Iran and the Axis of Evil
In the early 20th century, the Anglo-Persian Oil Company (APOC), later known as British Petroleum (BP), played a pivotal role in Iran’s oil industry. The control exercised by foreign entities over Iran’s resources fueled dissatisfaction, setting the stage for a series of events that would significantly shape the nation’s trajectory.
In 1951, Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh’s decision to nationalize Iran’s oil industry marked a bold move to regain control from foreign companies. However, this move was met with resistance from Western powers, leading to the CIA-backed coup in 1953 – Operation Ajax. The operation ousted Mossadegh and reinstated Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah, handing back control over Irans oil to foreign interests and solidifying U.S. and UK influence in the country.
The year 1979 witnessed a seismic shift with the Islamic Revolution, toppling the Shah and establishing an Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. The subsequent hostage crisis at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran strained relations between the two nations. In the 1980s, Iran found itself embroiled in the Iran-Iraq War, a conflict that lasted eight years and reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the region.
The late 20th century also witnessed the tragic downing of Iran Air Flight 655 by the USS Vincennes in 1988 where 290 civilians lost their lives, an event that further strained U.S.-Iran relations. In 1991, the end of the Cold War prompted a reevaluation of international relationships, with President George H.W. Bush seeking improved ties with Iran. However, the historical context, including the legacy of the 1953 coup, remained a factor and subsequent decades saw fluctuations in relations, including the labeling of Iran as part of the “Axis of Evil” by President George W. Bush in 2002.
The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) aimed to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of sanctions. However, the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018, followed by the reinstatement of sanctions, marked a new phase of tensions. In the 2020s, Iran’s nuclear activities resumed, citing violations by other parties and the need to respond to external pressures.
Iran’s pursuit of nuclear capabilities is deeply rooted in historical experiences and regional security considerations. The country sees nuclear weapons as a deterrent against external aggression, particularly in light of historical interventions and regime changes in the region. The existence of Israel’s nuclear arsenal and the fate of Muammar Qaddafi, who abandoned their nuclear program and faced dire consequences, further shape Iran’s approach to nuclear deterrence in a volatile geopolitical landscape.
