Iran14 April, 20261 min read
U.S. Imperialism Shapes Two Centuries of Iran-U.S. Relations, Says Historian
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Iran–U.S. relations span two centuries, shaped by perceived American imperialism and interference. Trump-era policy and military actions are framed as continuations of imperialist dynamics.
Historical Roots
The Iran-U.S. relationship is deeply rooted in two centuries of interactions. Afshin Matin-Asgari's book traces this history back to early 19th-century American missionary efforts. The turning point came during World War II when the U.S. became a major player in Iran.
The 1953 CIA coup set the stage for decades of asymmetrical relations. Matin-Asgari argues that Iran-U.S. relations must be understood in an imperialist context. The 1979 Islamic Revolution upended this dynamic, with Khomeini declaring the U.S. the Great Satan.
Cycles of Hostility and Missed Opportunities
The post-revolution period was marked by escalating hostility. The 1990s brought no serious openings, but a brief window emerged after 9/11. Iran provided intelligence and logistical support for U.S. operations in Afghanistan.
Bush's Axis of Evil speech erased trust and closed the window of cooperation. Khatami's 2003 proposal for direct negotiation was ignored.
Iranian Perspectives and Regional Dynamics
Iranian officials emphasize a narrative of resistance against Western hegemonic behavior. Ali Larijani described Iran-West relations as among the most volatile international interactions. He stressed that the nuclear issue was merely a pretext.
Tehran asserts it is not seeking nuclear weapons. Regional experts warn that the conflict is reshaping the rules of the game in the Middle East.
Trump's War and Global Repercussions
Trump's decision to wage war on Iran contradicted his campaign rhetoric. His attack came after withdrawing from the nuclear deal. Analysts noted that Trump presented conflicting objectives.
The killing of Supreme Leader Khamenei marked a new phase. The war had immediate global economic repercussions.
