There is a very strong sense of Iranian nationalism, in the same way that the Chinese have this Middle Kingdom thinking. That sense of Iran having its own dignity and pride is really built into the DNA. And that created resentments toward the United States that then again showed itself in 1979. Iran, with its rich oil resources, focal point of dispute with the British, is strategically important to democracy. And his father was restored to power by the United States.

Source: International New York Times March 17, 2026 00:39 UTC