US and its relations with Iran

Before looking at the present relations of US with Iran, if we have a look at the past relations between these two countries which started long back in mid 1800’s but has little importance till Second World War. US had a close alliance with Iran until the Iranian revolution in 1979 which followed hostility between two countries.

After Iranian revolution relations between the two countries started to deteriorate which led to United States attack on Iran in 1988, this attack was the largest naval operation by US since World War II, this attack led to a ceasefire later that year with Iraq. During Clinton’s term US imposed sanctions on Iran which ended trade between two countries which started after Iran-Iraq war

In 2002 relations between two countries further deteriorated due to “Axis of evil” speech by then president George Bush, describing Iran with North Korea and Iraq helping terrorists and developing weapons of mass destruction. In 2003 Iran claimed US has violated Iranian territory rules but US condemned these and alleged that Iran has a program to develop nuclear weapons, but Iran claimed that its nuclear program is aimed only at generating electricity.

In 2006 US government imposed sanctions on Iranian bank, barring it from doing any direct financial transactions with US financial institutions.

President Obama is trying to improve relations with Islamic world and during his inaugural speech he said:

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West — know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

This can be seen as a sign of improving relations between the two countries, recent official delegation of Hollywood actors to meet their Iranian counterparts. In what could be termed as the most important step in improving the relations between two countries US President Obama spoke directly to Iranian people saying "The United States wants the Islamic Republic of Iran to take its rightful place in the community of nations. You have that right - but it comes with real responsibilities"