ISRAEL-IRAN WAR: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN RELIGION AND POLITICS IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETIES

Abstract

The relationship between religion and politics has long shaped international conflicts and geopolitical rivalries. One of the most complex examples in contemporary global politics is the conflict between Israel and Iran. Although the rivalry is frequently interpreted through the lenses of security competition, nuclear proliferation, and regional power politics, religious identity and ideological narratives also play a crucial role in shaping the discourse and motivations surrounding the conflict. This paper critically examines the interaction between religion and politics in the Israel–Iran confrontation and analyzes how religious ideology influences political strategies, national identity formation, and public mobilization in contemporary societies. Using historical and analytical methods, the study evaluates the origins of hostility between the two states, explores religious narratives within political rhetoric, and examines how media and global actors shape the perception of the conflict. The paper argues that while geopolitical interests remain the primary drivers of the conflict, religious symbolism and ideological narratives intensify political rivalry and complicate diplomatic resolution. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the intersection between religion and politics in addressing contemporary international conflicts and developing sustainable peace strategies.