IRAN and US

The past often has far-reaching consequences for current and future events. Current political characteristics, in particular, are affected by past events such as treaties, wars, allies, and controversies. The United States and Iran have both gone a long way historically, and suffice it to say, the past still haunts their current relationship. From the 1979 Iranian revolution to the kidnapping of American hostages and even disagreements over nuclear power, America appears to regard Iran as dangerous, irresponsible, and irrational.  In fact, Samuel (2013), mentions that the latest concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear motivations coupled with anti-Israeli affirmations enlarge the rift even further with America emphasizing that Iran is indeed a rogue nation. However, Iran also has its reasons for being wary of the U.S. this paper looks at the American-Iranian previous associations, how these relations are connected to the contemporary political or international challenges and also the recommendations and perspectives regarding the future.

The Past

Shaffer (2014), brings about the history by highlighting three elements which one speaker by the name Mr. Seyyed Hossein Mousavian speak about in a particular event. The first part is the period between 1856 and 1953 which is characterized by friendly and deliberate relations. Afterwards, things began to change, hence the unfolding of the dominant era. In the time between 1953 and 1979, there was a spontaneous drive to nationalize oil in Iran. Subsequently, the United States changed its policy to support a coup, hence the eradication of the then constitutionally voted prime minister and the institution of a Shah Dictator. This era marked the beginning of foul associations which further extended to the year 1979 to date. These hostile relations involve misunderstandings, mistrust, miscommunication and an atmosphere of a possible standoff. As such, while the early years saw the two nations being friendly partners to the extent of US invitation to Iranian parliament to assist in budgeting, the atmosphere today is different, and such requests are unlikely to materialize.

The Present

The reasons for the continued deterioration of the relations are founded on the grievances from both sides. These disagreements have distended to the current times. Particularly, Iran’s claims stem from matters such as the U.S. support of the 1953 coup, U.S support of Saddam Hussein in 1960s where scores of Iranians died, sanctions that surpass those of North Korea albeit in the absence of nuclear weapons. On the other hand, the United States’ grievances are entrenched in the 1979 Iran hostage predicament, Iran’s uranium-based programs as well as the alleged support for terrorism in the Middle East. Furthermore, the U.S. hurled accusations pointing that Iran still operates private nuclear weapons development resulting to sanctions. The lack of earlier reconciliation measures over these problems caused the extension of the same challenges to the current regimes. In essence, the present standoff between America and Iran today is a culmination of the grievances and unresolved issues of the past. The state of affairs has been shaped and cultivated through years of increased contention, disagreements, mistrust and misinterpretation of actions and words between both nations.

Analysis and Recommendations

An in-depth outlook on the existing U.S.-Iran relationships reveals that things are likely to get worse in the absence of plausible interventions. In a time when the objective of world peace is at the peak of every country’s policies, then there is the chance that the challenges can be resolved within these regions. The restoration of former associations requires phased deals beginning with the address of the nuclear weapons matter, followed by other subjects such as terror, human rights, cross-border relations and so on. The role of prominent politicians comes in, and it involves the recognition of both side’s grievances and a common approach on reconciliation measures. The U.S. and Iran do share some common interests including the war against drug trafficking, support for Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the Persian Gulf security maintenance. These shared concerns are also important baselines for emphasizing future cooperation between the two countries. Strengthening civilian diplomacy where both nations allow civilian relations without limits to undertake scientific, cultural and even educational exchanges can go a long way in establishing better relationships in the years to come. Furthermore, public diplomacy measures together with the participation of leaders in discounting provocations and negative statements are essential for preparation in advance for the upcoming negotiations. Because America hosts Iranians, who have become citizens, their role as mediators are highly crucial for such a time as this.

Conclusion

The United States and Iran have experienced the effects of negative connections which arose from random yet irrevocable historical events from both sides. Decades later, the same adversity still exists at even greater heights. However, the hope lies in the shared interest by the two governments to curb the international threats. Efforts for negotiating the nuclear programs create an opportunity to seek comprehensive and practical analysis of the political landscapes, the role of the countries globally as well as the importance of improving relations and closing the gap between them. This is the time for containment and engagement for a peaceful future.

Bibliography

BBC News. 2014. “US-Iran relations: A brief guide.” BBC. November 24. Accessed September 20, 2017. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-24316661.

DelViscio, Jeffrey, Diantha Parker, David Furst, Jeff Roth, Jon Huang, and Artin Afkhami. 2012. “Iran, the United States and a Political Seesaw.” The New York Times. January 11. Accessed September 20, 2017. http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/04/07/world/middleeast/iran-timeline.html?mcubz=0#/#time5_186.

Mousavian, Seyyed Hossein. 2014. “US-Iran Relations Past, Present, and Future.” The Atlantic Council. June 3. Accessed September 20, 2017. http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/component/event/detail/us-iran-relations-past-present-and-future.

Samuel, Annie Tracy. 2013. “Viewpoint Iran: The Past and Present of the U.S.-Iran Standoff.” Origins: Current Events in Historical Perspective. October. Accessed September 20, 2017. http://origins.osu.edu/article/viewpoint-iran-past-and-present-us-iran-standoff.

Shaffer, Theresa. 2014. “U.S. – Iran Relations: Past, Present, and Future.” American Security Project. June 4. Accessed September 20, 2017. https://www.americansecurityproject.org/u-s-iran-relations-past-present-and-future/.