Israel–Iran Ceasefire

What is there in the Article?

Why is it in News?

Ceasefire Agreement

Background of the conflict

Significance of the Issue

The Israel–Iran conflict, rooted in deep ideological and geopolitical rivalry, has resurfaced with intensity during the recent "12-Day War" in June 2025. Triggered by proxy attacks and counterstrikes, it ended in a fragile ceasefire mediated by Donald Trump, highlighting persistent instability in West Asia and global concerns over regional escalation.

A rapid military escalation erupted between Israel and Iran, lasting 12 days from early to mid-June 2025.
 Key causes included:

  • Iranian drone strikes via proxies in Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen.
  • Israeli retaliatory airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and missile bases.
  • Naval confrontations in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea.

This became the most direct confrontation between the two regional rivals in over a decade.

Ceasefire Agreement (June 24, 2025)

Mediated by former U.S. President Donald Trump (who is running again for presidency), the ceasefire was announced with these terms:

  1. Mutual de-escalation of military actions.
  2. No further strikes by Iran-backed militias on Israeli targets.
  3. Israel halts offensive operations in Syria and Iran.
  4. Monitoring mechanism involving neutral Gulf states (Oman, UAE).

This truce marks a rare diplomatic win for Trump and boosts his image as a peacemaker during the U.S. election cycle.

Background of the Conflict:

Why do Iran and Israel oppose each other?

Iran Israel
Islamic Republic – Shia Muslim theocracy since 1979 Jewish democratic state since 1948
Anti-West, anti-Zionist ideology Pro-West, strong US ally
Supports anti-Israel groups like Hezbollah, Hamas Targets Iranian influence in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza
Seeks regional dominance Tries to prevent Iran’s nuclear and military rise

Iran sees Israel as an "illegitimate occupier of Palestine", while Israel sees Iran as an existential nuclear threat.

Timeline of Key Events

Pre-1979: Iran and Israel were allies

  • Under the Shah of Iran, both countries had close ties—military, trade, oil cooperation.
  • Israel even helped Iran build its early military-industrial infrastructure.

1979: Iranian Islamic Revolution

  • Ayatollah Khomeini overthrew the Shah and declared Israel an "enemy of Islam."
  • Iran began funding anti-Israel terrorist groups like Hezbollah (Lebanon) and later Hamas (Gaza).

1980s–90s: Rise of Proxy Warfare

  • Iran used Hezbollah to fight Israel in Lebanon.
  • Israel responded with invasions (1982) and assassinations.

2000s: Iran’s Nuclear Program Rises

  • Israel warns that Iran is secretly building nuclear weapons.
  • Mossad (Israeli intelligence) allegedly sabotages Iranian nuclear facilities and scientists.

2011–present: Syrian Civil War Becomes a New Front

  • Iran supports Bashar al-Assad, while Israel conducts airstrikes in Syria to destroy Iranian weapons convoys to Hezbollah.

2020: Abraham Accords

  • Israel normalizes ties with Arab states (UAE, Bahrain, Morocco).
  • Iran feels strategically isolated.

2023–24: Gaza–Hamas War & Regional Escalation

  • Israel’s war with Hamas draws Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthis (both Iran-backed) into the conflict.
  • Red Sea shipping lanes become dangerous — India and others get involved diplomatically.

June 2025: “12-Day War”

  • Iran launches drone attacks via proxies.
  • Israel strikes back deep inside Iran and Syria.
  • Massive evacuation of Indians from Iran (Operation Sindhu).
  • Ceasefire brokered by Trump on June 24, 2025.

Significance of the Issue:

Angle Relevance
India’s Energy Security India imports over 80% of its oil. Gulf instability = price spikes.
Diaspora and Evacuations 8 million Indians in Gulf. Evacuation operations test diplomatic and military readiness.
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Iran is a signatory to NPT but accused of violating it. Israel is undeclared nuclear power.
Maritime Security Disruption in Strait of Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandeb affects global trade.
Proxy Warfare Shows the new nature of warfare — through militias and drones.
Great Power Diplomacy U.S., Russia, China all try to mediate or gain influence through this conflict.

Essay Questions for Practice:

“Middle East: A Theatre of Proxy Wars”

“India’s Balancing Act in West Asia”

“Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean Region”

“New Cold War: Iran-Israel as a Regional Microcosm”