Chapter 4: The New World Order — Why Israel Turned Against Iran
When the Cold War ended and Iraq was defeated in the Gulf War, the strategic logic of the Israel-Iran partnership collapsed. Israel no longer needed Iran as a counterweight to Iraq. Iran became the new enemy.
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The early 90s reshaped the Middle East. The Soviet Union fell, Iraq was defeated, and Iran found itself isolated.
Israel's "periphery doctrine," allying with non-Arab states like Iran, lost its strategic purpose. Old alliances vanished.
As Trita Parsi noted, this wasn't ideology. Without a common enemy, Israel and Iran competed for regional dominance.
Israel's Labor government sought Arab peace. This threatened to sideline Iran, potentially isolating it completely.
Iran responded by empowering Hamas and Hezbollah. This strategic move aimed to disrupt the fragile peace process.
Israel lobbied Washington, shifting focus to Iran as the primary threat. A bipartisan consensus solidified quickly.
By the late 90s, the transformation was complete. Former partners became open enemies. The US and Israel united against Iran.
