Stuck on a hostile path? US policy towards Iran since the revolution

Since Iran’s revolution in 1979, relations between Washington and Tehran have been invariably fraught. The Trump presidency saw escalating tensions which the Biden administration has sought to moderate with uncertain results. This article locates contemporary events within a broader analysis of US policy towards Iran, for over four decades oscillated attempted rapprochement hostility short-of-war. Seeking explain fluctuation failures policy, it shows how two intersecting logics shaped constrained decision-making environment – path dependent at international level, cyclical domestic level. Going beyond accounts treat constraints an ad hoc manner, explores electoral cycle systematically shapes decision-makers’ ability respond geopolitical conditions. Shedding light on debates, concludes that any lasting departure from default posture will require favourable alignment conditions both levels.