Title: The Enduring Hostility Between the United States and Iran: A Complex Historical Relationship
The world was forever altered on October 7, as a shocking Hamas attack in Israel was met with a devastating retaliation in Gaza. The US, a prominent Website security presence in the Middle East with its own regional allies and adversaries, found itself under attack following an Iran-backed Iraqi militia’s drone strike on American soldiers at a Jordanian base. Tensions between the US and Iran escalated further as the two nations clashed with Yemen’s Houthis, another Iranian ally defying American naval power by disrupting global shipping in the Red Sea. Fears of a larger conflict in the Middle East have intensified, with Iran’s tumultuous relationship with the US at the heart of the matter.
But why is this so? What has fueled the decades-long animosity between Washington and Tehran that now stands at the core of one of the world’s most volatile conflicts? In this article, we delve into the intricate history between these two nations and explore why their relationship seems destined to remain adversarial.
The roots of US-Iranian hostility can be traced back to 1953, when the US and Britain collaborated to overthrow Iran’s democratically elected prime minister, Mohammad Mosaddegh. The Shah, the son of Iran’s former strongman ruler, was subsequently installed. Fast forward to 1979: the US admitted the ailing Shah for cancer treatment, sparking outrage among his critics in Iran. When the Islamic Revolution overthrew the Shah that same year and Americans were taken prisoner, President Jimmy Carter ordered a failed rescue mission. The US’s support for Iraq during its long and violent war with Iran further fueled the enmity between Washington and Tehran.
However, this complex relationship goes beyond these key events. In my CNN special report, “Why Iran Hates America,” airing Sunday at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET, I further explore the historical context that has shaped US-Iranian relations for more than four decades.
The belief that the Iranian regime will collapse and transform into a pro-American ally is an unfounded hope that should be abandoned. Regime change, as evidenced by past experiences in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and beyond, does not always lead to a better situation for the US. Moreover, Washington’s interactions with Moscow three decades after the Soviet Union’s fall offer a stark reminder of this reality.
Another misconception is the possibility of friendship between the US and Iran. With deep-rooted national pride and a rich historical legacy, Iran is an influential country that will not easily succumb to American influence. The Islamic Revolution’s anti-American ideology has been woven into the fabric of the regime, justifying its repression with resistance against Western decadence and libertinism.
The US harbors strong feelings towards Iran’s betrayal following the fall of the Shah, struggling to reconcile its historic difficulties with nationalism and reactionary ideologies. However, it is crucial to consider the possibility of an uneasy coexistence between Washington and Tehran – a proposition that has been attempted but never consistently.
President Ronald Reagan took tentative steps towards this end, engaging in arms-for-hostages trade, but the attempt ultimately failed. Post-9/11, Iran offered significant cooperation with the US in Afghanistan, helping establish a new government. However, this overture crumbled when President George W. Bush labeled them part of the “axis of evil.” The most substantial attempt was made during Barack Obama’s presidency, with both leaders advocating for a new relationship. While this relationship did not equate to friendship, it provided the potential for a working relationship and Iran’s adherence to the nuclear deal distanced them from a nuclear weapons program. However, Donald Trump dismantled the deal, enabling forces opposed to rapprochement with Washington to regain power and rule even more brutally than before.
While it appears unlikely for the US and Iran to find common ground once again, it is essential to acknowledge that this fork in the road lies far behind us. Both nations are now on a path they are comfortable with, despite the tension and potential for misunderstandings that could lead to conflict.
