The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel has prompted U.S. leaders to reassess Iran’s long history of targeting Americans, a situation dating back over four decades. Senator Tom Cotton emphasized this reality, labeling Iran’s actions as a “forever war” against the U.S., Israel, and other nations since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. This history includes direct and proxy attacks on U.S. forces, support for terrorist organizations, and assassination attempts on American citizens, collectively portraying Iran as a persistent adversary.
One of the most notable incidents that marked the beginning of Iran’s hostility was the 1979 U.S. Embassy hostage crisis. In this event, radical Islamic students seized the embassy in Tehran, leading to 444 days of captivity for American diplomats. Under the leadership of Ayatollah Khomeini, the Iranian regime rejected international calls for the hostages’ release, setting the tone for future U.S.-Iran relations and raising awareness of Iran’s willingness to confront the West forcibly. The impact of this crisis is still felt today as it established an antagonistic framework for U.S.-Iran interactions.
In the following years, Iran has been implicated in numerous attacks against American interests. Notably, in 1983, Iranian operatives were linked to bombings in Beirut that killed several Americans, including U.S. Marines. An acknowledgment from an Iranian official in 2023, asserting Iran’s role in these operations, further cements the country’s involvement in terror activities against the U.S. The series of violent engagements culminated in the Khobar Towers bombing in 1996, where a truck bomb claimed the lives of 19 U.S. servicemen. A U.S. court later held Iran accountable, making it evident that the Iranian regime was willing to carry out attacks on American soil and abroad.
Moreover, Iran’s influence extended to Iraq and Afghanistan, where it was directly responsible for the deaths of hundreds of U.S. service members due to its support for militant groups. A Pentagon report from 2019 attributed 603 U.S. fatalities in Iraq from 2003 to 2011 to Iranian-backed operations. Legal cases against Iran have been initiated by families of U.S. victims, showcasing the extensive impact of Iranian support for groups like the Taliban and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s involvement in proxy warfare against U.S. forces, thus painting a dire picture of the threat posed by Iran.
Iran’s aggression has not only manifested in large-scale attacks; it has also included attempts at retribution. After the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani in 2020, Iran struck U.S. military bases in Iraq, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to confront American military presence in the region. Additionally, there have been drone attacks targeting U.S. troops, highlighting the persistent threat from Iranian proxies across the Middle East. Experts suggest that Iran’s military strategy aims to limit U.S. influence while attempting to safeguard its nuclear ambitions.
The Iranian regime has also engaged in kidnappings and assassination plots against American citizens. The disappearance and eventual death of retired FBI agent Robert Levinson, along with the execution of Jamshid Sharmahd, exemplify the serious risks faced by individuals linked to U.S. interests. These tactics echo the longer history of U.S.-Iran relations marked by acts of aggression and tension, further complicating any potential resolutions. Recent actions, including a prisoner exchange deal in September 2023, reflect the ongoing interplay of diplomacy and hostility between the two nations.
In summary, the relationship between the U.S. and Iran is characterized by a long history of violence and animosity. From the hostage crisis of 1979 to the present-day threats against American lives and interests, Iran’s continued aggressions present a challenge for U.S. foreign policy. The systematic targeting of U.S. personnel, including bombings, legal battles over compensation for victims, and assassination attempts, demonstrates Iran’s relentless hostility. As the U.S. contemplates its future role in the conflict with Iran, the persistence of such actions necessitates a robust response to protect American lives and interests worldwide.
