Simplifying The Politics of West Asia (Middle East) : Understanding The Israel – Iran Conflict & its Global Implications

So, in this article we are going to talk about Politics of West Asia or Middle East. Plus we will see what are the Economic, Religious & Political Reasons behind Wars & Conflicts occurring in West Asian countries.

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Middle East Conflicts: Iran, Israel, the U.S., and Their Proxies

The Middle East has seen intensifying conflicts over the past two years, involving Israel, Iran, the United States, and various proxy groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and others. These confrontations are rooted in decades of hostility, ideological rivalry, territorial disputes, and geopolitical power struggles.

Key Conflict Zones and Events in the Middle East :

1. Israel–Hamas War (Oct 7, 2023 – Jan 2025)

• On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel—killing over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 hostages.
• Israel responded with a full-scale military offensive on Gaza, leading to massive devastation—over 60,000 Palestinians killed, 111,000 injured, and nearly 2 million displaced.
• A temporary ceasefire was reached in January 2025, but tensions remain high.

2. Iran–Israel Direct Conflict (June 2025 – ongoing)

• Israel carried out targeted strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in June 2025, fearing Iran’s nuclear ambitions were reaching a red line.
• Iran responded with over 150 ballistic missiles and 100 drones, marking a shift from shadow warfare to open confrontation.
• Dozens were killed on both sides, and the U.S. soon joined with airstrikes on Iranian military sites.

3. Iranian Proxy Attacks on U.S. Forces

• Since late 2023, Iran-backed militias have carried out more than 170 attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq, Syria, and Jordan.
• These attacks injured several American personnel and escalated regional tensions.
• The U.S. responded with targeted strikes, killing dozens of militia fighters.

4. The Houthis and the Red Sea Escalation

• The Houthi rebels in Yemen (Iran-aligned) began attacking commercial ships and U.S. naval vessels in the Red Sea, disrupting global trade.
• The U.S. and UK responded with joint airstrikes on Houthi missile sites in Yemen.

Extra References :

WilsonCenter

Core Causes of These Conflicts in West Asia :

1. Longstanding Iran–Israel Hostility

• Iran does not recognize Israel’s right to exist and supports its armed opponents: Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and others.
• Israel has consistently faced terrorist attacks and rocket fire from these groups—funded, trained, and armed by Iran.
• Iran uses these proxies to pressure Israel without direct warfare, maintaining “plausible deniability.”

2. October 7 Hamas Attack as a Turning Point

• The massive, brutal attack by Hamas in 2023 shocked Israel and the world.
• It triggered Israel’s most sustained military campaign in Gaza and deepened global polarization.
• Evidence suggested Iran’s indirect support to Hamas, reinforcing Israel’s view that Tehran is the central threat.

3. Iran’s Regional Strategy of Proxy Dominance

• Iran seeks to build a “Shia Crescent” of influence across Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.
• It supports militant groups to counter U.S. presence and contain Israel.
• This indirect strategy allows Iran to exert power without full-scale war—but increasingly draws direct retaliation.

4. Nuclear Ambitions and Pre-emptive Action

• Iran’s nuclear program has advanced despite international concerns.
• Israel views a nuclear-armed Iran as an existential threat and has conducted covert and now overt strikes to delay it.
• These attacks are meant to pre-emptively disable Iran’s nuclear capabilities before it’s too late.

5. U.S. Strategic Interests

• The U.S. has military bases across the Middle East and is committed to protecting allies like Israel, Jordan, and Gulf States.
• Iran’s attacks on U.S. forces and shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz threaten global oil supplies and regional security.
• This has led to U.S. counterstrikes and increased presence in the region, further entrenching the conflict.

Broader Implications

• The risk of regional war has grown: What began as local proxy clashes is now an open Israel–Iran conflict, dragging in the U.S. and Gulf states.
• Humanitarian crises in Gaza, Syria, and Yemen are worsening.
• The global economy is vulnerable due to threats to key oil and shipping routes.
• Diplomatic solutions remain elusive, as neither Iran nor Israel appears ready to de-escalate meaningfully.

Religious Reasons Behind Conflicts & Wars in Middle Eastern Regions :

It is about Al-Aqsa Mosque in Israel which is the main religious reason behind these conflicts in whole West Asia.

Why the Al-Aqsa Mosque Is So Important – For Muslims & Jews

The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, located in East Jerusalem, is one of the most spiritually sensitive and politically explosive sites in the world. It’s not just a religious place—it represents identity, memory, and territorial control for both Muslims and Jews. Let’s understand why:

For Jews: The Temple Mount (Har HaBayit)

• Jews call the same area the Temple Mount, where the First Temple (built by King Solomon around 950 BCE) and the Second Temple (rebuilt after exile and destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE) once stood.
• The Western Wall (Kotel), a remnant of the Second Temple complex, is the holiest site in Judaism today.
• Jewish tradition holds that the Divine Presence once rested inside the Temple on this very mount, and religious Jews believe that the Third Temple will one day be built there.
• Because of its sacredness, many rabbis discourage Jews from walking on the mount, fearing they may accidentally step on the former site of the Holy of Holies (the most sacred chamber).
• The Temple Mount is a symbol of Jewish sovereignty, deeply tied to the historical connection to Jerusalem and the land of Israel.

For Muslims: The Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound (Haram al-Sharif)

• For Muslims, the compound is known as Haram al-Sharif, or “The Noble Sanctuary.”
• It is the third holiest site in Islam (after Mecca and Medina).
• According to Islamic belief, the Prophet Muhammad was miraculously transported from Mecca to Jerusalem during the Isra (Night Journey), and ascended to the heavens (Mi’raj) from this site.
• The Dome of the Rock (golden dome) marks the rock where the ascent is believed to have occurred.
• The Al-Aqsa Mosque (gray dome) is where Muslims pray, and it’s a central place of worship for Palestinian Muslims especially.
• The site is a symbol of resistance for Palestinians, who see defending it as defending their national and religious identity.

Why It Leads to Conflict

• Shared site, divided control: The area is under Israeli security, but the Islamic religious authority (Waqf) of Jordan manages the mosque itself. This awkward arrangement often leads to friction.
• Fear of status change: Palestinians fear that Israel might try to take over or divide the mosque site—especially when Jewish activists try to pray or perform rituals there, which is currently forbidden by Israeli law (but still sometimes happens).
• Clashes often begin here: Whenever Israeli police enter the mosque area—for arrests or dispersing crowds—it is seen as invasion of a sacred site, sparking widespread anger and sometimes violence in the West Bank, Gaza, and beyond.

What It Symbolizes Beyond Religion

• For Palestinians, Al-Aqsa is more than a mosque—it’s a symbol of resistance, heritage, and homeland.
• For Israelis, the Temple Mount represents Jewish roots and spiritual destiny, and its control is a matter of national pride.
• Any change to the status quo—whether real or rumored—can trigger mass protests, violence, and even war. (E.g., the Second Intifada in 2000 began after Ariel Sharon visited the compound.)

Why the World Pays Attention

• Clashes here often trigger wider regional responses: rocket attacks from Gaza, Arab League condemnations, and diplomatic tension with Muslim countries.
• It also sparks deep online and media polarization, as each side accuses the other of provocation, oppression, or extremism.

Al in all :

The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is not just a place of worship—it is a condensed symbol of everything at stake in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict: land, history, identity, faith, and political control. That’s why every confrontation here matters—and why peace will always remain fragile as long as this shared holy ground remains a battlefield.

Geo-Political & Religious Reasons behind Conflicts & Wars taking Place in West Asia (Middle East) :

1. Mosque Conflicts in Israel & Palestine

The Al-Aqsa Mosque, located on what Jews call the Temple Mount, is a site sacred to both Islam and Judaism. Because of this, it’s also a frequent source of tension and violence.

In April and September 2023, Israeli police forces entered the mosque compound during religious periods like Ramadan and Jewish holidays. These actions, seen by Palestinians as provocative, led to dozens of injuries and arrests. In response, armed groups in Gaza launched rockets at Israel.

Many Palestinian leaders also accuse Israeli settler groups and politicians of trying to change the status of the site—some even claim there are efforts to demolish Al-Aqsa to rebuild a Jewish Third Temple.

During the wider Israel-Gaza war (2023–25), Israeli airstrikes destroyed over 1,000 mosques in Gaza, including historic sites. For many Palestinians, this was not only a loss of religious spaces but also of cultural heritage and identity.

2. At the Heart: The Palestine-Israel Conflict

The core of the conflict goes back to 1948, when the creation of Israel led to the displacement of about 700,000 Palestinians—known as the Nakba, or “catastrophe.”

Today, Palestinians want to establish their own country in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem—areas they consider occupied. Israel, however, controls East Jerusalem and continues to expand Jewish settlements, making peace harder.

Jerusalem itself is a religious symbol for both sides. The city is home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque (Islam’s third holiest site) and the Western Wall (Judaism’s holiest site). Because of this, Jerusalem isn’t just a political issue—it represents faith, history, and sovereignty.

3. Oil and Economic Factors

There’s no direct oil or trade relationship between Israel and Iran. In fact, their diplomatic ties were cut off after Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iran once co-owned the Eilat–Ashkelon oil pipeline, but Israel took it over afterward.

However, oil remains part of the broader conflict. Iran has repeatedly threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments. Even these threats can cause global oil prices to rise.

Recently, the situation has escalated militarily—Israel has struck Iranian energy sites, including gas fields, and Iran retaliated by hitting Israeli oil refineries. This raises concerns about global energy stability, even beyond the Middle East.

4. Religious and Historical Background

The modern conflict is deeply rooted in religion and history. The idea of a Jewish homeland (Zionism) gained momentum in the late 1800s and intensified after the Holocaust. In 1947, the UN proposed splitting Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states, and in 1948, Israel was born—leading to war and mass displacement.

The Temple Mount is central to the Jewish faith, as it was once the location of two ancient temples. The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. Later, in the 7th century, Muslims built the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the same spot, making it holy for both religions.

5. Why This Conflict is Different from India–Pakistan & Some Similarities :

Though India and Pakistan have a long history of rivalry and war, they still engage in things like cricket diplomacy or occasional trade talks. Playing Cricket with Pakistan is more easier for India after Raam Mandir conflict solved out. Most of the religious things got solved in India with Raam Mandir making recently in Modi Government but Jammu & Kashmir & some religious political issues are still there.

India is definitely a bigger country which has survived more terrorist attacks from Pakistan with the weak claims of social harmony. Political Imbalance & relying on the International support for Internal issues has been some kind of a weakness of India.

Internal Political & Ideological battles are more seen in India & I have not been to Israel so I don’t know much about Israel Political think tank or Ideology.

India on the International levels need more support against terrorism & India suffers more Internal Ideological & Political disharmony as well , whereas Israel gets some support from USA & Israel war is more widely affecting the people of Israel because Israel is a small region as well.

Religious Battle & War for Existence is severe in Israel – Iran regions or West Asia :

In contrast, the Israel–Iran and Israel–Palestine conflicts are much more ideologically entrenched.

• Iran doesn’t recognize Israel’s right to exist and backs groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, who also reject Israel entirely.
• Israel, in turn, uses military force to counter these threats.
• There is no meaningful dialogue or cultural exchange between these groups—no cricket matches, no goodwill gestures.

This makes the Middle East conflict more absolute—with both sides viewing each other not just as enemies, but as existential threats.

Similarities : Israel vs Iran & Pakistan Vs India Conflicts :

Just like Al Aqsa Mosque Conflict India & Pakistan battle for existence of various ANCIENT HINDU temples like RAAM Mandir . However , Raam Mandir Issue has been solved and the biggest religious & Political battle in India between Hindu & Muslims has ended with new Raam Mandir. Jammu & Kashmir has been a region based issue left between India & Pakistan, which resembles Israel like situations in Jammu & Kashmir.

Apart from that Jammu & Kashmir plus Terror attacks on the basis of Religions and Islam is the root cause of India – Pakistan conflicts which is resembling Israel vs Iran conflicts.

The Bigger Picture

Here’s how it all connects:

1. Holy Sites spark direct clashes, especially around Al-Aqsa.
2. Territorial disputes feed long-term resistance and deadlock.
3. No economic cooperation—this isn’t a trade or border issue, but one of deep ideology.
4. Religious history shapes national identity and claims to land.
5. No room for détente—unlike other global rivalries, there’s little to no common ground.

Conclusion : What World Has to do with West Asia & Middle East

OIL POLITICS & GLOBAL RELATIONS: THE INVISIBLE FUEL BEHIND POWER GAMES

1. Why Oil Politics Matter So Much

Oil is not just energy — it’s power, currency, and leverage. Control over oil:

• Shifts alliances and defines enemies.
• Triggers wars or buys peace.
• Affects global markets — one pipeline explosion or Strait of Hormuz blockade can shake economies worldwide.

Countries with oil (like Iran) use it as a weapon or bargaining chip. Countries without oil (like Israel) build smart alliances to keep energy flowing.

2. Israel’s Oil Partnerships: Smart Diversification

Despite being in an oil-rich region, Israel has no major oil reserves. It imports oil but avoids dependency on hostile Arab countries.

Israel’s Key Oil Suppliers:

• Azerbaijan – via Turkey’s Ceyhan port.
• Russia – Previously a major supplier.
• Kazakhstan – Ships through Black Sea.
• United States – Supplies oil and refined fuel.
• Angola & Nigeria – West African sources.

Strategic Infrastructure:

• Eilat–Ashkelon Pipeline (EAPC): Connects Red Sea to the Mediterranean. Lets Israel bypass Egypt’s Suez Canal.
• Haifa & Ashkelon ports: Main oil terminals.

Israel’s oil strategy is about security, flexibility, and non-dependence on hostile regimes.

3. Iran’s Oil Politics: Sanctions, Black Markets, and Allies

Iran holds ~10% of the world’s oil reserves, but:

• It’s under heavy U.S. and Western sanctions.
• Its formal oil exports are restricted.
• Yet, it continues to sell oil through clandestine channels and friendly nations.

Iran’s Key Oil Partners (often in defiance of sanctions):

• China – The largest buyer of Iranian oil (often under disguised labels).
• India – Used to be a major buyer but reduced imports after U.S. pressure.
• Syria, Venezuela, Lebanon – Geopolitical allies; Iran often supplies oil here.
• Russia – Recently becoming a strategic oil ally.

4. Iran–Russia Oil & Strategic Alliance

What’s happening:

• Russia & Iran signed a $40 billion energy cooperation deal (2022).
• Includes joint oil and gas development projects, and pipeline cooperation.
• Both countries are under Western sanctions — they’re creating parallel energy systems.

Why Russia supports Iran:

• Common enemy: U.S.-led Western alliance.
• Proxy wars: In Syria, Yemen, and Ukraine, they often back the same side.
• Oil market manipulation: By coordinating supply cuts via OPEC+, they can inflate global oil prices, hurting the West.

5. Global Impact of Oil Conflicts

Summary of Oil Geopolitics

• Oil is power: Whoever controls energy routes and production can shape global narratives.
• Israel stays independent through diversified, secure imports.
• Iran uses oil for resistance diplomacy and to fund regional militias (Hezbollah, Houthis, etc.).
• Russia and Iran’s bond is growing — it’s not just energy, it’s a shared anti-Western ideology.

Final Words : Understanding the West Asia / Middle East Conflicts

The conflicts in West Asia (Middle East), particularly those involving Israel, are deeply rooted in a complex mix of religious, territorial, ideological, and oil-based rivalries. At the heart of it lies a centuries-long struggle for identity and survival, especially for the Jewish people, who — following centuries of persecution, including the Holocaust — re-established Israel as a sovereign state in 1948.

Israel’s Historical Struggle

The Jewish story is one of survival and return, with early support from powers like France and the United States. After the fall of ancient Israel, many Jews migrated across Europe — including to France — especially after facing displacement and persecution. The Zionist movement brought many back to their biblical homeland, but at the cost of displacing Palestinian Arabs — sparking the long-standing Israel–Palestine conflict.

Palestine: The Core of the Conflict

Palestine remains the flashpoint, with disputes over land, holy sites (like the Al-Aqsa Mosque/Temple Mount), and sovereignty. East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza are all heavily contested, with no lasting peace deal in sight. Militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah often represent resistance movements but are also linked with Iran, fueling wider regional tensions.

Israel Vs Iran & most of the Middle East region conflicts are religious conflicts & Israel struggles all the time for it’s existence in the Middle East.The Wars taking place in the Middle East is the struggle of the Jewish for their existence in their root regions of the Middle East or West Asia.

Oil might be the point but it is not necessarily an Ian point of conflict for the Israel & other West Asian countries. It is really a War for Religions & Existence.

So I hope you liked this in depth Political article on Middle Eastern conflicts & Israel Vs Iran conflicts taking place recently.

Good Luck

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