Iran-Israel Conflict: The Middle East Stares at War
The prospect of war in the Middle East has captured everyone’s attention. The Iran-Israel conflict has pulled in many countries and militias, raising the risk of a larger war. The conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began in October 2023, has since escalated with the involvement of various other nations.
In recent months, a series of deadly attacks between Israel and Iran’s allies have widened the scope of this conflict. This situation raises the crucial question of which country supports whom.
In April, Iran launched an unprecedented missile attack on Israel. During this incident, Houthi rebels and Hezbollah supported Iran. Meanwhile, Israel received assistance from its Western allies, such as the United States, the UK, and France.
Israel
Israel, equipped with the US ‘Iron Dome,’ has been engaged in a multi-front war since October 2023. It is fighting Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthi rebels. Israel is determined to wipe out Hamas.
- Allies: US, UK, France, Jordan, Saudi Arabia
- Rivals: Houthis, Hamas, Iran, Hezbollah
Iran
Iran, which primarily attacked Israel through proxies in the past, has conducted direct strikes in recent months. On October 1, Iran fired 200 missiles at Israel. Iran has also mobilized its allies to corner Israel.
- Allies: Axis of Resistance, Hamas
- Rivals: Israel, US, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, which maintains robust security ties with Israel, has walked a political tightrope. It has condemned Israeli aggression while also sharing intelligence about Iran’s plans to attack Israel.
Qatar
Despite its small size, Qatar has played a vital role as a mediator in the conflict. It brokered a deal that led to the release of Israeli hostages by Hamas last year.
Jordan
Jordan has also found itself in a challenging position amid the escalating conflict. It has provided aid to Gaza while maintaining diplomatic relations with Israel.
Other Countries
Syria and Iraq are home to various Iran-backed militant groups that have conducted numerous attacks on US military targets. Turkey, which was once an ally of Israel, has become a vocal critic.
Summary
This Middle East conflict poses a serious crisis. The support and opposition among different parties are creating a complex situation. What happens next will depend on global politics.
