Dan Snow's History Hit: Iran & Israel – Allies to Enemies
Release Date: June 15, 2025

Introduction

In this riveting episode of Dan Snow's History Hit, historian Dan Snow delves deep into the tumultuous transformation of the relationship between Iran and Israel. From historical allies to arch-enemies engaged in a shadowy conflict, Snow and his expert guest, Iranian Canadian journalist E.A. Bahari, unravel the complexities and pivotal moments that have defined this fraught alliance.

Current Escalations and Immediate Context

The episode opens with a stark recounting of the latest hostilities between Iran and Israel. Dan Snow sets the stage by describing the recent Israeli strikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites and senior military personnel. In retaliation, Iran launched approximately 100 drones, with the Israeli Defense Forces successfully intercepting nearly all of them.

Dan Snow [01:36]: "We've seen months, well, years of tension and some open violence. Last night waves of Israeli strikes hit targets across Iran. Iran launched 100 or so drones today as a counterstrike, and the Israeli Defense Forces claim to have intercepted nearly all of these."

This escalating cycle of attacks raises critical questions about the future stability of the region and the broader implications for international relations.

Historical Alliance: Pre-1979 Relations

E.A. Bahari provides a comprehensive overview of the historically robust relationship between Iran and Israel prior to the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Contrary to common perceptions, Iran was one of Israel's closest partners in the Middle East during the mid-20th century.

E.A. Bahari [09:55]: "Back in the 1950s, Iran was one of the first Muslim-majority countries to recognize Israel. There were direct flights between Tehran and Tel Aviv, and a sizable Jewish population thrived within Iran."

Under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Iran actively supported Israel, providing weapons and cultivating a strategic partnership aimed at countering regional threats like Saddam Hussein's Iraq. This alliance included significant Israeli influence within Iran, fostering economic and military cooperation.

The 1979 Islamic Revolution: A Turning Point

The Islamic Revolution fundamentally altered Iran's stance towards Israel. Bahari details how the revolution led to a complete severance of diplomatic ties and the establishment of a vehemently anti-Israel ideology.

E.A. Bahari [21:59]: "After the 1979 revolution, slogans like 'Death to Israel' became commonplace. This marked a decisive break from decades of cooperation, transforming Iran into one of Israel's staunchest adversaries."

The revolution galvanized various factions within Iran, including the Revolutionary Guard, which began to channel hostility towards Israel through both rhetoric and proxy support.

Emergence of the Shadow War: 1990s to Present

From the 1990s onwards, Iran and Israel have engaged in a covert conflict characterized by espionage, assassinations, and cyber warfare. Bahari emphasizes the clandestine nature of these interactions, which have intensified over the years.

E.A. Bahari [25:10]: "In the mid-1990s, Israel began a series of covert operations targeting Iranian nuclear scientists. The infamous Stuxnet virus attack in the 2000s exemplifies the cyber dimension of this shadow war."

Key incidents include the assassination of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, a leading Iranian nuclear scientist, and numerous cyberattacks aimed at crippling Iran's nuclear infrastructure. These actions underscore the depth of mistrust and the lengths to which both nations will go to undermine each other’s strategic capabilities.

Role of Proxies: Hezbollah and Hamas

A significant aspect of the Iran-Israel conflict is Iran's support for proxy groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. Bahari elucidates how these organizations serve as extensions of Iranian influence, enabling Iran to project power without direct confrontation.

E.A. Bahari [27:45]: "Hezbollah is essentially an Iranian organization in Lebanon, deeply intertwined with Iranian political and military structures. While groups like Hamas receive support from Iran, their alliances are often pragmatic rather than ideological."

This proxy strategy allows Iran to maintain regional influence, challenge Israel’s security, and cultivate a narrative of resistance against perceived Western and Israeli aggression.

Iran’s Domestic Dynamics and Their Impact on Foreign Policy

Bahari discusses the internal factors within Iran that have perpetuated its hostile stance towards Israel. Domestically, the Iranian government utilizes anti-Israel rhetoric to unify disparate factions and distract from internal issues such as economic struggles and political dissent.

E.A. Bahari [40:08]: "People in Iran feel trapped by their government’s aggressive policies. The constant state of conflict with Israel exacerbates their sense of entrapment and desperation."

This internal pressure ensures that the Iranian regime continues its antagonistic policies, viewing them as essential to maintaining national unity and deflecting blame from domestic shortcomings.

Future Outlook: The Path Forward

As the episode draws to a close, Bahari expresses deep concern over the sustainability of the current trajectory between Iran and Israel. The continuous escalation of attacks poses a significant threat not only to both nations but also to broader regional stability.

E.A. Bahari [39:21]: "I cannot see the coexistence of Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Middle East at the same time. The situation is becoming increasingly desperate."

Dan Snow echoes these sentiments, highlighting the urgent need for diplomatic interventions to prevent further deterioration of relations.

Conclusion

Iran & Israel: Allies to Enemies offers a profound exploration of one of the Middle East’s most intricate and volatile relationships. Through insightful analysis and expert commentary, Dan Snow and E.A. Bahari shed light on the historical bonds, ideological shifts, and strategic maneuvers that have driven Iran and Israel from collaboration to confrontation. This episode underscores the fragile nature of international alliances and the profound impact of historical events on contemporary geopolitical landscapes.

For those seeking to understand the intricate dance of diplomacy, power, and ideology between Iran and Israel, this episode is an indispensable resource.

Notable Quotes:

• Dan Snow [01:36]: "What does this latest round of attacks mean, this escalation? What is going on between Israel and Iran?"

• E.A. Bahari [09:55]: "Before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, up to 100,000 Jewish people lived in Iran. They had significant roles in government and society, and their community was thriving."

• E.A. Bahari [25:10]: "The Stuxnet virus was a pivotal moment in cyber warfare between Iran and Israel, showcasing the modern fronts of their shadow war."

• E.A. Bahari [27:45]: "Hezbollah is essentially an Iranian organization in Lebanon, deeply intertwined with Iranian political and military structures."

• E.A. Bahari [39:21]: "I cannot see the coexistence of Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Middle East at the same time. The situation is becoming increasingly desperate."

About E.A. Bahari

E.A. Bahari, the guest on this episode, is an esteemed Iranian Canadian journalist renowned for his in-depth analysis of Iran and Israel relations. An accomplished filmmaker and founder of the news website Iran Wire, Bahari brings a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience to the discussion, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of this complex geopolitical issue.

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