An Uneasy Peace- The Iranian- U.

S Relationship
Duncan Stone
In July of 2015, both the United States and Iran signed the controversial
nuclear agreement that had been the product of thousands of hours of
negotiation, and which hindered Irans path to the bomb. This agreement,
and the negotiations that preceded it also served to underscore the tensions
and flashpoints of the relationship that both nations have had with each
other over the past three decades.
Modern Iran is a nation that has very much become focused on reviling and
blaming the United States for many of its problems over the years. When the
Shah was overthrown in 1979, he was seen by many as a puppet of The
West, and the U.S in particular. These sentiments coupled with the capture
and holding hostage of the U.S embassy personnel during this time
immediately soured relations between the two countries. This lead to the
United States imposing trade sanctions and embargos on Iran, some of which
have only been recently lifted as part of the nuclear deal. In addition, Iran
has been accused of sponsoring terror and has also been described by
former President George Bush as a member of the axis of evil, leading to
even more bad blood between the two countries.
However, the relationship between the Iranian and U.S governments has not
always been one of outright hostility. The Regan administration was happy to
sell Iran weaponry in return for the release of hostages held by Hezbollah
and money, which was then used to fund anti-communist rebels in South
America. In addition, as mentioned earlier, the United States and Iran were
able to come together to negotiate and then sign the nuclear deal to limit
Irans nuclear program only last year.
However, tensions still simmer between the two countries, and events such
as the capture of 10 U.S sailors by Iran when they drifted into territorial
waters, and the various incidents between the navies of the United States
and Iran in the Straits of Hormuz. Although the future relationship between
these two countries is uncertain it seems that his Neo-Cold War will continue
for some time into the future, and may change based on political shifts in
both countries governments.
Citations (Chicago):
Fred. "Iran Releases Captured U.S. Navy Crew Members." Washington Post.
January 13, 2016. Accessed September 13, 2016.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/01/13/iran-
sends-mixed-message-on-quick-release-of-u-s-navy-crews/.
BBC. "Iran Nuclear Deal: Key Details." BBC News. January 16, 2016. Accessed
January 13, 2016. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-33521655.