Iran and the US: Engagement or Confrontation

Abstract

Since the Islamic Revolution ofIran in 1979, the US has adopted a policy of confrontation with Iran. Iran continues to appear yearly on the US State Department’s list of states sponsoring terrorism. Additionally, Iran has been accused of pursuing a program to develop weapons of mass destruction.

The US policymakers continue to pressure Iran, imposing a unilateral sanction. By studying the records of US – Iran relations, this paper argues that US policies regarding Iran have been counterproductive. It seems that establishing a cooperative framework on issues of mutual interests, especially on non-political ones will be productive.