Iran and Islamic state in conflict or war?

The conflict between the Islamic State (IS) and Iran reflects a complex interplay of religious, geopolitical, and ideological factors, highlighting the broader regional dynamics in the Middle East. While the Islamic State represents a radical Sunni extremist group, Iran is a predominantly Shiite nation, and the rivalry between these two entities has contributed significantly to the turbulence in the region.

The roots of the conflict can be traced to the aftermath of the 2003 Iraq War when the power vacuum in Iraq allowed extremist groups, including what would later become the Islamic State, to gain a foothold. The Sunni-Shiite sectarian tensions in the region were exacerbated, with the group exploiting existing grievances and capitalizing on discontent among Sunni communities.

As the Islamic State emerged and gained territorial control in Iraq and Syria in 2014, it declared a caliphate, seeking to establish its version of an Islamic state across the region. Iran, being a Shiite-majority nation, viewed the rise of the Islamic State with great concern. The group's extremist Sunni ideology posed a direct threat to Shiite communities, and its territorial expansion challenged Iran's influence in the region.

Iran's response to the Islamic State threat was multifaceted. Tehran actively supported Shiite militias in Iraq and deployed military advisors to assist the Iraqi government in its fight against the extremist group. Iran's involvement in the conflict also extended to Syria, where it provided support to the Bashar al-Assad regime, a Shiite-aligned government facing opposition from Sunni rebel groups, including factions affiliated with the Islamic State.

While both Iran and the Islamic State were battling for influence in Iraq and Syria, their rivalry transcended territorial disputes. Ideologically, they represent opposing interpretations of Islam, with the Islamic State advocating for a strict and extremist form of Sunni Islam, while Iran adheres to the Shiite branch. This religious dimension has fueled a deep-seated animosity between the two entities, contributing to the intensity of the conflict.

The conflict also took on geopolitical dimensions as regional and global powers became involved. Iran found itself on one side of the divide, aligned with Russia and supporting the Assad regime in Syria. On the other side, the Islamic State attracted foreign fighters from various countries, and its actions prompted international coalitions, including the United States and European nations, to intervene militarily against the extremist group.

The nuclear deal between Iran and the P5+1 (the United States, Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany) in 2015 marked a significant diplomatic development. The agreement aimed to curb Iran's nuclear program in exchange for lifting economic sanctions. However, this deal did not address the broader regional conflicts involving Iran, including its rivalry with the Islamic State.

The defeat of the Islamic State as a territorial entity in 2017 marked a turning point in the conflict. While the group lost its strongholds in Iraq and Syria, it did not disappear entirely. Instead, it shifted its focus to insurgency and guerrilla tactics, continuing to pose a threat in the region. Iran remained vigilant, cognizant of the potential for the group to resurface and exploit ongoing tensions.

The complex nature of the conflict between Iran and the Islamic State requires a nuanced and comprehensive approach. Addressing the root causes, including sectarian tensions, geopolitical rivalries, and ideological differences, is essential for sustainable peace in the region. Diplomatic efforts should focus on fostering dialogue, building trust among regional actors, and finding common ground to address shared challenges.

In conclusion, the conflict between Iran and the Islamic State is a multifaceted struggle involving religious, geopolitical, and ideological dimensions. The Sunni-Shiite sectarian divide, exacerbated by the rise of the Islamic State, has contributed to the complexity of the conflict. As regional and global powers navigate this intricate landscape, diplomatic efforts should prioritize addressing the root causes and fostering cooperation to promote stability in the Middle East.