How does the United States handle relations with Iran?

The relationship between the United States and Iran has been a tumultuous one, characterized by decades of tension, mistrust, and conflict. The two nations have a complicated history, marked by incidents such as the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the Iran Hostage Crisis, and the 1988 downing of an Iranian passenger plane by the US Navy.

In recent years, the primary issue at the center of US-Iran relations has been Iran's nuclear program. In 2015, the United States, along with other major world powers, reached a historic agreement with Iran known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which aimed to limit Iran's nuclear capabilities in exchange for sanctions relief. However, in 2018, the US unilaterally withdrew from the deal and reimposed harsh economic sanctions on Iran, leading to renewed tensions between the two countries.

The Biden administration has expressed a desire to re-engage with Iran and potentially revive the JCPOA, but this process has been complicated by ongoing disagreements and Iran's reluctance to negotiate while sanctions remain in place. The recent election of a hardline president in Iran has also raised questions about the future of US-Iran relations and the possibility of renewed conflict.