| Abstract: | The relationship between Iran and the United States is one of the most enduring and consequential rivalries in contemporary international politics. Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, their bilateral dispute has evolved into a multidimensional confrontation encompassing nuclear diplomacy, economic sanctions, maritime security, proxy warfare, cyber operations, and competition for regional influence. The implications of this rivalry extend well beyond the Middle East, affecting global energy markets, strategic shipping routes, international financial stability, non‑proliferation regimes, and the broader calculations of major powers such as China, Russia, India, and the European Union. Recent episodes of military escalation have demonstrated how quickly local incidents in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz can generate worldwide economic and security turbulence through disrupted shipping, volatility in oil prices, and heightened geopolitical risk. Against this background, this paper examines the historical evolution of the Iran–U.S. conflict, identifies its principal strategic drivers, analyses its regional and global consequences, and evaluates plausible future scenarios. It argues that although deterrence and military power remain central to state behaviour, durable stability will depend far more on diplomatic engagement, confidence‑building measures, and sustained multilateral cooperation than on prolonged confrontation. |
| Keywords: | Iran, United States, Middle East, geopolitics, nuclear program, energy security, world economy, international relations, regional security |
