Synopsis of US and Iran relationship

Iran and the United States

•    Historical Tension: The relationship between Iran and the U.S. has been marked by tension since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which resulted in the overthrow of the pro-U.S. Shah and the establishment of the Islamic Republic. The U.S. subsequently imposed economic sanctions on Iran.

•    Nuclear Deal: In 2015, Iran and six world powers, including the U.S., reached the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), aimed at limiting Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the U.S. withdrawal from the agreement in 2018 led to increased tensions and further sanctions.

•    Regional Influence: The U.S. views Iran's regional activities, including its support for proxy groups in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, as destabilizing. This has led to ongoing confrontations and a complex security environment.
Saudi Arabia and Iran

•    Rivalry: The relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran is characterized by a longstanding rivalry, often framed along sectarian lines (Sunni vs. Shia). Both countries seek to expand their influence in the region, leading to proxy conflicts in places like Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon.

•    Regional Dynamics: Their rivalry has contributed to regional instability, with each country supporting opposing factions in various conflicts. Saudi Arabia views Iran's actions, particularly its nuclear ambitions and support for militant groups, as threats to its security.

•    Recent Developments: In recent years, there have been attempts at dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Iran to de-escalate tensions, particularly in the context of broader regional dynamics and changing international relationships. Sa**Iran and the United States**

• **Historical Tension:** The relationship between Iran and the U.S. has been fraught with challenges since the 1979 Iranian Revolution. This significant event led to the overthrow of the pro-U.S. Shah and the establishment of the Islamic Republic, a change that was deeply felt by both nations. In response, the U.S. imposed economic sanctions on Iran, creating a rift that has had lasting consequences.

• **Nuclear Deal:** In 2015, there was a moment of hope when Iran and six world powers, including the U.S., came together to reach the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). This agreement aimed to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for relief from sanctions, reflecting a desire for cooperation and understanding. However, the U.S. withdrawal from the agreement in 2018 intensified tensions and led to the re-imposition of sanctions, leaving many to wonder about the future of diplomatic relations.

• **Regional Influence:** The U.S. perceives Iran's regional activities—such as its support for proxy groups in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen—as destabilizing. This perspective has contributed to ongoing confrontations and has created a complex security environment that affects not just Iran and the U.S., but the entire region.

**Saudi Arabia and Iran**

• **Rivalry:** The relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran is marked by a long-standing rivalry, often viewed through the lens of sectarian differences (Sunni vs. Shia). This rivalry reflects the deeper historical and cultural contexts of both nations, as they strive to expand their influence in the region. Unfortunately, this pursuit has led to proxy conflicts in areas like Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon, causing further suffering for the people involved.

• **Regional Dynamics:** The competition between Saudi Arabia and Iran has contributed to regional instability, with each nation supporting opposing factions in various conflicts. Saudi Arabia is particularly concerned about Iran's nuclear ambitions and its support for militant groups, which has heightened anxieties in the region. However, there is a glimmer of hope as both countries have expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue to de-escalate tensions. This effort is especially important in light of the evolving regional dynamics and changing international relationships. Saudi Arabia has also taken a significant step by agreeing that its airspace will not be used for attacks against Iran by Israel and its allies, indicating a desire for peace and stability.