Introduction
The escalating military conflict between Iran and Israel in 2025 has brought global attention not only to their direct confrontation but also to the complex web of alliances that support each side. These alignments are shaped by deep-rooted ideological divides, strategic regional interests, and long-standing geopolitical rivalries. Understanding who supports Iran and Israel—either directly or indirectly—is essential to grasping the broader implications of this ongoing crisis.
Background
Iran and Israel have been regional adversaries for decades, with tensions driven by ideological hostility, Iran’s nuclear program, and its support for anti-Israel militias. While Israel positions itself as a key U.S. ally and a regional power defending against Iranian aggression, Iran casts itself as the leader of resistance against Western and Israeli influence in the Middle East.
These opposing narratives have pulled various regional and global powers into informal coalitions that now define the current confrontation. These alignments extend beyond direct military support, including intelligence sharing, diplomatic backing, proxy warfare, and economic cooperation.
Israel’s Allies
- United States
Israel’s most significant ally, the U.S. provides extensive military aid, including Iron Dome systems, intelligence collaboration, and political backing in international forums. Amid the 2025 conflict, the U.S. has deployed additional military assets to the region to deter Iranian retaliation and support Israeli defense efforts. - European Union (select countries)
Nations like Germany, France, and the United Kingdom offer varying degrees of support to Israel, primarily through diplomacy and trade. While often calling for de-escalation and adherence to international law, these countries maintain strategic partnerships with Israel, especially in technology and defense. - Sunni Arab States (via the Abraham Accords)
The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco have normalized relations with Israel and share a common interest in countering Iranian influence. Though cautious about direct involvement, they collaborate in intelligence and economic initiatives. Saudi Arabia, while not officially allied with Israel, maintains quiet strategic coordination against Iran. - Azerbaijan
A close security partner of Israel, Azerbaijan offers intelligence cooperation and allows strategic access to Iran’s northern border. The relationship also includes energy and defense collaboration. - Greece and Cyprus
Israel works closely with these Eastern Mediterranean nations on energy security and military training. These ties have strengthened in response to broader regional tensions involving Turkey and gas exploration.
Iran’s Allies and Proxies
- Hezbollah (Lebanon)
Iran’s most powerful regional proxy, Hezbollah is heavily armed and ideologically aligned with Tehran. It acts as Iran’s front line against Israel and possesses tens of thousands of rockets aimed at Israeli territory. It plays a key role in Iran’s regional military strategy. - Syrian Government (Bashar al-Assad)
Iran is a principal backer of the Assad regime in Syria, supplying weapons, funding, and military advisors. In return, Syria allows Iran to operate militarily on its soil and facilitates the transport of weapons to Hezbollah. - Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (Gaza Strip)
These groups receive financial aid, training, and weaponry from Iran. Though politically distinct from Iran’s Shia ideology, they are united by a shared objective of resisting Israeli presence and military occupation. - Iraqi Militias (Popular Mobilization Forces)
These Iran-backed Shia militias operate semi-independently within Iraq and can be activated to threaten U.S. and Israeli assets in the region. They serve as part of Iran’s broader “axis of resistance.” - Houthi Rebels (Yemen)
Though geographically distant, the Houthis are part of Iran’s influence network. They have launched long-range drone and missile strikes against Israeli targets, particularly during peak tensions, as a show of solidarity with Iran. - Russia (limited alignment)
While not a formal ally, Russia often aligns with Iran in Syria and supports a regional order that challenges U.S. influence. It provides diplomatic protection and military coordination, particularly in airspace management over Syria. - China (strategic partner)
China maintains strong trade ties with Iran, especially in oil and technology. While not involved militarily, it supports Iran through economic investment and resists Western-led sanctions. Its role is primarily commercial and diplomatic.
Conclusion
The Iran–Israel conflict is not an isolated struggle but a reflection of broader regional and global fault lines. Israel’s alliance network, centered around the United States and bolstered by pragmatic ties with Sunni Arab states and Western allies, positions it as part of a Western-aligned bloc. Iran, on the other hand, leads a decentralized alliance of ideological proxies, state supporters like Syria, and international powers like Russia and China that share anti-Western strategic goals.
As the conflict deepens, the involvement of these allies—whether through direct action, proxy support, or diplomatic maneuvering—will significantly influence the trajectory and potential resolution of the crisis. Understanding these alignments is essential for any assessment of the risks and opportunities in this volatile geopolitical landscape.
