Iran, USA, Israel — A Complex Trio? Lessons from History and Future Prospects by Richa Bhattarai

Richa Bhattarai 

Expert in International Conflict Management

In the media today, the dominant narrative revolves around the hostile and contentious relationships of Iran with both Israel and the United States, while the United States and Israel maintain strategic alliances. However, what often goes unnoticed is the shared interests between Iran and both the United States and Israel not only during the Shah's regime but also under the post-revolutionary Islamic regime. The complexities of this trio can be simplified if we focus on mutual interests rather than conflicting attitudes. Setting aside the contentious issue of Israel's existence, especially in light of events post-October 7, 2024, it becomes crucial to examine whether the Iran-Israel relationship is inherently adversarial. The answer is mixed and largely depends on who is leading the government in Iran.

Historical evidence indicates that during the Shah's regime, Iran and Israel had a relationship characterized by shared understanding and common interests. This relationship was facilitated by Iran's close ties with the United States which had a strategic alliance with Israel. Notwithstanding the lack of formal diplomatic recognition of Israel by Iran, informal cooperation still existed. This included economic, military, and intelligence assistance with the consensus of the U.S. administration. Such cooperation was kept out of the public eye to avoid repercussions from both the Iranian public and the broader Muslim world.

Despite the generally strained relationship between the United States and Israel, the post-revolutionary government of Iran experienced instances of deliberate cooperation. A notable example of this cooperation is the Iran-Contra Affair of the mid-1980s. During this period, Israel played a crucial role in facilitating secret arms sales from the United States to Iran, which was deeply involved in the Iran-Iraq War. This covert operation aimed to achieve two objectives: secure the release of American hostages held by Hezbollah in Lebanon and generate funds to support Nicaraguan Contra rebels. Israel’s involvement in this affair was driven by a strategic interest in maintaining a relationship with Iran, despite the Islamic Republic’s anti-Israel rhetoric. For Iran, these arms shipments were vital for their war effort against Iraq even though they publicly opposed Western nations. The shared perception of Iraq under Saddam Hussein as a more immediate threat prompted both Israel and the United States along with Iranian leaders to engage in these clandestine dealings to ensure military supplies.

So, what do these events reveal about the future dynamics between the United States, Iran, and Israel? Although current events in the Middle East might suggest limited prospects for cooperation between the U.S. and Israel with Iran, evolving geopolitical landscapes and unforeseen circumstances could open avenues for diplomatic dialogue. However, a more pressing and immediate threat to both Israel and Iran should not be used as leverage to force them into discussions solely focused on mutual benefits. Instead, there are other areas where Iran and Israel have the potential to collaborate effectively, such as regional security, non-renewable energy, and climate change. Encouraging dialogue on these issues could foster positive relations by highlighting the importance for the United States to remain open to the possibility of diplomatic engagement with Iran and Israel. By focusing on shared interests and potential cooperative projects these countries can build a more constructive relationship.

Bio:

Richa Bhattarai is an emerging scholar and expert in the fields of international conflict management, counterterrorism, U.S. Foreign Policy, and Middle Eastern politics. With 15 years of dedicated academic experience, Richa is honored to be a recipient of the esteemed American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Doctoral Fellowship Award for 2023-2024. She actively contributes her interest as an emerging expert at the Forum on the Arms Trade, focusing on the humanitarian, economic, and broader implications of arms transfers, security assistance, and weapons usage. Additionally, she is a valued contributor to the Iran 1400 Project. Currently a PhD candidate at Kennesaw State University, she is dedicated to exploring nuanced dimensions of diplomacy and U.S. foreign policy. She holds an MSc in Criminal Justice and an LLM specializing in international law, reflecting an academic journey marked by a blend of legal and social science disciplines. She has also been awarded Pro Bono Honors by Washburn University School of Law.