Iran and the US: Current Situation and Future Prospects

Abstract

Iran-US relations have been poor since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. All efforts to improve the relations have been frustrated. A rapprochement seems highly unlikely, especially, due to the Iranian nuclear program. Tehran has rejected such accusations and emphasized that their nuclear program is intended for civilian purposes. This paper examines the main claims and counter claims between Iran and the US, especially over terrorism-related issues. It argues that the US should revise its foreign policy, from aggressive and arrogant tactics to a policy of engagement and face-to-face negotiations. This paper emphasizes that the continuations of hard line policies, such as sanctions and war, against Iran would be counterproductive and will throw the whole region in turmoil.