The Big Story The Israel-Iran conflict: how did we get here?
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Jun 19, 2025 Elliot Tepper, a distinguished senior fellow at Carleton University, delves into the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, tracing its roots back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution. He discusses the impact of Iran's nuclear ambitions and Israel's military responses. The conversation examines the complexities of U.S. involvement, potential geopolitical repercussions, and Canada's historical ties to the situation. Tepper highlights the challenges of regional stability amid rising tensions, providing a captivating glimpse into this critical global issue.
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Roots of Israel-Iran Conflict
- Iran and Israel were not always enemies; they had complementary relations before 1979.
- The 1979 Islamic Revolution changed Iran's ideology, making Israel a primary foreign policy enemy.
Why Israel Attacked Iran Now
- Israel attacked Iran's nuclear sites due to fears Iran was close to a weapon and stalled diplomatic talks.
- Israel saw a closing window due to weakened proxies and loss of regional allies for Iran.
Regime Change Not Official Aim
- Israel does not officially seek regime change in Iran, but this conflict could weaken Iranian leadership.
- The Iranian regime faces internal opposition brutally suppressed, which could grow if the regime looks vulnerable.