Israel and Iran are the most powerful states in the Middle East and have been waging a shadow war for years. But there was no direct armed confrontation between them.
On the contrary: during the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s, Israel took Tehran's position, supplying it with weapons and training troops.
On the night of April 13, Iran already attacked Israel, reminding the whole world that the political situation in the Middle East is unstable.
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Now Iran is threatening Israel with a new attack after the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Ghania and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr.
Why did Iran attack Israel in 2024 and what caused the escalation — read on ICTV Facts.
Iran-Israeli conflict — background
The systemic deterioration of relations between former partners Israel and Iran began after the Islamic Revolution in 1979, when Tehran began to build its policy along the vector of opposing Zionism and exporting the religion of Islam.
Since then, the states have been waging a proxy war, which has involved the intelligence services of both republics, as well as numerous proxies (intermediaries, executors) of Iran in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine and Yemen.
For the modern Iranian regime, Israel is a real thorn in the side of the Middle East, posing a threat to all of humanity. Tehran uncompromisingly denies the right of the state of Israel to exist, and opposition to it is called the sacred duty of all Muslims.
Hamas Invasion on October 7
After the attack of the terrorist group Hamas on Israel on October 7, Jerusalem's relations with Tehran have become even more strained.
Iranian politicians openly supported the bloody actions of Palestinian groups and condemned the IDF response in the Gaza Strip, calling the bombing of residential buildings genocide.
Why Iran Attacked Israel on April 13
On the night of April 13, Iran launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, once again reminding the world how unstable the political situation in the Middle East is.
In early April, an explosion occurred at the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, killing 13 people.
Among them — seven members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which is an influential military and political force in Iran.
Tehran immediately blamed the Israel Defense Forces, although the latter neither confirmed nor denied its involvement.
It was this incident, according to IRGC members, that caused the launch of over 300 missiles and drones towards Israel on the night of April 13-14.
White House forecast of a new Iranian attack on Israel
Iran could launch a new significant attack on Israel as early as this week, suggested White House National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby.
According to him, the US has strengthened regional forces and shares Israel's concerns.
John Kirby noted that it is worth preparing for the fact that this could be a significant series of attacks.
The United States of America does not want Israel to have to defend itself from another attack, as it did in April. But if this happens, the United States will help defend itself, the White House coordinator emphasized.
Iran and Hezbollah have promised to take revenge on Israel for the murders of Hamas political leader Ismail Ghaniya and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr.
The IDF representative noted that in recent days Israel has been monitoring developments in the Middle East, especially Hezbollah and Iran.
