Background: US–Israel–Iran Relations 

Long-Term Sources of Tension

1. Nuclear Program

Iran has pursued enrichment of uranium, which Israel and the US view as a potential pathway to nuclear weapons. Israel perceives a nuclear Iran as an existential threat. The US has oscillated between sanctions, negotiations (JCPOA), and “maximum pressure” policies.

2. Regional Influence

Iran supports proxy groups (e.g., Hezbollah in Lebanon, militias in Iraq and Syria). Israel opposes Iranian expansion along its borders.

3. Sanctions & Economic Pressure

The US has maintained heavy sanctions on Iran aimed at curbing its nuclear and missile programs.

4. Security Incidents

There have been periodic clashes involving:

• airstrikes attributed to Israel in Syria targeting Iranian assets

• attacks on shipping in the Gulf attributed to Iranian proxies

• downing of drones and missiles launched by both sides

These are documented patterns over time.

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 Use of Force in International Law

(Important for GS Paper II / IR)

Under Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, states are prohibited from using force against the territorial integrity or political independence of another state, except in cases of:

🔹 Self-defence (Article 51)

🔹 UN Security Council authorisation

If a state claims self-defence, it must meet criteria of necessity and proportionality.

This means: you must show a clear imminent threat, and the force used must be proportionate to that threat.

Alleged attacks that target civilian sites without clear legal justification would raise serious international law concerns.

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 How Escalations Usually Happen

In real past incidents (not hypothetical):

• A provocation occurs (e.g., missile fire, proxy attack).

• A state issues warnings or threats.

• Diplomatic channels remain open through intermediaries.

• Sometimes there are limited retaliatory strikes.

• Large-scale war involving direct strikes on capitals is extremely rare without a formal declaration or Security Council involvement.

This is because:

1. A full-scale war destabilises the entire region (Gulf, Levant, North Africa).

2. It threatens global oil markets.

3. It risks involving major powers and alliances (NATO, GCC states).

So while tensions flare up, they rarely escalate to direct bombardment of capitals or regime change operations in isolation.

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 How to Approach This Topic for UPSC

GS Paper II: International Relations

You can discuss:

• Middle East conflict dynamics

• Iran’s nuclear ambitions vs Israel’s security doctrine

• US strategic interests in the region

• Role of proxy groups

• Sanctions, diplomacy, and restoration of negotiations

 Key Concepts

• Balance of power

• Nuclear proliferation

• Deterrence

• Sanctions as foreign policy

• Role of international institutions

📄 Model Mains Answer Idea

The contemporary Middle East situation involving the United States, Israel, and Iran reflects enduring strategic rivalries shaped by nuclear ambitions, ideological divides, and regional power competition. While intermittent military escalations occur, international law constrains the use of force to self-defence or Security Council mandates. Diplomatic channels, multilateral negotiations (such as the JCPOA talks), and sanction regimes continue to play a central role in managing tensions. For India, stability in West Asia is crucial for energy security, diaspora welfare, and regional cooperation frameworks like the I2U2 and SCO.

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Quick Revision Points

✔ US–Israel alliance is driven by shared strategic interests, intelligence cooperation, and military sales.

✔ Iran’s nuclear program has been the focus of global diplomacy and sanctions.

✔ Conflict escalation is governed by international law (UN Charter).

✔ Proxy conflicts are more common than direct invasions or capital attacks.

✔ India’s interest lies in regional stability for energy and diaspora welfare.