Abstract

_This paper examines the historical evolution of Israel-Iran relations, focusing on the transition from a covert strategic alliance (1948-1979) to protracted ideological and geopolitical rivalry (1979-2022). Initially united by shared interests in countering Arab nationalism and Soviet expansion, Israel and Iran engaged in discreet cooperation despite lacking formal diplomatic ties. However, the 1979 Iranian Revolution redefined Iran’s foreign policy identity, positioning Israel as a central adversary within a broader anti-imperialist and Islamic resistance framework. The research, therefore, addresses the central research problem of how and why the bilateral relationship shifted from cooperation to hostility, exploring the role of regime change, ideology, strategic concerns, and regional dynamics. Employing a qualitative historical-analytical approach, the study draws heavily on academic literature and online news sources, interpreted through a hybrid realist-constructivist theoretical framework. The findings reveal that the Israel-Iran relations have been shaped by the interplay of strategic pragmatism and ideological enmity, manifesting in covert cooperation, proxy conflicts, asymmetric warfare, nuclear tensions, and regional realignments such as the Abraham Accords. While ideology became central after the 1979 Iranian Revolution, pragmatic calculations periodically moderated hostilities, producing a complex mix of confrontation and restraint. The study concludes that understanding this rivalry requires integrating both realist and constructivist perspectives and highlights the importance of historical context, identity, and strategic imperatives in shaping enduring interstate conflicts._.