Iran vs America: Over the past few decades, relations between Iran and the US have seen many ups and downs, including periods of cooperation, tension and outright hostility. The latest tension is due to US military deployment near Iran. This tension increased further when Israel killed Hamas’ political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Iran. In response, Iran has threatened Israel with revenge. As a result, conflict between Iran-Israel and their allies began to appear. So in response to the growing threat of Iranian actions, the US increased its military presence in the region.
If we want to understand the reason for the hostility between Iran and America, then we have to go a little back in history. Iran’s diplomatic relations with America began in the late 19th century when Iran tried to counter British and Russian influence. This included cultural and economic exchange, in which America supported Iran’s modernization efforts. But in the year 1953, America and Britain staged a coup to overthrow Iran’s democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh. Mohammad Mossadegh had nationalized the oil industry. This incident restored Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi to the throne of Iran, which led to widespread resentment among Iranians against American interference in their domestic affairs. Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was considered pro-American.
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Islamic revolution changed the situation
But then came the time after which Iran declared America as its enemy number one. In the year 1979, there was an Islamic revolution in Iran, after which the pro-American Shah was deposed. But America gave political asylum to the Shah. Due to which the American embassy in Tehran was attacked and 52 American hostages were held hostage for 444 days. This incident made Iran an enemy of America forever. After the hostage crisis, America broke diplomatic relations. At that time, Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Khomeini called America the ‘Great Satan’.
Ideological differences are also the reason
The Islamic Republic of Iran is based on a revolutionary ideology that opposes Western influence, particularly the US, which it sees as an imperialist power. Iranian leaders often present their anti-US rhetoric as part of a broader struggle against “arrogant powers” that seek to undermine Iran’s sovereignty and regional influence. During the 1980s and 1990s, the US imposed various sanctions on Iran, primarily due to its support for terrorism and its nuclear ambitions. This period saw Iran increasingly isolated from the international community, causing it to focus on developing its military capabilities.
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Iran supports extremist groups
Iran’s regional policies and actions have further deepened this hostility: its support for extremist groups is one of them. Iran supports groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas, which are in direct opposition to US allies in the region, particularly Israel. The US views this support as destabilizing and threatening to its interests and those of its allies.
Trump imposed strict sanctions
Relations deteriorated sharply again under President Donald Trump. Trump imposed tough sanctions on Iran. The move was influenced by concerns over Iran’s regional activities and its missile program, further fueling hostility and military confrontation in the region. The US views Iran’s nuclear program as a direct threat, which could lead to tightening sanctions and military stance. Fear of a nuclear-armed Iran has been a central theme of US foreign policy, reinforcing adversarial relations.
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US domestic politics responsible
In the US, domestic political considerations also play an important role in maintaining this hostility. The influence of pro-Israel lobbying groups and military-industrial groups often shapes policies that view Iran as a major rival, regardless of the possibility of diplomatic engagement.
The animosity still continues
As of 2023, tensions remain high due to military deployments in the region and ongoing talks to revive the JCPOA. Iran has strengthened its ties with countries such as Russia and China in an attempt to balance US influence and strengthen its strategic position. Overall, Iranian domestic politics and the US’s own foreign policy decisions fuel this animosity. This is why mistrust and hostility persist to this day. The animosity between the two reached its peak in 2019 when the Pentagon (US Defense Ministry) ordered an airstrike that killed Iran’s most powerful general, Qassim Soleimani.
Tags: America News, International news, Iran news, World news
FIRST PUBLISHED : August 2, 2024, 15:41 IST