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I. Origins of the Conflict: A Long‑Building Crisis

1.1 Historical Roots and Rising Tensions

The 2026 conflict did not emerge spontaneously; it is rooted in decades of geopolitical friction between Iran, Israel, and the United States over influence in the Middle East, nuclear ambitions, and regional security alliances. Over recent years, proxy skirmishes, sanctions, and intermittent military actions built up pressure across the region.

In 2024 and 2025, tensions flared repeatedly:

Exchanges of missiles and drones between Israel and Iran.

Rising attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf — notably by Iranian‑aligned Houthi forces — which drew U.S. naval protection efforts.