Iran and United States Relations

Power, security and economy are the great determinants of the international relations that exist among different countries. Iran has for a long time predominantly been a challenge to the American interests. Iran’s political direction could go both ways. If the government decides to stand down on their nuclear program, then Iran represents itself is not only a peaceful but responsible actor. If Iran opts to oppose American diplomatic engagement, then they become a destabilizing power in the Persian Gulf and Middle East. Either way, Iran’s stand on nuclear programs presents a direct threat for the American interests.

International Relation Theories

According to Realism school of thought, national issues and security concerns overrides ideological, moral and social issues. This theory argues that humans are by nature self centered (Walt 31). The realists argue that states are by nature aggressive and always occupied with security issues. This is best portrayed by the strained relations between USA and Iran over the Iran nuclear program. (Walt 31). The states are the main actors in their international politics an indication that they have the freedom to choose whom to relate with. Iran is being seen as advancing its nuclear power and this is seen as a security threat by major world powers and has resulted in security dilemma in USA. Thus USA is left with no choice but to use pragmatic and broader based approaches to try and contain Iran nuclear advancements. This is why USA is lobbying UN controlled agency IAEA. However, this has strained the fragile relations between these two countries as Iran has accused IAEA of being used by USA to spread its propaganda.

Another international relations theory that aptly applies to this scena...

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