USA Iran Relations

The studies indicate the relationship between Iran and the US is traced back to the late 19th century. These nations are connected for many years. Various international relations were used by both nations to manipulate each other for their own benefits. The US-Iran relationship was always complicated one even though there wasn’t any specific war. The relationship was worsened from the past by the restrictions imposed by the American sanctions. The diplomatic ties and economic matters were cut but without the involvement of arms and ammunition. As Mohammad Mossadegh was removed from the rule in the early 1950s then the relationship turned strenuous. 

US Iran Relations

The relationship between the US and Iran was not complicated before the Second World War. They established diplomatic relations in 1883. In 1953, when the US’s CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) decided to remove Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh the relationship turned chaotic and sour. The anti-social activities of the CIA created a rage in Iranians. In 1967, the US offered weapons-grade nuclear fuel to Iran. The diplomatic crisis started when the US embassy in Tehran was taken over and staff were held as hostages by the CIA for over a year. Further when Jimmy Carter, US President declared to cut off the diplomatic ties with Iran by employing a rescue operation, which unfortunately failed and eight service personnel were killed during this mission. In 1983 ‘The Iran Contra Affair’ a scandal was announced when it was found that US President Reagan was involved in a secret arms deal with Iran.

In 1988, a US Navy ship was shot down by an Iranian passenger plane, killing 290 people. In 2012 George Bush named Iran a part of the ‘Axis of Evil’ along with Iraq and North Korea. The new President Barack Obama did not take any action and stayed away from the negotiation of the nuclear deal. In the following year, Hassan Rouhani, President of Iran signed the US-Iran Nuclear deal. In 2018, President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on the nuclear program. 

Formal Diplomatic Relations

The diplomatic relations between the US and the Islamic Republic of Iran have been severed since 1980. There is a lack of formal diplomatic relations between these nations. For about 4 decades these nations were involved in economic and diplomatic disputes and also direct and indirect military confrontations. The diplomatic relationship between the two nations was being protected using economic and military means but the hostilities did not change. They were engaged in proxy wars and regional conflicts.

US- Iran Conflict

The strenuous relationship between US and Iran has been simmering for decades but has now hit the boiling point. The reasons for conflicts were many the important ones are-

• The control over Iran’s ole resources
• The political interference of the United States in Tehran
• The growing influence of both the nations in the Middle East
• The desire of Iran for nuclear power

Conflict over Oil Reserves

Iran was tired of the interference of foreign parties in their affairs, especially over their natural resources. The objective to regain control over their oil reserve forced them to create a chaotic relationship with the British government.

Conflict Over Religion

Iran is ruled and governed by the Shiite Islamic fundamentalist regime that deposed the US secularist power. The fight for influencing the Middle East countries is high between the United States and Iran. They are trying to expand their religious ideologies to dominate the Middle East.

Conflict Over Nuclearization

The most dangerous aspect was that the United States started worrying about the increased nuclear activities of Iran. Iran convinced the US and its allies as it was being used for peaceful purposes but evidence contradicted their statements. Therefore, the US imposed sanctions on nuclear deals. Iran may have the power to threaten if they are able to produce a nuclear weapon.

Conclusion

The internal political functioning of the government of both the nations, the US and Iran are different. There are many issues related to foreign affairs between them. As per recent studies, the United States is one of the most powerful nations and has the upper hand by collaborating with a complex relationship based on its federal structure, economic power and effective political views. Iran cannot defeat the US in the Middle East as well as the US cannot force Iran to change. The complex and unusual political structure of Islamic states built on the Islamic philosophy often stands as a hindrance while dealing with the western nations.

After 1979 the relationship between the US and Iran worsened as the US military started imposing hard military power and sanctions on Iran. Democratic peace theory has been used to improve the relations between the two nations. Therefore, the change can only be brought if both nations join hands together including the Islamic states.