The MTA Speaks: Iran-Israel: From allies to enemies, will it trigger WW3?

Senior journalist Manoj Tibrewal examines how Iran-Israel went from 1950s allies to bitter foes, analyzing recent attacks, nuclear tensions, global alliances, and risks of wider conflict.

New Delhi: Nowadays, Iran-Israel conflict is a concern of the entire world. Both are conducting air raids on both sides, but they were almost friends in the past. Iran and Israel were best friends until 1979. Iran accepted Israel in 1950, and there was diplomatic, military, and oil commerce relationship between them. But following the Iranian Islamic Revolution in 1979, Ayatollah Khomeini took over, and Iran labeled Israel as a "devil country."

Since then, relations between the two nations have worsened. Iran is of the opinion that Israel has occupied Palestine illegally and needs to be annihilated. Israel, on its part, is of the opinion that Iran poses the largest threat to its survival. Iran backs groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and Shia militias that continuously attack Israel, while Israel targets these groups and Iranian bases.

Veteran journalist Manoj Tibrewal Aakash analyzed the Iran-Israel conflict in a clear, engaging, and well-structured manner in his special show,  "The MTA Speaks."

The nuclear project emerged as the largest controversy

The greatest problem today is Iran's nuclear program. Israel is concerned that Iran is developing nuclear weapons in secret. Israel destroyed nuclear facilities in Iraq and Syria in the past and has openly stated that it will not allow Iran to do so.

Recent confrontation and attack

Israel had attacked Iran's consulate in Damascus with a missile last year and killed many Iranian officials. In retaliation, Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles directly towards Israel for the first time. Israel recently attacked Tehran and Iran's nuclear facilities, and in retaliatory strikes, Iran bombarded Israel with missiles.

Iran clearly sent the message to the international community before the retaliatory strike that it did not initiate.

Who is aligned with whom?

With Israel: US, UK, France

With Iran: Russia, China

India: Friends with both, calls for peace and diplomacy

Is the Third World War starting?

This war, in experts' view, is contained at the present, but when China and Russia openly back Iran, it can turn into a large-scale war. It will harm the world economy significantly, particularly the supply of oil and gas. Energy-importing countries like India could be forced to endure inflation and economic strain.

Can there be reconciliation?

As long as Iran's anti-Western approach, nuclear ambition, and Palestinian policy do not alter and Israel's security needs are not addressed, there is not much potential for reconciliation between the two nations. Experts opine that there will be no full-scale war, but proxy wars and small-scale attacks could continue.