Iran–United States Relations | RBT Education

The relationship between Iran and the United States has seen significant shifts. Iran served as a key regional ally during the Cold War. The Iran hostage crisis and the nuclear program dispute continue to shape geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East. Initial interactions between Iran (Persia) and the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries were characterized by a degree of mutual trust. During World War II, Iran was occupied by Allied forces, including the US. The US initially supported the democratic government of Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh, who sought to nationalize Iran's oil industry.