There is no doubt in this, that Israel’s biggest rival in the world is Iran. Iran is fighting proxy wars against Israel with the objective to dissolve the Jewish state. However, you would be amazed to hear that, Iran was the second Muslim country after Turkey to recognize Israel.
During the reign of pro-Western leader Reza Pahlavi, relations between the two countries significantly improved.
After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran cut all diplomatic and commercial ties with Israel, and its theocratic government does not recognize the legitimacy of Israel as a state.
Israel is concerned by Iran’s nuclear weapons program and missile program and is seeking to downgrade Iran’s allies and proxies.
Supporters:
Iran is primarily supported by emerging superpower China, Russia, and North Korea. on the other hand, Israel is primarily supported by the Superpower United States, United Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia. Though Saudi Arabia has not recognized Israel yet, still it supports Israel due to its rivalry with Iran.
Area and Population
the population of Iran is 81,353,100 and the total area is 1,648,195 km square. The Population of Israel is 8,840,020 and the total area is 20,770 km square. The population of Iran is almost 10 times greater than Israel, and the area of Iran is 80 times more than Israel. Greater Manpower provides an edge to Iran’s military power.
Economy
Iran has the world’s 23rd largest GDP with a worth of $405 billion. Israel is number 35th in the ranking of GDP with a worth of $395 billion. The GDP of the countries is almost the same. However, GDP per capita tells a different story for both countries. GDP per capita divides the country’s gross domestic product by its total population. It is a measure of a country’s economic output.
According to GDP per capita, Iran ranks 77th, while Israel ranks 21st in the world. Iran’s economy is predominantly based on oil and gas. Israel’s economy depends upon Startups and research and developments.
Geographical Location:
Iran is located at the center of Eurasia with almost all the Muslim countries in its surroundings. Its central location in Eurasia and proximity to the Strait of Hormuz give it significant geostrategic importance. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important strategic locations for International trade. Nearly all of the oil-producing countries in the middle east use this strait for international trade. Iran’s use of its territorial advantages in the Strait of Hormuz is, therefore, more effective as a threat than if a complete or partial closure of the Strait is actually executed.
for Israel, things are more complicated. Israel is the only Jewish state located among the Muslim countries. though the relationship between Israel and Arab countries is getting better day by day, Israel’s major rivals Iran and Turkey are located in the middle east.
only 4 Muslim countries formally accepted Israel
Israel is trying hard to convince more countries to accept it and start foreign relations with it. although only 4 Muslim countries formally accepted Israel till now, there are others that are willing to accept but are not able to face the backlash from other Muslim countries.
Military
Global firepower ranks Iran as the 14th strongest army in the world, while Israel Army is the 20th strongest army in the world. Military Service is mandatory for all the Israelites.
Men serve for three years, women usually serve under 2 years. Despite being financially unstable, Iran is a major military power in the middle east. Iran’s military has been described as the Middle East’s “most powerful military force” by retired US General and former CENTCOM commander John Abizaid. The defense budget of Iran is 14 billion dollars, while the defense budget of Israel is $
Iran Military has 873,000 total personal, while Israel has 615,000 total personnel
Active Personnel.
Iran : 523,000.
Israel: 169,500.
Reserve Personnel.
Iran : 350,000.
Israel: 465,000.
Tank Strength.
Iran: 2,056.
Israel: 2760.
Rocket Projector:
Iran: 1,935.
Israel: 100.
Armed Fighting Vehicles:
Iran: 4,300.
Israel: 10,275.
Air Strength.
Iran: 509.
Israel: 589.
Fighter Aircraft.
Iran: 155.
Israel: 259.
Naval strength
Iran: 398.
Israel: 65.
Submarines.
Iran: 34.
Israel: 5.
Political
Israel is still not recognized by more than 30 countries. Israel has developed good international relations with all the western countries. Its relations with the Current superpower US are commendable. contrary to that Iran’s relation with the emerging superpower China, and Nuclear power countries like Russia, and North Korea is favorable. Iran currently maintains diplomatic relations with 97 countries. Iran has good relations with Turkey. As Iran is a Shia majority country, its worse enemy is Saudi Arabia a Sunni majority country. In a series of international polls by Pew Research in 2012, only one country (Pakistan) had the majority of its population supporting Iran’s right to acquire nuclear arms.