Iran

A brief history of Iran Before 1935 Iran was known as Persia. The discovery of oil in the early 20th Century generated international interest in the nation. The United States became increasingly interested in Iran following World War II, because of the oil reserves. A brief history of Iran

The overthrow of Iraninan Government In 1953 the United States and Britain helped plan and a coup to remove the Prime Minister, and bring back to power a pro-Western monarch, Shah (Ruler), back to power. The overthrow of Iraninan Government

Under the rule of the Shah Iran became a closer ally to the United States and received large amounts of military and economic aid from America through the late 1960's. With the help of American and British Defense programs, Iran became one of the Middle Easts strongest military powers. During this time of close ties with the United States, Iran became Westernized. Because of the Westernization the Islamic state clergy did not approve of the changes to the Iranian culture. Iran under the Shah

During the period of Westernization an exiled Spiritual leader Ayatollah Khomeini, led an opposition group against the Shah and his monarchy. Ayatollah Khomeini

In 1979 the opposition to the Shah grew and the Islamic revolution took control of Iran from the Monarchy. A Theocracy replaced the Monarchy, -The leader of the Theocracy was The supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini. Islamic Revolution

Anti-American Sentiment After the revolution the new Theocracy, did not forget about what that the United States and Britain had done to help install the shah as the leader of Iran. “America is the great Satin” Ayatollah Khomeini Anti-American Sentiment

On November 4, 1979 Iranian students and militants stormed the United States Embassy taking more than 50 people hostage. The hostages were held captive for 444 days. The Hostage Crisis

After the Hostage Crisis The Crisis strained relations between the United States and Iran even more, than they had been after the Islamic Revolution. The structure of Government in Iran has remained the same since the Islamic Revolution, and the Anti-American presence can be seen throughout the government. After the Hostage Crisis

Iran’s Nuclear Program In 1995, The United States suspended all trade with Iran over its announced nuclear ambitions and alleged support of terrorist groups. With the election of new President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2005, Iran’s Nuclear program was made a priority and was pushed to become fully operational.

In 2006, Iran announced it had successfully produced enriched uranium. The world reacted by calling for Iran to halt its nuclear plans. Iran continued on with their nuclear program, the world responded with more sanctions on Iran. The reason that the United States and other western countries are nervous about the nuclear program is that the construction of a nuclear plant for energy, will lead to the use of nuclear energy in the military.