What is the Israel vs Iran Conflict? Timeline From 2019 Till Date

The long-standing Israel vs Iran conflict has escalated from "proxy war" to more direct clashes instead of merely indirect battles. On June 13th, Tehran was under a major attack carried out by Israel targeting Iran’s nuclear program. Iran replied by bombarding Israel with drones and ballistic missiles. Both countries have been trying to sabotage the other's influence in the region for decades, with Iran funding such groups as Hezbollah and Hamas, and Israel carrying out secret operations and bombing runs against Iranian targets. This multifaceted dynamic is driven by Iran's nuclear ambitions, which Israel perceives as a threat to its existence, and Iran's unyielding anti-Israeli position. The conflict has shifted measurably since 2019 from the shadows of proxy war to more direct military engagements, with pressing implications for regional stability and the possibility of a broader, more catastrophic conflict.

Check Out-Who Is J.J. Spaun? Check His Nationality, Education, Career Highlights, and More

What is the History behind the Israel-Iran Conflict?

The relationship between Iran and Israel was not always hostile. Before the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, the two countries lived in harmony, where the only common threat were Arab powers. However, post revolution, Iran's new government adopted a strong anti-Israel stance. They viewed Israel as an illegitimate state which led to a disruption in official relations.

Since then, Iran's main focus has been on building a network of allied groups in countries around Israel. These groups include Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza and Houthi rebels in Yemen. Iran uses these groups to apply pressure on Israel without directly engaging its own military.

Israel, however, considers Iran's expanding influence and nuclear program to be significant threats to its survival. Israel perceives that Iran is attempting to create nuclear weapons, something Iran denies as its nuclear program is for peaceful means. In an effort to thwart Iran, Israel has performed numerous clandestine operations, such as the assassination of Iranian nuclear scientists and military leaders, bombing Iranian military installations in Syria, and against Iranian-affiliated vessels.

Escalation from 2019 to Date: A Timeline of Tensions

The period from 2019 onwards has seen a significant increase in direct and indirect confrontations, moving the conflict from largely covert to more open displays of force.

2019: Israel Targets Iran's Allies

Israel ramps up its attacks in Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq, aiming to stop Iran from providing advanced weapons to its allied groups, especially Hezbollah. Israel accuses Iran of building a weapons supply route through these countries.

2020: A Major Assassination

In November, Iran's top nuclear scientist, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, was killed in an attack. Iran blamed Israel as the hand behind the attack. This assassination further fuels tensions and Iran vows revenge.

2021: Skirmishes at Sea

The conflict extends to the seas. Israel accuses Iran of attacking an Israeli-owned ship in February. In March, Iran blamed Israel for an attack on an Iranian cargo ship. These incidents show a new front in their covert war.

2022: Mysterious Deaths and Accusations

In May, an officer in Iran's Revolutionary Guard, Col. Sayad Khodayee, was killed in Tehran, with Israel being widely suspected. Later, two Iranian scientists reportedly die from food poisoning, which Iran claims was an Israeli act. Israel does not comment on these accusations.

2023: The October 7 Attack and Regional Fallout

On October 7, Hamas, a group backed by Iran, launched a large-scale attack on Israel, leading to a devastating war in Gaza. This triggers broader regional attacks on Israel by Iranian-backed groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, further escalating the proxy conflict. Iran denies direct involvement in the October 7 attacks but supports the "resistance."

In December, Israel was accused by Iran of killing a high-level Iranian officer in a missile strike in Syria.

2024: Direct Confrontations and High-Profile Assassinations

April: An Israeli airstrike on an Iranian embassy building in Damascus, Syria, kills several top Iranian commanders. Iran retaliates with an unprecedented direct attack on Israel, launching hundreds of drones and missiles. These missile and drone attacks were intercepted by the Israel Airforce. Israel then strikes an air-defense system in Iran.

July: Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, is assassinated in Tehran. Israel later confirms it was behind the killing.

September: A widespread "pager attack" targets Hezbollah members in Lebanon, injuring thousands and killing dozens. Israel confirms it carried out these attacks. Later in the month, Israel kills Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in airstrikes in Beirut.

October: Iran launches a second direct missile attack on Israel in retaliation for the assassinations. Israel then targets Iranian air defense systems and missile production facilities in Iran.

2025: Continued Escalation and Nuclear Concerns

April: Reports surface that President Donald Trump, after discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, considered a plan to strike Iranian nuclear sites in early 2025 but decided against it in favor of diplomacy.

June (Current): Israel launches a major, direct military operation against Iran, "Operation Rising Lion," targeting key nuclear and military facilities across Iran. Explosions are reported in Tehran, and several top Iranian military leaders and nuclear scientists are killed. Israel states its goal is to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Iran retaliates by launching ballistic missiles and drones at Israel. This marks a new and very dangerous phase of direct confrontation.

Read about-Which Country is the Largest Producer of Saffron?

The Israel-Iran conflict is a complex and dangerous struggle driven by deep-seated distrust, opposing regional goals, and Iran's controversial nuclear program. While it has largely been a "shadow war" fought through proxy groups and covert operations, recent years have seen a worrying shift towards direct military exchanges. The latest strikes in June 2025, with Israel explicitly targeting Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure and Iran responding directly, mark a significant escalation that could further destabilize an already volatile Middle East, with potential global consequences. The world watches closely as both sides continue to test each other's limits, raising fears of a wider, more devastating conflict.