Iran and the United States have had a troubled relationship since the events of the Islamic Revolution in 1979, with the hostage crisis at the U.S. embassy in Tehran being a critical turning point. On November 4, 1979, following the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Islamist students seized the U.S. embassy and held 52 American diplomats and staff hostage for 444 days, demanding the extradition of the deposed Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. This drastic act led to a complete severance of diplomatic ties in April 1980, alongside the onset of a trade embargo against Iran.

The U.S. continued to impose economic sanctions on Iran throughout the decades, particularly highlighting Iran's support for terrorism, which President Bill Clinton labeled as part of an "axis of evil" in 1995. This resulted in a comprehensive economic embargo, and additional sanctions aimed at foreign companies investing in Iran's critical oil and gas sectors. The narrative of confrontation was deepened by both nations' subsequent leaders, with tensions and hostilities flaring in response to various geopolitical events and accusations.

Most recently, the relationship reached new lows during the Trump administration, which took aggressive measures against Iran, including withdrawing from the nuclear deal and intensifying sanctions, leading to further regional instability. The longstanding conflict and difficulty in forging agreements reflect not only a deeply ingrained mistrust but also the complex historical, political, and cultural contexts that continue to shape the dynamics between the two nations today.