Iran and International Politics Since 1945: A Long-Lasting Struggle

Iran’s international relations since 1945 have been marked by persistent tensions with Western nations, particularly the United States, driven by historical hostilities, domestic upheavals, and nuclear ambitions. The 1953 coup against Prime Minister Mossadegh, orchestrated by the U.S. and UK, set a contentious precedent, while the 1979 Iranian Revolution and subsequent hostage crisis further fractured diplomatic ties. Iran’s nuclear program, initially supported by the U.S. and other nations under the Atoms for Peace initiative, became a focal point of global scrutiny, especially after Iran turned to black-market networks for technology in the 1980s. The assassination of Iranian scientists and the U.S. withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) under President Trump exacerbated distrust and instability. This article examines the interplay of historical events, nuclear diplomacy, and geopolitical strategies, highlighting how Iran’s past continues to shape its contentious role in contemporary international politics. The analysis underscores the enduring challenges of achieving reconciliation and stability in Iran’s relations with the West.