Introduction Few bilateral relationships in international politics have been as complex, volatile, and consequential as that between the United States and Iran. Spanning decades of strategic alliances, ideological shifts, covert operations, and outright confrontations, the Iran-American relationship has played a critical role in shaping Middle Eastern geopolitics. As the world witnesses a new round of military escalations and diplomatic breakdowns unfold, understanding the past is crucial to making sense of the present and envisioning a path forward. The Roots: A Partnership Turned Sour 1953 Coup and the Shah's Era The relationship between the U.S. and Iran began on a relatively strong footing. In the early 20th century, Iran was a key oil-producing state, and Western powers, particularly Britain, had significant influence. The turning point came in 1953 when the U.S. CIA and British intelligence orchestrated a coup to overthrow Iran's democratically elected Prime Minister M...
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