For more than 40 years, the relationship between the United States and Iran has been defined by hostility, sanctions, proxy wars and the ever-present fear of nuclear escalation. But it was not always that way. In fact, America once backed the Shah of Iran, helped develop the country’s nuclear programme under its Atoms for Peace initiative and counted Tehran as one of its key Middle Eastern allies. Today on The Indo Daily Fionnán Sheahan speaks to Scott Lucas, Professor of US and International Politics at UCD’s Clinton Institute, to discuss the history of one of the world’s most fraught rivalries. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project.

Source: Irish Independent March 04, 2026 17:46 UTC