Aug 25, 2017
For more than 60 years now, Iran and U.S. relations have been shaky. There have been many instances of foreign powers like the United States forcing their will upon Iran. One significant event was the CIA’s self-confessed involvement in the 1953 coup of Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh, along with British intelligence. This brought along the establishment of a Shah, which lead to an authoritarian regime. This was all done in an attempt to gain control over Iran’s oil industry. Nowadays, diplomatic relations are still strained, and tensions are running high.
Obama Administration
Barack Obama’s run as U.S. president saw significant milestones in Iranian-American relations, both good and bad. The Mahmoud Ahmadinejad presidency in Iran led to civil unrest the likes of which many news outlets say hadn’t been seen since the revolution of 1979. The controversial win led White House leaders to comment on the state of Iran as one suppressing civil liberties. Along with that, there were many other events that put the two countries at odds, such as the 2010 solidification of the 1995 prohibition of trade with Iran, as well as threats to close the Persian Gulf in 2011. Ahmadinejad’s controversial speeches also strained relations as he claimed that most people believe the U.S. government was behind the 9/11 attacks. The Obama administration didn’t sypport the call of Iranians for a change in 2009. The election of Hassan Rouhani marked further changes in Iran and U.S. relations, such as the first phone conversation between their respective presidents in 30 years. And, in 2015, the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) was agreed upon, meaning Iran would reduce its nuclear stockpile significantly in for lifting sanctions that will restore frozen assets. Although this agreement meant the U.S. intended to establish diplomatic relations, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei stated such talks will not occur and Iranian regime’s supports for Syrian dictator significantly increased.
Trump Administration
The new U.S. President, among his other controversial actions, issued an executive order that limited entry of refugees from 7 countries, including Iran. This was met with many protests and legal battles by some U.S. states and Homeland Security. He has also challenged Iran’s compliance with the JCPOA, which suggests intentions of checking the military sites.
Iranian regime has a long history of lying and pursuing covert nuclear program.
The prospects of diplomatic relations between Iran and the United States are further away than ever before. However, the people of Iran are hopping for a change, and support a Free Iran.
