighters in Lebanon, including Hezbollah, and Israeli forces on 8 and 9 October.

Iran and its partners, Russia and to a lesser extent China, have started a disinformation campaign against Israel, Ukraine—which condemned the attacks—and their main ally, the United States. The Institute for Strategic Dialogue report pointed out Iranian accounts on Facebook and X that praised the crimes of Hamas and encouraged more violence against Israeli civilians. Researchers found at least 40,000 bots or fake social media accounts, as well as strategic use of state-controlled media like RT, Sputnik and Tasnim. Iran also said Israel and the United States committed war crimes in Gaza.

During the war, the Houthi group started missile attacks toward Israeli territory.

In December, two Iranian suspects linked to the IRGC were arrested in Cyprus for planning to attack Israelis there. On 16 December, Iran reportedly executed a spy working for Mossad in Sistan and Baluchestan province. On 18 December, Iranian media said there were problems at 60% of gas stations across the country after a cyberattack by the hacktivist group Predatory Sparrow. On 23 December, a drone reportedly from Iran hit an Israeli-affiliated, Liberian-flagged chemical products ship called MV Chem Pluto in the Arabian Sea, 200 nautical miles (370 km) southwest of the coast of Veraval, India. The ship was carrying crude oil and had a crew of 20 Indians. The Indian Navy reacted and sent ICGS Vikram to the ship.

On 25 December, Sayyed Razi Mousavi, a top commander and senior adviser of the IRGC, was killed by an Israeli airstrike in the Sayyida Zeinab area. On 28 December, eleven IRGC leaders were killed in an airstrike on the Damascus International Airport, according to Saudi media. Reports said the IRGC commanders were meeting important guests at the time. On 29 December, Iran executed four people for allegedly spying for Mossad, and arrested several others. On 20 January 2024, an airstrike killed five top Iranian Revolutionary Guards in a building in Damascus. Iran blamed Israel. On 29 January, Iran executed four people accused of planning a bomb plot ordered by Mossad against a factory making military equipment. In February, reports said the IRGC recruited British Shia Muslims visiting religious sites in Iran and Iraq to spy or attack Jews and Iranian dissidents living in the UK. On 14 February, explosions hit a natural gas pipeline in Iran, with an official saying it was "sabotage and terrorist action."

On 1 April 2024, the Iranian consulate annex building next to the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria, was hit by an Israeli airstrike, killing 16 people, including Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a top Quds Force leader of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and seven other IRGC officers. On 13 April, Iran replied with missile and drone attacks in Israel. On 19 April, Israel launched a series of retaliatory missile strikes on Iranian military sites. Iranian officials also said there were explosions at military sites in Syria and Iraq. Iran is the third-largest oil producer in the oil group OPEC, so there were worries about rising oil prices.

Reports in May 2024 said Iran may have planned terror attacks on Israeli embassies in Europe, helped by local criminal groups. The Swedish Security Service confirmed Iran's role in these threats against Israeli and Jewish sites in Sweden. Sweden then increased security at these places.

On the night of 30 July to 31 July, two top members of Iranian-backed groups were killed in attacks linked to Israel by Iran.

On 14 August, several Iranian banks, including the Central Bank, were hit by a big cyberattack that stopped the Iranian banking system. It was called one of the biggest ever cyberattacks on Iran's government systems.

On 25 August, Islamic Resistance in Iraq said they fired a drone strike at Haifa.

On 27 August, Islamic Resistance in Iraq said their drone strike hit a "key target" in Haifa.

In September, a couple was charged by a Paris court for helping in an Iranian plan to attack Israelis and Jews in Germany and France. Iran has been accused of using criminals, including drug lords, to do such operations in Europe.

On 8 September, Israeli commandos raided an underground facility near Masyaf used by Iran and Hezbollah to build guided missiles.

On 17 September, the Shin Bet said it stopped a Hezbollah plan to kill a former top defense official with a claymore mine. At least 11 people were killed and 4,000 were hurt, mostly Hezbollah members, after explosions of their pagers across the country, including in Beirut. Those hurt included the Iranian ambassador, Mojtaba Amani.

On 19 October 2024, a drone strike reportedly targeted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's home, but no one was hurt because he and his wife were not there at the time. Netanyahu said, "the proxies of Iran who today tried to kill me and my wife made a big mistake." Iran said the attack was done by Hezbollah, with the state-run IRNA news agency saying: "The action was carried out by Hezbollah in Lebanon."

Cyberwarfare and intelligence activity (2025–2026)

In February 2026, Israel's Shin Bet and National Cyber Directorate said they stopped hundreds of cyberattacks linked to Iranian intelligence over the past year. These attacks mainly tried to trick senior government leaders, defense workers, scientists, reporters, and others through fake emails and taking over accounts. There was more of this activity since the June 2025 Israel-Iran war. Israeli officials said most of the attacks were stopped, and no big breaches happened.

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Iranian supporters and alleged proxies

Further information: Axis of Resistance

Syria

Main articles: Iran–Syria relations and Iranian involvement in the Syrian Civil War

Iran and Ba'athist Syria worked closely together. Iran gave help to the government led by Bashar al-Assad during a big fight in Syria. This help included training and some soldiers. But in December 2024, the government fell after fighters took over. Iran said it lost a lot, but did not talk much about it.

Iran helped train and give support to the Syrian army to keep the government in power. Many Iranian people fought in Syria to help. Iran also brought groups from other places to fight there too.

Hezbollah

See also: Funding of Hezbollah

Hezbollah started as a group that also helps people, giving care and support to those in need. Over time, it became very strong, with its own army and even seats in government. Iran has helped Hezbollah since it began, giving it training, weapons, and money. Hezbollah has fought against Israel and helped keep the government in Syria going during its big fight.

Hamas (2005–2011)

Further information: Governance of the Gaza Strip

Iran has helped Hamas, a group in Palestine, for many years. Between 2005 and 2011, Iran gave Hamas money and weapons. Hamas members were trained in Iran and Syria. After the fight in Syria started, Hamas moved away from Syria.

Sudan (2005–2015)

Main article: Iran–Sudan relations

In 2008, Sudan and Iran made an agreement to work together in the army. But in 2011, Sudan started to help less, and by 2015, Sudan stopped working with Iran completely.

Palestinian Islamic Jihad

Iran gives money to support the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine. This group has become stronger with help from Iran and Syria.

Iraq

The 2003 invasion of Iraq let Iran have more power. Iran helped create groups in Iraq that support it.

Yemen

Iran has sent weapons to the Shia Houthi movement in Yemen. The Houthis control important places, which helped Iran send weapons there. Iran made plans to fly and ship weapons into Yemen.

Israeli supporters and alleged proxies

United States

Main articles: Israel–United States relations and Israel–United States military relations

The United States is Israel's closest ally. The two countries have a long history together, including times when the United States supported other leaders in the area. In June 2025, the United States attacked three nuclear sites in Iran during a conflict called the Twelve-Day War.

Saudi Arabia

Main articles: Iran–Saudi Arabia relations, Israel–Saudi Arabia relations, and Iran–Saudi Arabia proxy conflict

Saudi Arabia and Iran are often on opposite sides because of their different religious beliefs and political goals. Even though Israel and Saudi Arabia do not have official diplomatic ties, they have worked together secretly to share information and support each other in their concerns about Iran.

Azerbaijan

Main articles: Azerbaijan–Israel relations and Azerbaijan–Iran relations

Militant groups

After fights between Israel and Iran got worse, some groups in the area said they support Israel. Some of these groups have been linked to actions against important people in Iran.

Notable wars and violent events

Assassination of Iranian nuclear scientists

Main article: Assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists

In 2010, a series of attacks began against Iranian scientists who worked on Iran's nuclear program. Many people believed these attacks were carried out by Israel to try to stop Iran's nuclear efforts. The attacks included bombings and shootings, and Iran blamed Israel and the U.S. for these events.

2024 conflict

Main article: 2024 Iran–Israel conflict

In 2024, tensions between Iran and Israel grew into direct fights. Israel attacked an Iranian office in Syria, leading Iran to respond with attacks on Israel. After that, Israel attacked back, but both sides tried to calm things down after a while.

2025 Twelve-Day War

Main article: Twelve-Day War

In June 2025, a big fight broke out between Iran, the group called the Houthis, Israel, and the United States. Israel attacked important military places in Iran, and Iran answered by attacking Israel. The United States helped Israel by stopping some of Iran's attacks. This conflict made some of Iran's allies stay quiet, leaving Iran to deal with the fighting mostly alone.

Post-2025 Twelve-Day War

Following the fighting in 2025, Iran kept helping groups in places like Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq by giving them weapons such as drones and missiles. There were reports of weapons being sent to these groups, which caused more tension in the area.

2026 Iran War

Main article: 2026 Iran War

In February 2026, Israel and the United States attacked important Iranian military leaders, and Iran attacked many military bases in return.

International responses

Russia

Main article: Russia and the Iran–Israel proxy conflict

Russia became more involved in the Middle East during the early 2000s because of the conflict between Iran and Israel. After 2001, the leader of Russia, Vladimir Putin, supported Iran’s nuclear programs and helped Syria by forgiving a large part of its debt.

After Russia helped Syria in 2015, the relationship between Russia and Israel improved. The leaders of both countries met many times to discuss important issues. In 2019, Russia decided not to sell a certain type of missile defense system to Iran, saying it was not in Russia’s best interest.