Introduction

Since the Iranian revolution of 1979, Iran has had some difficult relations with Western
countries, especially the United States. Iran has been under constant US unilateral sanctions,
which were tightened under the presidency of Bill Clinton.
Iran has had a civilian nuclear program since before the 1979 revolution. However, since the
revolution, there has been some worries that Iran could use this program to develop nuclear
weapons. These worries have been raised by the revelation, on August 2002, by Alireza
Jafarzadeh, a prominent associate of MKO, of the existence of two secret nuclear sites: a
uranium enrichment facility in Natanz (part of which is underground), and a heavy water
facility in Arak. There is however no proof at this stage that this program is not purely
civilian.
At the same time, Iran has been accused by the United States of supporting extremist Islamic
movements in the Middle East, and supplying militias in Iraq. Iran has also directed strong
rhetoric towards Israel, including questioning the legitimacy of its existence.
Because of these factors, tensions between some states and Iran have degenerated into what
some politicians, like Romano Prodi. Prime Minister of Italy or journalists call an
"international crisis", up the point where the United States and Israel have refused to exclude
the use of force to stop the Iranian nuclear program, although they have always stressed that
they consider the use of force as a last resort.

Brief History: Major Events

US had strong relations with high Iranian authorities (King and his Military), but a discontent
was spreading among the people of Iran against the West and its policies. As seen from the
events of oil nationalization to 1953 Coup d'tat. West policies were directed in their own
favour and interest of Iranian elite. West actions were just mere reflections of the realists
policies as following events depicts them.

When Iran nationalized AIOC, Britain froze Iran's sterling assets and banned export
of goods to Iran. Challenged the legality of nationalization in International Court of
Justice. But the court was ruled in the favour of Iran. Britain sanctions Irans oil in the
world.

American admiration under President Harry Truman was sympathetic to Irans policy
towards nationalization, but change in administration saw American changed their
stance in the favour of British. President Dwight D. Eisenhower was under the direct
impression that Mosaddeq was making probable a communist-inspired takeover.

The Cold War atmosphere and the fear of Soviet influence in Iran also shaped United
States thinking.

Dr. Mohammad Mosaddeq erudite, secular and committed to a democratic vision of Iran
was perusing the nationalist approach favouring Iran to become a strong on their and become
a more influential actor in world politics, as Iran a strong ally of America in cold war and
strong geographical location it enjoys, with the position of most powerful country in the oilrich Persian Gulf.
At the time British proposal for a joint Anglo-American operation code-named Operation
Ajax, to overthrow Mosaddeq. CIA with coordination of shah and the Iranian military staged
the first part of the plan. The plan initially seemed to have failed; the shah fled the country
and its supports in the upper house went into hiding. Insurgency erupted and riots between
pro-Shah and Mosaddeq forces began. However the tide turned as Mosaddeq forces were
defeated. Shah returned to the country, Mosaddeq was sentenced for overthrowing the
monarchy and Shah started his regime with the help of the West.
In the international politics framework, both the countries Iran and US were perusing
their nationalist interest, Iran was side line by Americans administration who in the view that

Mosaddeq was moving towards the communist block and they will be losing their strong ally.
After the event a strong discontent had emerged in the Iranian as they viewed that American
have challenged and disrespected their sovereignty. The west was now favouring the Shah as
he was complying with their policies of development and resources. Policies angered many
Iranian as in address to modernize the Iran, most internal policies were against the basic
Islamic Laws.
Shah after the period of political repression and overthrowing of Mosaddeq banned all
political activities in the country, strengthen his secret police SAVAK. Shah extended its
relations with US and Britain fearing Soviet influence and internal resistance. America aided
to rebuild the economy under the Shah regime. Iran was experiencing great economic growth.
Iran's top academic universities were all directly modelled on American institutions.
Mohammad Reza Shah was using his secret police, the Savak, to control the country, as he
violated all the human rights and formed his supreme dictatorship control of Iran.
During the Post 1953 period Shi'a clergy was opposing Shah to very extent. Frist wave came
during the Shah claimed white revolution a program of reforms to break up landholdings
(including those owned by religious foundations) and allow religious minorities to hold
government office , Later fuelled when Shah's repressive domestic policies and recognition
of Israel turn large segments of Iranian society against him ultimately alienates the powerful
Islamic clergy. Growing internal unrest forces the Shah to flee the country, while previously
exiled Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini assumes power and installs an Islamic Republic
The Iranian Revolution however, transformed Iran from a monarchy under Shah Mohammad
Reza, to an Islamic republic under Ayatollah Khomeini. During this revolution, supporters of
Khomeini invaded the embassy compound and took 52 American hostages. Khomeini
supported the hostage-taking not only out of his enmity for the ex-Shah but to advance the
cause of theocratic government. The American had to give in to many of the conditions put
forward Iranian leader while negotiating the return of these hostages. On April 7, 1980, the
United States broke diplomatic relations with Iran.