Bashy Quraishy
Secretary General – European Muslim Initiative for Social Cohesion – Strasbourg
Thierry Valle
Coordination des Associations et des Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience
For Washington and Tel Aviv, the operation was framed as a strategic necessity to halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions. For Tehran, it was an act of aggression demanding retaliation.
But for Europe, the crisis presents something deeper: a moment of geopolitical and moral reckoning.
Before examining the latest hostilities between the USA and Israel on one side and Iran on the other, it’s crucial for Europeans to understand that today’s U.S.-Israel and Iran confrontation stems from a long history of mistrust shaped by the 1953 CIA coup, Cold War alignment with the Shah, warm relations with Israel, the revolutionary rupture of 1979, and ongoing geopolitical rivalry in the Middle East and Israel’s dominance. This strategic alliance turned into a lasting antagonism in international politics.
The modern hostility between the U.S. and Iran traces back to the 1953 overthrow of Iran’s Premier Mossadegh, who had nationalized Iran’s oil industry, challenging British and Western interests. British intelligence and the CIA orchestrated Operation Ajax, removing Mossadegh and restoring Shah Pahlavi.
After the coup, the Shah imposed authoritarian rule with U.S. support, as Iran was a key Cold War ally. Many Iranians viewed the Shah as a Western-backed autocrat, and the coup symbolized foreign interference in Iranian sovereignty.
The Shah’s Rule and Growing Resentment (1953–1979)
During the Shah’s 26-year rule post-coup, Iran received extensive American aid, aligning closely with the U.S. Yet, authoritarianism, social inequalities, and SAVAK fueled opposition. U.S. support for the Shah entrenched perceptions that Washington prioritized geopolitical interests over democracy.
The 1979 Islamic Revolution and Diplomatic Rupture
Unrest led to the 1979 Iranian Revolution, overthrowing the Shah and creating an Islamic Republic under Khomeini. Iran’s political orientation shifted from a pro-Western monarchy to a regime critical of U.S. influence.
Tensions grew when militants seized the U.S. embassy in Tehran, taking 52 hostages for 444 days, ending formal diplomatic relations and entrenching hostility.
Confrontation and Proxy Conflict (1980s–2000s)
In the 1980s, the U.S. indirectly confronted Iran, supporting Iraq during the Iran-Iraq War and clashing in the Persian Gulf, including the 1988 downing of an Iranian airliner by a U.S. ship.
Disputes over Iran’s nuclear program and support for Hezbollah and Hamas fueled tensions, with the U.S. labeling Iran part of an “axis of evil” in 2002.
The Nuclear Deal and Renewed Confrontation
A rare breakthrough came with the 2015 JCPOA, where Iran limited its nuclear program for sanctions relief. The deal collapsed after Trump withdrew in 2018, reinstating sanctions and escalating tensions.
Recent relations are marked by regional confrontation, proxy conflicts, and incidents like the U.S. killing of General Soleimani in 2020.
Iran–Israel Hostility and the Long “Shadow War”
Before the 1979 Revolution, Iran under the Shah cooperated with Israel. Post-revolution, Iran opposed Israel ideologically, viewing it as a regional adversary.
This rivalry evolved into a “shadow war” of covert operations, cyberattacks, and proxy conflicts.
Key Elements:
- Israeli covert operations in Iran: assassinations of nuclear scientists, sabotage of facilities.
- Iranian support for armed groups: Hezbollah and Hamas, perceived by Israel as Iranian extensions.
- Cyberwarfare and drone sabotage: including Mossad targeting missile infrastructure.
The conflict escalated after October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel, which intensified campaigns and neared direct confrontation. By 2024–2025, it turned into open missile exchanges and airstrikes.
Strategic Logic Behind U.S. and Israeli Strikes on Iran
The 2026 U.S.–Israeli strikes, “Operation Lion’s Roar,” targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, missile infrastructure, and military sites.
Israel argues Iran’s nuclear program poses a threat, while the U.S. emphasizes nuclear proliferation concerns. Israel remains the only Middle Eastern undeclared nuclear power.
Analysts suggest the strikes aimed to:
- Delay/destroy Iran’s nuclear capability
- Reduce missile and drone capacity
- Weaken Iran’s leadership/military command
- Destabilize Iran’s political system
Some Western policymakers saw Iran’s economic crisis and protests as an opportunity for stronger pressure.
President Donald Trump’s Shifting Explanations
Public messaging varied, with initial justification on targeting
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