According to most historians, an understanding of historical perspectives is a crucial move that should be embraced to have a broader understanding of issues that happen in contemporary society. It is apparent that the United States had an influential impact on the development of key aspects of Iran. The relationship between the two nations started way back in the 19th century. According to findings from Ramazani, it is also noted that the American missionaries stayed in Iran earlier than the 19th century (Ramazani 8). World War II was the main platform that brought about extensive engagement between the United States and Iran. In the initial stages, the relationship was intact. However, the existence of the CIA punctured it in a way.
The coup that happened in 1953 made it possible to overthrow Mohammed Mossadegh, who was one of the influential leaders in the region. Another occurrence worth noting in the process was the Islamic Revolution, which was effected in 1979. The aftermath of the incident was the breach in the relationship at the stage when it had to mature. The two nations, which were once great friends, emerged as “Great Satan” as well as the “Axis of Evil.”
According to most analyses, the relationship is such a crucial move that made it possible for the nations to work on plans that made it possible to achieve scalability as well as growth in the development of policies (Ramazani 10). It is possible to compare the interaction between Iran and the United States with the one that occurred between the United States and Saudi Arabia. In most instances, it is apparent that the United States tend to serve their interest. In the case involving the Saudis, the focus was on the elimination of the ruling family, which the United States considered a threat to their success (Gray 8). The same applies to the case of Iran, in which the United States used all the existing approaches to handle Mohammad Reza, who was part of the ruling coalition during that time. The fact that Reza ruled for close to four decades made it necessary for the United States to implement moves that best served the interests of the population.
First, it is imperative to elaborate on the interest that the Americans developed towards the relationship with Iran. The fact that Iran had a strategic location as well as the Persian Gulf brought about the issues. Oil is also a component that brought about the interest depicted by the United States. The United States knew that the existing oil was demanded by various nations, and that could impact some development steps in the region. In the end, it is evident that Iran managed to grow wealthier (Gray 12). The United States developed a strategy to use in the process as well. Iran was the leading market for most products from the United States, including firearms, investments, technology, and industrial equipment.
That is not enough to justify the relationship. It is also imperative to have an understanding of the perception from the Iran side. The nation thought that the United States was one of the best protectors. Even though Russia and Britain were also evident in the region, it was imperative to settle in one nation to improve the relationships. Again, Iran thought that the United States was better placed to protect and build the Shah’s dreams, which had much impact on forming great powers in the region.
Works Cited
Gray, Sidney J. “Towards a theory of cultural influence on the development of accounting systems internationally.” Abacus24.1 (1988): 1-15.
Ramazani, Rouhollah K. “Ideology and pragmatism in Iran’s foreign policy.” The Middle East Journal 58.4 (2004): 1-11.
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