West Asia conflict escalates as US and Israel act

Source: The post West Asia conflict escalates as US and Israel act has been created, based on the article “The ring of fire around Iran is tightening” published in “The Hindu” on 3rd April 2025. West Asia conflict escalates as US and Israel act.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: Renewed conflict in West Asia has erupted after Donald Trump offered to negotiate Iran’s nuclear programme. Soon after, the U.S. launched air strikes on the Houthis in Yemen. Israel also resumed attacks on Gaza and Lebanon. These moves, targeting Iran’s allies, reflect rising tensions between Iran, the U.S., and Israel.

Background: Iran Nuclear Deal and Its Collapse (JCPOA)

1. The JCPOA, signed in 2015 under President Obama, aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear programme in return for lifting sanctions.
2. It restricted uranium enrichment but allowed Iran to keep its nuclear infrastructure and support regional allies.
3. Israel and its lobby in the U.S. opposed the deal, fearing it would make Iran a stronger conventional power.
4. In May 2018, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the deal, calling it flawed, and reimposed sanctions.
5. Iran responded by expanding its nuclear and weapons programmes after the deal collapsed.

Renewed Conflict in 2025: Escalating Tensions

1. U.S.–Iran Tensions: On March 7, 2025, President Trump offered to negotiate Iran’s nuclear programme, demanding restrictions on its nuclear capabilities.
2. Military Actions: On March 15, the U.S. launched preemptive strikes on the Houthis in Yemen. Israel resumed bombing Gaza, killing over 400 Palestinians, and on March 22, targeted Hezbollah in Lebanon.
3. Support for “Axis of Resistance”: These groups — Houthis, Hamas, and Hezbollah — form Iran’s regional alliance.
4. Increased Military Presence: The U.S. deployed more fighter jets and a second aircraft carrier to West Asia, signaling military escalation.

Israel’s Strategy to Weaken Iran’s Regional Influence

1. Targeting Allies: Israel bombed Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon to dismantle Iran’s support base.
2. Assassinations and Bombings: An IRGC general was killed in Syria; the Iranian embassy in Damascus was bombed.
3. High Casualties: Over 50,000 Palestinians were killed in Gaza.
4. Ceasefire Violations: Despite ceasefires, Israel didn’t withdraw troops from Gaza or southern Lebanon.
5. Nuclear Concerns: The IAEA reports Iran has enough 60% enriched uranium to make six nuclear bombs if further refined.

Favourable Shifts for Israel in the Region

1. Trump’s Re-election: His return gives Israel strong U.S. support for its military agenda.
2. Collapse of Assad Regime: Iran loses Syria as a strategic supply route to Hezbollah.
3. Sunni Islamist Regime in Syria: This new regime is hostile to Shia Iran, weakening its influence further.
4. Continued Pressure: Israel keeps its forces in Gaza and Lebanon, refusing full withdrawals despite ceasefires.

Can a War with Iran Be Avoided?

1. Trump demands that Iran halt its nuclear programme, curb its military power, and cut ties with regional allies.
2. Iran is only willing to discuss its nuclear programme, not broader concessions.
3. Two military options:

• Airstrikes: Iran’s underground facilities are hard to destroy completely.
• Full invasion: Iran is larger, more stable, and strategically located than Iraq.

4. A war may encourage Iran to build a bomb.
5. Israel sees a chance to permanently weaken Iran but needs U.S. support.
6. Trump, though once critical of “forever wars,” now seems ready to back forceful regional reshaping.

Question for practice:

Examine how the renewed conflict in West Asia in 2025 reflects the strategic objectives of the U.S. and Israel in countering Iran’s regional influence.