Iran–United States relations after 1979#History of proxy warfare

{{main|Tanker War}}

{{main|Iraqi insurgency (2003–2011)}}

On 27 December 2019, Iran, Russia, and China began a four-day naval exercise in the Gulf of Oman.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/27/asia/china-russia-iran-military-drills-intl-hnk/index.html|title=China, Russia and Iran hold joint naval drills in Gulf of Oman|first1=Ben|last1=Westcott|first2=Hamdi|last2=Alkhshali|website=CNN|access-date=10 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200108223707/https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/27/asia/china-russia-iran-military-drills-intl-hnk/index.html|archive-date=8 January 2020|url-status=live}} According to Iranian sources, the exercise was a response to U.S.–Saudi regional maneuvers and was meant to demonstrate that Iran was not isolated.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-military-russia-china-idUSKBN1YV0IB|title=Russia, China, Iran start joint naval drills in Indian Ocean|date=2019-12-27|work=Reuters|access-date=2020-01-12|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112205439/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-military-russia-china-idUSKBN1YV0IB|archive-date=12 January 2020|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/d4837be91b07721428230a5addc00a9d|title=Report: Iran kicks off joint naval drills with Russia, China|date=2019-12-27|website=AP NEWS|access-date=2020-01-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112205442/https://apnews.com/d4837be91b07721428230a5addc00a9d|archive-date=12 January 2020|url-status=live}} In contrast, the spokesman of the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, Senior Colonel Wu Qian claimed the exercise was a normal military exchange unconnected to the international tensions. The same day, K-1 Air Base in Iraq's Kirkuk Governorate was attacked with Katyusha rockets, injuring several Iraqi Security Forces personnel, four U.S. soldiers, and killing a U.S. civilian military contractor.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/27/us/politics/american-rocket-attack-iraq.html|title=American Contractor Killed in Rocket Attack in Iraq|last=Barnes|first=Julian E.|date=2019-12-27|work=The New York Times|access-date=2020-01-12|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112191832/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/27/us/politics/american-rocket-attack-iraq.html|archive-date=12 January 2020|url-status=live}} U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemned the attacks, blaming Iranian-backed Shi'ite Muslim militias, particularly on Kata'ib Hezbollah.{{Cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/us-civilian-contractor-killed-troops-injured-rocket-attack/story?id=67949811|title=US civilian contractor killed, several troops injured in rocket attack on Iraqi military base|website=ABC News|language=en|access-date=2020-01-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111040826/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/us-civilian-contractor-killed-troops-injured-rocket-attack/story?id=67949811|archive-date=11 January 2020|url-status=live}}

On 29 December, U.S. airstrikes targeted Kata'ib Hizbollah facilities in Iraq and Syria killing 25 militants and injuring at least 55 others. The Department of Defense said the operation was in retaliation for repeated attacks on Iraqi military bases hosting Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) coalition forces, particularly the K-1 Air Base attack. About 5,000 U.S. troops were present in Iraq to deal with Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant remnants and to assist the Iraqi military.{{cite web|url=https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2047960/statement-from-assistant-to-the-secretary-of-defense-jonathan-hoffman/|title=Statement From Assistant to the Secretary of Defense Jonathan Hoffman|website=U.S. Department of Defense|access-date=3 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231225556/https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2047960/statement-from-assistant-to-the-secretary-of-defense-jonathan-hoffman/|archive-date=31 December 2019|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/defense-secretary-says-iran-and-its-proxies-may-be-planning-fresh-attacks-on-us-personnel-in-iraq/2020/01/02/53b63f00-2d89-11ea-bcb3-ac6482c4a92f_story.html|title=In major escalation, American strike kills top Iranian commander in Baghdad|last1=Salim|first1=Mustafa|date=3 January 2020|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=3 January 2020|url-status=live|last2=Ryan|first2=Missy|department=National Security|last3=Sly|first3=Liz|last4=Hudson|first4=John|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103000442/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/defense-secretary-says-iran-and-its-proxies-may-be-planning-fresh-attacks-on-us-personnel-in-iraq/2020/01/02/53b63f00-2d89-11ea-bcb3-ac6482c4a92f_story.html|archive-date=3 January 2020}} Kata'ib Hezbollah denied responsibility for the attacks.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/30/world/middleeast/iraq-airstrikes-us-iran-militias.html|title=American Airstrikes Rally Iraqis Against U.S.|first1=Alissa J.|last1=Rubin|first2=Ben|last2=Hubbard|date=30 December 2019|access-date=3 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101214538/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/30/world/middleeast/iraq-airstrikes-us-iran-militias.html|archive-date=1 January 2020|url-status=live|newspaper=The New York Times}}

On 31 December, after a funeral was held for the Kata'ib Hezbollah militiamen that were killed by the prior U.S. airstrikes, an angry mob of dozens of Iraqi Shiite militiamen and their supporters marched through the perimeters of Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone, marched down Kindi Street,{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2020/01/02/us-embassy-baghdad-attack-damage-fort-bragg-deployment/2793781001/|title=Photos reveal extensive damage to US Embassy in Baghdad as American soldiers rush to region|date=2 January 2020|access-date=4 January 2019|work=USA Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102144713/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2020/01/02/us-embassy-baghdad-attack-damage-fort-bragg-deployment/2793781001/|archive-date=2 January 2020|url-status=live}} and surrounded an entrance to the U.S. embassy compound. According to the Associated Press, Iraqi security forces did not attempt to stop the mob and permitted them to pass a security checkpoint. The mob began taunting American forces. An additional 100 U.S. Marines were sent to reinforce the embassy. As the fire broke out, an AP reporter on the scene observed at least half a dozen U.S. Marine Security Guardsmen and Diplomatic Security Service personnel{{citation needed|date=January 2020}} on the roof of the main embassy building with their guns trained on the intruders, many of whom were wearing militia uniforms; the intruders stopped in a corridor after about 5 meters (16 feet), and were about 200 meters away from the main embassy building. There were also reports of tear gas being deployed to disperse the intruders as at least three protesters appeared to have difficulties breathing.

By early evening, the mob, which at one point numbered in several hundreds, had largely retreated and protesters had set up tents outside the embassy in an attempted sit-in. Kata'ib Hezbollah spokesman Jaafar al-Husseini claimed the protestors had no intention of storming the embassy and that the sit-in was to continue "until American troops leave Iraq and the embassy is closed."{{Cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/12/protesters-embassy-baghdad-gear-sit-191231130210231.html|title=Protesters at US embassy in Baghdad gear up for sit-in|website=www.aljazeera.com|access-date=1 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101045739/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/12/protesters-embassy-baghdad-gear-sit-191231130210231.html|archive-date=1 January 2020|url-status=live}}

Senator Lindsey Graham indicated Trump had discussed the matter of a potential attack against Qasem Soleimani with him in advance, as he was visiting the president at his Mar-a-Lago estate.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/03/us/politics/iran-news.html |title=Congressional Leaders Call for Details After U.S. Airstrike on Suleimani |last=Edmondson |first=Catie |date=3 January 2020 |work=The New York Times |access-date=6 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104200750/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/03/us/politics/iran-news.html |archive-date=4 January 2020 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/pelosi-demands-briefing-us-iran-strike-graham-trump/story?id=68049245 |title=Pelosi demands briefing on US–Iran strike, Graham says he was informed beforehand |work=ABC News |access-date=6 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200105223254/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/pelosi-demands-briefing-us-iran-strike-graham-trump/story?id=68049245 |archive-date=5 January 2020 |url-status=live}} According to journalist Bob Woodward, four days before the strike, Graham tried to change Trump's mind as they discussed the decision while playing golf.Julian Borger [https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/10/donald-trump-bob-woodward-iran-qassem-suleimani-golf Woodward tells how allies tried to rein in 'childish' Trump's foreign policy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200911194300/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/10/donald-trump-bob-woodward-iran-qassem-suleimani-golf |date=11 September 2020 }} The Guardian 11 September 2020

On 1 January 2020, the protests flared up again as demonstrators started a fire on the roof of the reception area, reportedly prompting U.S. Marines to fire tear gas at the crowd, without any significant injuries to the protesters or guards.{{Cite news|url=https://apnews.com/711ba27d6c4043ce4070eef102c17e53|title=Militiamen withdraw from US Embassy but Iraq tensions linger|website=AP News|access-date=2020-01-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101225142/https://apnews.com/711ba27d6c4043ce4070eef102c17e53|archive-date=1 January 2020|url-status=live}} Iraqi soldiers, federal police, and counterterrorism units lined up between the protesters and the compound. No further clashes occurred as Popular Mobilization Forces militia leaders called on demonstrators to take down the tents and withdraw. Militia supporters considered the attack on the embassy a victory against the U.S. and that their message had been sent, with one supporter proclaiming "We rubbed America's nose in the dirt."

On 2 January, U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said "the game has changed" and stated that the U.S. would preemptively strike Iranian-backed paramilitary groups in Iraq if there were indications they were preparing to attack U.S. forces, while also urging the Iraqi government to resist Iranian influence. U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley emphasized that any group that attempted to overrun the Baghdad embassy will "run into a buzzsaw."{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/02/world/middleeast/iraq-embassy-attack.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200102212548/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/02/world/middleeast/iraq-embassy-attack.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 January 2020|title=After Embassy Attack, U.S. Is Prepared to Pre-emptively Strike Militias in Iraq|work=The New York Times|date=2 January 2020}}

Early on 3 January, Qasem Soleimani arrived at Baghdad International Airport via Cham Wings Airlines. Soleimani departed from the airport alongside Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. As their convoy was leaving the airport, an American MQ-9 Reaper loitering above struck the convoy, killing Soleimani, al-Muhandis, and 8 others. The strike had been ordered directly by American President Donald Trump,{{cite news |title=Top Iranian Commander Killed in U.S. Airstrike on Trump Orders |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/amp/news/articles/2020-01-03/top-iranian-commander-is-killed-in-u-s-airstrike-in-baghdad |access-date=3 January 2020 |work=Bloomberg |date=3 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103071642/https://www.bloomberg.com/amp/news/articles/2020-01-03/top-iranian-commander-is-killed-in-u-s-airstrike-in-baghdad |archive-date=3 January 2020 |url-status=live}} and had come hours after U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper announced that the U.S. would strike if attacks were to be hinted at.{{cite web |url=https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2020/01/pentagon-officials-reportedly-stunned-trump-kill-soleimani.html |title=Pentagon Officials Reportedly "Stunned" by Trump's Decision to Kill Soleimani |first=Daniel |last=Politi |date=5 January 2020 |work=Slate Magazine |access-date=7 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200106233309/https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2020/01/pentagon-officials-reportedly-stunned-trump-kill-soleimani.html |archive-date=6 January 2020 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/ct-nw-nyt-trump-decision-to-kill-soleimani-20200105-we7fksvu25farhbbb2wkwv3zfm-story.html |title=As tensions with Iran escalated, Trump opted for an extreme measure. Pentagon officials were stunned |first1=Helene |last1=Cooper |first2=Eric |last2=Schmitt |first3=Maggie |last3=Haberman |first4=Mukmini |last4=Callimachi |newspaper=The New York Times via The Chicago Tribune |date=4 January 2020 |access-date=7 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200106063343/https://www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/ct-nw-nyt-trump-decision-to-kill-soleimani-20200105-we7fksvu25farhbbb2wkwv3zfm-story.html |archive-date=6 January 2020 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://theweek.com/speedreads/887689/pompeo-pence-reportedly-pushed-trump-kill-soleimani-pentagon-leaders-stunned-trump-agreed |title=Pompeo and Pence reportedly pushed Trump to kill Soleimani. Pentagon leaders were 'stunned' Trump agreed |work=The Week |date=6 January 2020 |access-date=7 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107001210/https://theweek.com/speedreads/887689/pompeo-pence-reportedly-pushed-trump-kill-soleimani-pentagon-leaders-stunned-trump-agreed |archive-date=7 January 2020 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/how-trump-decided-to-kill-a-top-iranian-general/2020/01/03/77ce3cc4-2e62-11ea-bcd4-24597950008f_story.html |title=How Trump decided to kill a top Iranian general |newspaper=Washington Post |first1=Missy |last1=Ryan |first2=Josh |last2=Dawsey |first3=Dan |last3=Lamothe |first4=John |last4=Hudson |date=3 January 2020 |access-date=7 January 2020 |quote=Why Trump chose this moment to explore an operation against the leader of Iran's Quds Force, after tolerating Iranian aggression in the Persian Gulf for months, was a matter of debate within his own administration. Officials gave differing and incomplete accounts of the intelligence they said prompted Trump to act. Some said they were stunned by his decision, which could lead to war with one of America's oldest adversaries in the Middle East. "It was tremendously bold and even surprised many of us," said a senior administration official with knowledge of high-level discussions among Trump and his advisers, who like others spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200106175924/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/how-trump-decided-to-kill-a-top-iranian-general/2020/01/03/77ce3cc4-2e62-11ea-bcd4-24597950008f_story.html |archive-date=6 January 2020 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/02/world/middleeast/qassem-soleimani-iraq-iran-attack.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103022034/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/02/world/middleeast/qassem-soleimani-iraq-iran-attack.html |date=3 January 2020 |archive-date=3 January 2020|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. Strike in Iraq Kills Qassim Suleimani, Commander of Iranian Forces |quote=Suleimani was planning attacks on Americans across the region, leading to an airstrike in Baghdad, the Pentagon statement said. Iran's supreme leader called for vengeance. |first1=Michael |last1=Crowley |first2=Falih |last2=Hassan |first3=Eric |last3=Schmitt}} Shortly after the assassination, Trump deployed an additional 3,000 troops to the Middle East, in addition to 14,000 already stationed there since May the previous year.{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2020/01/03/qasem-soleimani-killing-us-send-more-soldiers-middle-east/2805493001/|title=US to send 3,000 more soldiers to the Middle East in the wake of Qasem Soleimani killing|last1=Wu|first1=Nicholas|date=3 January 2020|work=USA Today|access-date=3 January 2020|url-status=live|last2=Brook|first2=Tom Vanden|department=World|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103193328/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2020/01/03/qasem-soleimani-killing-us-send-more-soldiers-middle-east/2805493001/|archive-date=3 January 2020}} President Trump defended the move, claiming in an interview with The Ingraham Angle on the Fox News Channel that Soleimani was planning further attacks against four U.S. Embassies across the Middle East.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/iran-news-mike-pompeo-attack-qassem-soleimani-imminent-dont-know-when-where-today-2020-01-10-live-updates/|title=Trump says four U.S. embassies were targeted in attack planned by Qassem Soleimani|website=www.cbsnews.com|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110231631/https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/iran-news-mike-pompeo-attack-qassem-soleimani-imminent-dont-know-when-where-today-2020-01-10-live-updates/|archive-date=10 January 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-tells-laura-ingraham-four-embassies-were-targeted-in-imminent-threat-from-iran|title=Trump tells Fox News' Laura Ingraham 'four embassies' were targeted in imminent threat from Iran|last=Pappas|first=Alex|date=2020-01-10|website=Fox News|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111122116/https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-tells-laura-ingraham-four-embassies-were-targeted-in-imminent-threat-from-iran|archive-date=11 January 2020|url-status=live}} This was later challenged by U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper in interviews on Face the Nation on CBS and State of the Union on CNN, who claimed that President Trump was not embellishing that there was an Iranian threat but that he had seen no evidence that U.S. embassies were to be targeted.{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/5a168a5d8f560e928f3924f7af10f1d8|title=Esper has seen no hard evidence for embassies' threat claim|date=2020-01-12|website=AP NEWS|access-date=2020-01-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112203122/https://apnews.com/5a168a5d8f560e928f3924f7af10f1d8|archive-date=12 January 2020|url-status=live}}

On the same day of the Baghdad airport strike, an IRGC financier and key commander, Abdulreza Shahlai,{{efn|The United States Department of State's Rewards for Justice Program offers up to 15 million USD in rewards for financial background information about the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its branches, including information related to Abdul Reza Shahlai.{{Cite web |url=https://rewardsforjustice.net/english/irgc.html |title=Act of Terror: Information on Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps |website=Rewards for Justice |access-date=14 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221154803/https://rewardsforjustice.net/english/irgc.html |archive-date=21 December 2019 |url-status=live}}}} was unsuccessfully targeted by U.S. drones in Yemen,{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/on-the-day-us-forces-killed-soleimani-they-launched-another-secret-operation-targeting-a-senior-iranian-official-in-yemen/2020/01/10/60f86dbc-3245-11ea-898f-eb846b7e9feb_story.html |title=On the day U.S. forces killed Soleimani, they targeted a senior Iranian official in Yemen |date=10 January 2020 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=11 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111032100/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/on-the-day-us-forces-killed-soleimani-they-launched-another-secret-operation-targeting-a-senior-iranian-official-in-yemen/2020/01/10/60f86dbc-3245-11ea-898f-eb846b7e9feb_story.html |archive-date=11 January 2020 |url-status=live}} which killed Mohammad Mirza, a Quds Force operative, instead.{{Cite web |url=https://theintercept.com/2020/01/10/us-strike-abdul-reza-shahlai-yemen/ |title=U.S. Strike on Iranian Commander in Yemen the Night of Suleimani's Assassination Killed the Wrong Man |date=10 January 2020 |website=The Intercept |access-date=11 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111032747/https://theintercept.com/2020/01/10/us-strike-abdul-reza-shahlai-yemen/ |archive-date=11 January 2020 |url-status=live}} Shahlai was also responsible for the killing of five American soldiers in Karbala, Iraq on 20 January 2007.{{Cite web |url=https://www.militarytimes.com/flashpoints/2019/12/05/us-offering-15-million-bounty-for-info-on-iranian-who-planned-2007-karbala-attack-that-killed-5-us-troops/ |title=US offering $15 million for info on Iranian planner of 2007 Karbala attack that killed 5 US troops |date=5 December 2019 |website=Military Times |access-date=11 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210052546/https://www.militarytimes.com/flashpoints/2019/12/05/us-offering-15-million-bounty-for-info-on-iranian-who-planned-2007-karbala-attack-that-killed-5-us-troops/ |archive-date=10 December 2019 |url-status=live}}

According to a Washington Post investigation, the unsuccessful operation might indicate a broader operation than previously explained, raising questions about whether the mission was designed to cripple the leadership of the IRGC or solely to prevent an imminent attack on Americans as originally stated.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/on-the-day-us-forces-killed-soleimani-they-launched-another-secret-operation-targeting-a-senior-iranian-official-in-yemen/2020/01/10/60f86dbc-3245-11ea-898f-eb846b7e9feb_story.html |title=On the day U.S. forces killed Soleimani, they targeted a senior Iranian official in Yemen |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=10 January 2020 |access-date=27 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111032100/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/on-the-day-us-forces-killed-soleimani-they-launched-another-secret-operation-targeting-a-senior-iranian-official-in-yemen/2020/01/10/60f86dbc-3245-11ea-898f-eb846b7e9feb_story.html |archive-date=11 January 2020 |url-status=live}}

Amid fears of a direct confrontation between the two nations, Trump warned Iran on 4{{nbsp}}January against attacking U.S. assets or any Americans in the region. He threatened that in the event of an Iranian attack, the U.S. would target 52 Iranian sites, including cultural sites, which represented the 52 hostages taken by Iran in 1979, and would strike "very fast and very hard".{{cite web|url=https://hamodia.com/2020/01/04/trump-says-u-s-hit-52-iranian-sites-american-targets-attacked/|title=Trump Says U.S. Would Hit 52 Iranian Sites if American Targets Attacked|access-date=4 January 2020|website=Hamodia|archive-date=17 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217172513/https://hamodia.com/2020/01/04/trump-says-u-s-hit-52-iranian-sites-american-targets-attacked/|url-status=dead}} The White House officially notified the U.S. Congress about the killing of Qassem Soleimani, in accordance with the 1973 War Powers Resolution, a day after the assassination had occurred.{{cite web |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/476795-white-house-formally-notifies-congress-of-soleimani-strike |title=White House sends Congress formal notification of Soleimani strike |first=Rachel |last=Frazin |work=The Hill |date=4 January 2020 |access-date=7 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107015204/https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/476795-white-house-formally-notifies-congress-of-soleimani-strike |archive-date=7 January 2020 |url-status=live}} Meanwhile, thousands of people in cities across the U.S. participated in antiwar demonstrations against a new conflict in the Middle East.[https://edition.cnn.com/2020/01/04/us/iran-protests-roundup-trnd/index.html Activists across the US and the world protest a possible war with Iran] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200105220024/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/01/04/us/iran-protests-roundup-trnd/index.html |date=5 January 2020}} By Ryan Prior and Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN, 4{{nbsp}}January 2020 [https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/01/04/iraq-iran-tensions-protests-condemn-u-s-actions-middle-east/2807176001/ Outraged Americans condemn US actions in Iraq and Iran: 'Enough with this nonsense'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200105170310/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/01/04/iraq-iran-tensions-protests-condemn-u-s-actions-middle-east/2807176001/ |date=5 January 2020}} Grace Hauck & Chris Woodyard, USA Today, 4{{nbsp}}January 2020 On the same day, the UK sent two warships, HMS Kent and HMS Defender, to the Persian Gulf to protect their ships and citizens. The Royal Navy was deployed to accompany British-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz.{{cite web|url=https://moosegazette.net/britain-sends-warships-to-persian-gulf-to-protect-citizens-amid-iran-crisis/227478/|title=Britain sends warships to Persian Gulf to 'protect citizens' amid Iran crisis|access-date=4 January 2020|website=Moose Gazette}}{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

On 4 January, Iraqi state news reported that there had been another airstrike on a convoy of medical units of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces near Camp Taji in Taji, north of Baghdad. An Iraqi Army source told Reuters the attack killed six people and critically wounded three.{{Cite news |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2020-01-03/us-air-strike-targets-iraqi-militia-north-of-baghdad-state-tv |title=U.S. Air Strike Targets Iraqi Militia North of Baghdad: State TV |date=3 January 2019 |work=U.S. News & World Report |access-date=5 January 2020 |agency=Reuters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104172556/https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2020-01-03/us-air-strike-targets-iraqi-militia-north-of-baghdad-state-tv |archive-date=4 January 2020 |url-status=live}} The PMF later said there was no senior commander in the convoy, and the Imam Ali Brigades denied reports of the death of its leader.{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-security-blast-taji-idUSKBN1Z229P |title=Air strikes targeting Iraqi militia kill six: army source |date=4 January 2020 |work=Reuters |access-date=4 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103233735/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-security-blast-taji-idUSKBN1Z229P |archive-date=3 January 2020 |url-status=live}} The PMF also denied that any medical convoy was targeted at Taji.{{Cite news |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/air-raid-targets-hashd-commander-iraq-state-tv-200103233605393.html |title=Iraq, US-led coalition, deny new air strike near Baghdad |access-date=4 January 2020 |publisher=Al Jazeera |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104013003/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/air-raid-targets-hashd-commander-iraq-state-tv-200103233605393.html |archive-date=4 January 2020 |url-status=live}} There was no information about who conducted the attack. Spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve Colonel Myles B. Caggins III said the coalition did not do it, while Iraq's Joint Operations Command denied reports of any such attack occurring, saying it was simply a false rumor that spread quickly due to the prior airport strike.{{Cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/03/middleeast/airstrike-iran-backed-forces-iraq/index.html |title=Coalition denies report that airstrike hit Iran-backed paramilitary forces in Iraq |last=Alkhshali |first=Hamdi |date=4 January 2020 |access-date=4 January 2020 |publisher=CNN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104022211/https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/03/middleeast/airstrike-iran-backed-forces-iraq/index.html |archive-date=4 January 2020 |url-status=live}}

On 5 January, Iran announced that it would not continue to abide by the limitations mentioned in the 2015 nuclear deal. An Iranian government statement on state television said "If the sanctions are lifted ... the Islamic Republic is ready to return to its obligations."{{cite web|url=https://www.limaohio.com/news/390868/iran-abandons-nuclear-limits-after-us-killing|title=Iran abandons nuclear limits after US killing|access-date=5 January 2020|website=The Lima News|archive-date=17 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217172451/https://www.limaohio.com/news/390868/iran-abandons-nuclear-limits-after-us-killing|url-status=dead}} Iran also demanded the Iraqi parliament to get rid of the American presence in their country. The Iraqi parliament passed a resolution to expel all foreign, particularly U.S., troops from Iraqi territory through a vote boycotted by Sunni and Kurdish representatives.{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/5759101/iraqi-parliament-vote-for-us-withdrawal/|title=Iraqis Push for U.S. Troop Withdrawal in Symbolic Vote|magazine=Time|language=en|access-date=2020-01-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200106234146/https://time.com/5759101/iraqi-parliament-vote-for-us-withdrawal/|archive-date=6 January 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/iraq-parliament-expulsion-us-troops-drone-attack |title=Iraq's Parliament calls for expulsion of US troops from the country following drone attack |first=Stephen |last=Sorace |work=Fox News |date=5 January 2020 |access-date=7 January 2020 |archive-date=7 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107005932/https://www.foxnews.com/world/iraq-parliament-expulsion-us-troops-drone-attack |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://thehill.com/policy/international/476818-iraqs-parliament-votes-to-expel-us-military |title=Iraq's parliament votes to expel US military |first1=Regina |last1=Zilbermints |first2=Justine |last2=Coleman |work=The Hill |date=5 January 2020 |access-date=7 January 2020 |archive-date=5 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200105220822/https://thehill.com/policy/international/476818-iraqs-parliament-votes-to-expel-us-military |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50998065 |title=Qasem Soleimani: Iraqi MPs back call to expel US troops |work=BBC News |date=5 January 2020 |access-date=7 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107010511/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50998065 |archive-date=7 January 2020 |url-status=live}} The media initially reported that the U.S. would comply with the resolution after a draft letter from Brigadier General William H. Seely III addressed to the Iraqi Defense Ministry emerged claiming as such, but Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper soon clarified that the letter had been sent in error and the U.S. Armed Forces would not withdraw from Iraq.{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2020/01/07/mark-esper-american-troops-iraq-095626|title=Defense secretary insists U.S. isn't withdrawing from Iraq after PM calls for timetable|last=Morgan|first=Wesley|website=POLITICO|language=en|access-date=2020-01-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111001440/https://www.politico.com/news/2020/01/07/mark-esper-american-troops-iraq-095626|archive-date=11 January 2020|url-status=live}} In response to the Iraqi parliament situation, Trump threatened to impose sanctions on Iraq "like they've never seen before".{{cite web|url=https://truenewssource.com/2020/01/07/geopolitical-cost-of-soleimanis-assassination/|title=Geopolitical Cost of Soleimani's Assassination|access-date=7 January 2020|website=True News Source|date=7 January 2020}}{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Al-Manar reported that "in an extraordinary session on Sunday (5 January), 170 Iraqi lawmakers signed a draft law requiring the government to request the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. Only 150 votes are needed that the draft resolution be approved."{{Cite web |url=http://english.almanar.com.lb/905643 |title=170 Iraqi MPs Sign Draft Law to Expel U.S. Troops from Iraq—Al-Manar TV Lebanon |website=english.almanar.com.lb |access-date=5 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200105201008/http://english.almanar.com.lb/905643 |archive-date=5 January 2020 |url-status=live}} There are 329 lawmakers in total. Rudaw Media Network (Kurdish) described the 170 Iraqi lawmakers that signed the law as Shiite{{Cite web |url=https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/05012020 |title=Shiite MPs draft legislation seeking to expel US troops from Iraq |website=rudaw.net |access-date=5 January 2020 |archive-date=1 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201133831/https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/05012020 |url-status=live }} and that "Iraqi parliament's resolution to expel foreign troops has no legal consequences."{{Cite web |url=https://www.rudaw.net/english/analysis/05012020 |title=Iraqi parliament's resolution to expel foreign troops has no legal consequences |website=rudaw.net |access-date=5 January 2020 |archive-date=1 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201133832/https://www.rudaw.net/english/analysis/05012020 |url-status=live }} Al Jazeera reported the resolution read "The government commits to revoke its request for assistance from the international coalition fighting Islamic State due to the end of military operations in Iraq and the achievement of victory" and "The Iraqi government must work to end the presence of any foreign troops on Iraqi soil and prohibit them from using its land, airspace or water for any reason."{{Cite web |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/iraqi-parliament-calls-expulsion-foreign-troops-200105150709628.html |title=Iraqi parliament calls for expulsion of foreign troops |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=5 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200105155550/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/iraqi-parliament-calls-expulsion-foreign-troops-200105150709628.html |archive-date=5 January 2020 |url-status=live}} The resolution was approved in the Iraqi parliament.{{Cite news |url=https://www.axios.com/iraq-parliament-us-troops-iran-soleimani-39f46292-b6b5-4070-bacd-92cfae1f586c.html |title=Iraqi parliament calls on government to expel U.S. troops |access-date=5 January 2020 |website=Axios |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200105185317/https://www.axios.com/iraq-parliament-us-troops-iran-soleimani-39f46292-b6b5-4070-bacd-92cfae1f586c.html |archive-date=5 January 2020 |url-status=live}} In response to the vote, Trump threatened Iraq with sanctions that would "make Iranian sanctions look somewhat tame" and demanded reimbursement for American investments on military facilities in Iraq.{{Cite news |url=https://www.euronews.com/2020/01/06/us-president-trump-threatens-iraq-with-crippling-sanctions |title=Trump threatens Iraq with crippling sanctions |date=6 January 2020 |work=Euronews |access-date=6 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200106094714/https://www.euronews.com/2020/01/06/us-president-trump-threatens-iraq-with-crippling-sanctions |archive-date=6 January 2020 |url-status=live}}

As the funeral procession for Soleimani and al-Muhandis was ongoing in Baghdad, several rockets hit near the U.S. embassy and the Balad Air Base without any casualties.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50995792 |title=Qasem Soleimani: Blasts hit Baghdad area as Iraqis mourn Iranian general |work=BBC |access-date=5 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200106224535/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50995792 |archive-date=6 January 2020 |url-status=live}}

On 6 January, the Pentagon released a letter from Marine Brigadier General William Seely to Abdul Amir, the Iraqi deputy director of Combined Joint Operations Baghdad, informing him that "as requested by the Iraqi Parliament and the Prime Minister, CJTF–OIR will be repositioning forces over the course of the coming days and weeks to prepare for onward movement."{{Cite web |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/pentagon-initially-told-capitol-hill-iraq-withdrawal-letter-was-fake-report-says |title=Pentagon Initially Told Capitol Hill Iraq Withdrawal Letter Was Fake, Report Says |last=Ross |first=Jamie |date=7 January 2020 |website=The Daily Beast |access-date=10 January 2020 |archive-date=1 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201133832/https://www.thedailybeast.com/pentagon-initially-told-capitol-hill-iraq-withdrawal-letter-was-fake-report-says |url-status=live }} Shortly afterward, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley said, "That letter is a draft. It was a mistake, it was unsigned, it should not have been released{{nbsp}}... [it was] poorly worded, implies withdrawal, that is not what's happening."{{Cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/06/politics/us-troops-iraq/index.html |title=Top general says letter suggesting US would withdraw troops from Iraq was a 'mistake' |last1=Cohen |first1=Zachary |date=6 January 2020 |publisher=CNN |last2=Starr |first2=Barbara |last3=Browne |first3=Ryan |access-date=6 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200106223301/https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/06/politics/us-troops-iraq/index.html |archive-date=6 January 2020 |url-status=live}}

On 6{{nbsp}}January, Chevron evacuated all its American oil workers from Iraqi Kurdistan as a "precautionary measure".{{Cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/06/business/chevron-workers-iraq/index.html |title=Chevron pulls oil workers from Iraq |last1=Egan |first1=Matt |date=6 January 2020 |publisher=CNN |last2=Ziady |first2=Hanna |access-date=6 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200106204548/https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/06/business/chevron-workers-iraq/index.html |archive-date=6 January 2020 |url-status=live}}

On 7 January, Iran's parliament approved a €200 million increase in the Quds Force's budget, to be used in two months.{{cite news |title=Iran considers options for retribution over Soleimani killing |url=https://www.ft.com/content/d74a76c6-308e-11ea-9703-eea0cae3f0de |access-date=7 January 2020 |work=Financial Times |date=7 January 2020 |archive-date=8 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200108063206/https://www.ft.com/content/d74a76c6-308e-11ea-9703-eea0cae3f0de |url-status=live }} Iran's parliament also voted to declare the United States Armed Forces to be a terrorist organization.{{cite news |title=Iran's foreign minister says U.S. rejected his visa request to speak at U.N. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lH8nueBrzyk&t=2m28s |access-date=7 January 2020 |publisher=CBS News |date=7 January 2020 |archive-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106025733/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lH8nueBrzyk&t=2m28s |url-status=live }}

On 8 January, Iraq's Al Asad Airbase, which hosts U.S.-led coalition troops, was attacked with ballistic missiles as a part of Iran's "Operation Martyr Soleimani", named for general Qasem Soleimani. It was also reported that the airbase in Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan was attacked as well.{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/stampede-at-funeral-procession-for-iranian-commander-kills-35-11578390888|title=Iran Fires Missiles at U.S. Forces in Iraq|last=Lubold|first=Gordo|last2=Youssef|first2=Nancy A.|last3=Coles|first3=Isabel|website=WSJ|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200108010625/https://www.wsj.com/articles/stampede-at-funeral-procession-for-iranian-commander-kills-35-11578390888|archive-date=8 January 2020|url-status=live}} During the attack, the IRGC declared that "fierce revenge by the Revolutionary Guards had begun", indicating it was the official response to the killing of Soleimani.{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/add7a702258b4419d796aa5f48e577fc|title=Iran warns US not retaliate over missile attack in Iraq|date=2020-01-07|website=AP NEWS|access-date=2020-01-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107090648/https://apnews.com/add7a702258b4419d796aa5f48e577fc|archive-date=7 January 2020|url-status=live}} Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, said military actions are not enough and that the "corruptive presence" of the U.S. in the Middle East must be ended.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51028954|title=Iran attack: US troops targeted with ballistic missiles|date=8 January 2020|website=BBC|access-date=2 July 2023|archive-date=8 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200108080241/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51028954|url-status=live}} Khamenei also described the attacks as a "slap in the face" to the U.S.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/08/iran-supreme-leader-says-missile-attack-was-a-slap-in-the-face-for-us.html|title=Iran supreme leader says missile attack was a 'slap on the face' for US but it was 'not enough'|first=Natasha|last=Turak|date=8 January 2020|website=CNBC|access-date=2 July 2023|archive-date=9 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200109190032/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/08/iran-supreme-leader-says-missile-attack-was-a-slap-in-the-face-for-us.html|url-status=live}} Khamenei later reiterated this during a Friday sermon on 17 January, describing the attack as showing that "Iran has the power to give such a slap to a world power shows the hand of God".{{cite web |title=Khamenei: Iran Gave U.S. 'Slap on Face', Calls Missile Strikes 'Day of God' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2020/01/17/world/middleeast/17reuters-iran-khamenei-usa-slap.html |website=NYT |access-date=17 January 2020 |archive-date=17 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200117173249/https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2020/01/17/world/middleeast/17reuters-iran-khamenei-usa-slap.html |url-status=live }} In a speech{{Cite web|title=Rouhanis speech from Januar 8th 2020 translated by MEMRI|url=https://www.memri.org/tv/iranian-president-rouhani-nuclear-industries-prosper-coming-years-we-do-not-have-proxies-region|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111152956/https://www.memri.org/tv/iranian-president-rouhani-nuclear-industries-prosper-coming-years-we-do-not-have-proxies-region|archive-date=11 January 2020|access-date=18 January 2020}} broadcast on Iranian television IRINN TV, Iranian President Rouhani stated that Iran will no longer stick to the 2015 nuclear agreement restrictions on uranium enrichment: "Iran's nuclear industry will prosper" he said. Rouhani also mentioned in his speech that "They cut off the hand of our dear Soleimani" and as revenge they, the Iranians, would cut off the legs of the Americans and toss them out of neighboring countries.

During his White House address hours after the attack, Trump ruled out a direct military response, urged rapprochement with Iran, demanded NATO be more involved in regional affairs, and demanded a new Iran nuclear deal be arranged. Trump, however, also announced new sanctions on Iran and affirmed his position that Iran could not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/iran-fires-missiles-at-military-bases-iraq-used-by-us-coalition-troops-today-live-updates-2020-01-08/|title=Trump: New sanctions on Iran but U.S. "ready to embrace peace"|website=www.cbsnews.com|access-date=8 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200109081935/https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/iran-fires-missiles-at-military-bases-iraq-used-by-us-coalition-troops-today-live-updates-2020-01-08/|archive-date=9 January 2020|url-status=live}}

Hours after the ballistic missile attacks, Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was shot down and crashed after taking off from Tehran International Airport, killing all 176 passengers and crew, including 82 Iranian and 63 Canadian citizens. An investigation was launched to decipher the reason for the crash.{{cite news |first1=Artemis |last1=Moshtaghian |first2=Joshua |last2=Berlinger |first3=Jack |last3=Guy |title=Ukrainian Boeing plane crashes in Iran after takeoff, killing 176 on board |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/07/middleeast/plane-crash-iran-intl-hnk/index.html |work=CNN |date=8 January 2020 |access-date=9 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200108044020/https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/07/middleeast/plane-crash-iran-intl-hnk/index.html |archive-date=8 January 2020 |url-status=live}} Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged deescalation and claimed that the United States' escalation of the conflict was partially to blame for the accident, saying "If there was no escalation recently in the region, those Canadians would be right now home with their families. This is something that happens when you have conflict and the war. Innocents bear the brunt of it." The incident slightly worsened Canada–United States relations.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/14/justin-trudeau-us-escalation-partly-to-blame-for-iran-plane-deaths|title=Justin Trudeau: US escalation partly to blame for Iran plane deaths|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=2020-01-14|work=The Guardian|access-date=2020-01-17|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114095515/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/14/justin-trudeau-us-escalation-partly-to-blame-for-iran-plane-deaths|archive-date=14 January 2020|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/iran-plane-crash-poses-challenge-canada-us-relations|title=Iran plane crash poses a challenge for Canada-US relations|website=Middle East Eye|language=en|access-date=2020-01-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114193247/https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/iran-plane-crash-poses-challenge-canada-us-relations|archive-date=14 January 2020|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/5de672ec7461e646e8180d5bb1fbe618|title=Nations of Iran crash victims seek compensation for families|date=2020-01-16|website=AP NEWS|access-date=2020-01-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200117205904/https://apnews.com/5de672ec7461e646e8180d5bb1fbe618|archive-date=17 January 2020|url-status=live}} The airline shoot-down also reignited anti-government protests within Iran that had previously become dormant during the massive public outcry against the death of Soleimani.{{Cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/2020/1/16/21065638/iran-protests-soleimani-trump-jcpoa|title=How thousands of Iranians went from mourning a general to protesting the regime, in a week|last=Kirby|first=Jen|date=2020-01-16|website=Vox|language=en|access-date=2020-01-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200117040306/https://www.vox.com/2020/1/16/21065638/iran-protests-soleimani-trump-jcpoa|archive-date=17 January 2020|url-status=live}} Foreign ministers from the countries who lost citizens in the crash—Canada, Ukraine, Sweden, Afghanistan, and the United Kingdom—met at the Canadian High Commission in London and demanded that Iran provide compensation for families of the victims.

On 9{{nbsp}}January, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft sent a letter to the U.N. Security Council announcing that the United States was willing to negotiate with Iran to prevent further escalation.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-51043559|title=US 'ready for serious negotiations' with Iran|date=2020-01-09|access-date=2020-01-18|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200119110534/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-51043559|archive-date=19 January 2020|url-status=live}} Ayatollah Khamenei rejected the possibility of talks at any level between U.S. and Iranian officials unless the United States returned to the JCPOA; Iranian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Majid Takht-Ravanchi likewise rejected the option. Both ambassadors justified their countries' military actions under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-usa-khamenei-idUSKBN1W20JP|title=Iran's Khamenei rejects talks with United States|date=2019-09-17|work=Reuters|access-date=2020-01-10|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111001440/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-usa-khamenei-idUSKBN1W20JP|archive-date=11 January 2020|url-status=live}} Meanwhile, U.S. officials said they believed the aircraft had been shot down in error by an Iranian Tor missile, based on evidence from reconnaissance satellite imagery and radar data.{{cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/iranians-shot-down-ukraine-flight-mistake-sources-1481313|title=Iranian missile system shot down Ukraine flight, probably by mistake, sources say|last1=Jamali|first1=Naveed|last2=LaPorta|first2=James|date=2020-01-09|website=Newsweek|language=en|access-date=2020-01-10|last3=Silva|first3=Chantal Da|last4=O'Connor|first4=Tom|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200109171639/https://www.newsweek.com/iranians-shot-down-ukraine-flight-mistake-sources-1481313|archive-date=9 January 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/iran-plane-crash-investigation/index.html|title=Plane crash in Iran: Live updates on the investigation|first1=Tara|last1=John|first2=Meg|last2=Wagner|first3=Mike|last3=Hayes|author4=Fernando Alfonso III|first5=Veronica|last5=Rocha|date=2020-01-09|website=CNN|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110033522/https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/iran-plane-crash-investigation/index.html|archive-date=10 January 2020|access-date=2020-01-10}}

On 10 January, Acting Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi called Secretary of State Pompeo demanding that the U.S. send a delegation "to prepare a mechanism to carry out the parliament's resolution regarding the withdrawal of foreign troops from Iraq".{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/10/iraqi-pm-tells-us-to-decide-the-mechanism-for-troop-withdrawal.html|title=Iraqi PM tells US to start working on troop withdrawal|date=2020-01-10|website=CNBC|language=en|access-date=2020-01-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111001442/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/10/iraqi-pm-tells-us-to-decide-the-mechanism-for-troop-withdrawal.html|archive-date=11 January 2020|url-status=live}} Pompeo rejected Prime Minister Abdul-Mahdi's requests. Shortly afterwards Iraq's highest-ranking Shia cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, condemned the U.S.–Iran crisis.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-security-idUSKBN1Z80P5|title=Washington turns down Iraqi call to remove troops|date=2020-01-10|work=Reuters|access-date=2020-01-11|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111001438/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-security-idUSKBN1Z80P5|archive-date=11 January 2020|url-status=live}} The Trump administration, meanwhile, imposed new economic sanctions targeting Iran's metals industry and eight senior officials who were involved in the prior missile attacks. According to U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin, the sanctions would affect "billions" in revenue.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/10/politics/us-sanctions-iran-mnuchin/index.html|work=CNN|title=US imposes new sanctions on Iran|date=10 January 2020|access-date=11 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112150045/https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/10/politics/us-sanctions-iran-mnuchin/index.html|archive-date=12 January 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm870|title=Treasury Targets Iran's Billion Dollar Metals Industry and Senior Regime Officials|date=10 January 2020|work=Treasury.gov|access-date=11 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111233245/https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm870|archive-date=11 January 2020|url-status=live}} The U.S. also warned Iraq that it would freeze its account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York if it continued to urge the withdrawal of American troops, which would prevent the Iraqi government from accessing oil revenues, damage the Iraqi economy, and devalue the Iraqi dinar.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-warns-iraq-it-risks-losing-access-to-key-bank-account-if-troops-told-to-leave-11578759629|title=WSJ News Exclusive {{!}} U.S. Warns Iraq It Risks Losing Access to Key Bank Account if Troops Told to Leave|last=Talley|first=Ian|last2=Coles|first2=Isabel|website=WSJ|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112012312/https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-warns-iraq-it-risks-losing-access-to-key-bank-account-if-troops-told-to-leave-11578759629|archive-date=12 January 2020|url-status=live}}

On 11 January, Iranian officials admitted to accidentally shooting down Flight 752.{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/21f4a92a2dfbc38581719664bdf6f38e |title=Under pressure, Iran admits it shot down jetliner by mistake |work=Associated Press |first1=Nasser |last1=Karimi |first2=Joseph |last2=Krauss |date=11 January 2020 |access-date=11 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111035544/https://apnews.com/21f4a92a2dfbc38581719664bdf6f38e |archive-date=11 January 2020 |url-status=live}} Following the announcement, two thousand people protested in Tehran, with chants including "Death to the dictator". Police used tear gas on the protestors. Officials reported that 82 Iranians among several other Iranians with dual citizenship were among the victims of the crash.{{Cite web |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/iranian-protesters-demand-khamenei-quit-downing-plane-200111171757858.html |title= Protests in Tehran after Iran admits shooting down plane. |access-date= 17 January 2020 |archive-date= 11 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111195224/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/iranian-protesters-demand-khamenei-quit-downing-plane-200111171757858.html |url-status= live }} Two hundred people protested in front of Amirkabir University of Technology.[https://www.timesofisrael.com/hundreds-protest-against-regime-in-tehran-after-iran-admits-it-shot-down-plane/ "Hundreds protest against regime in Tehran after Iran admits it shot down plane"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215123917/https://www.timesofisrael.com/hundreds-protest-against-regime-in-tehran-after-iran-admits-it-shot-down-plane/ |date=15 February 2020 }}, Times of Israel, 11 January 2020. The protestors called for the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to resign, chanted "Death to the liars" and called "for the IRGC to leave the country". Protests also took place at the Sharif University of Technology and in Amol, Isfahan, Rasht, Sari, and Hamedan. Protesters chanted against the Revolutionary Guards, the Supreme Leader, and the entire political system of the Islamic Republic.{{Cite web|url=https://www.radiofarda.com/a/30371917.html|title=تجمع‌های اعتراضی در چند شهر ایران؛ شلیک تیر هوایی و گاز اشک‌آور در تهران|website=رادیو فردا|access-date=17 January 2020|archive-date=6 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306154248/https://www.radiofarda.com/a/30371917.html|url-status=live}}

On 12 January, Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah called for Iran's allies in the Axis of Resistance—including Iran, the Syrian Arab Republic, Hezbollah, the Popular Mobilization Forces, and the Houthi movement in Yemen—to intensify its military campaigns against the U.S. to expel U.S. forces from the Middle East.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-security-hezbollah-idUSKBN1ZB0LJ|title=Hezbollah: It's time for Iran's allies to start working to avenge Soleimani|date=2020-01-12|work=Reuters|access-date=2020-01-12|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112205442/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-security-hezbollah-idUSKBN1ZB0LJ|archive-date=12 January 2020|url-status=live}}

On 14 January, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson encouraged the negotiation of a new nuclear deal between the Trump administration and the Iranian government, which President Trump expressed agreement with.{{Cite web|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/478324-trump-says-he-agrees-with-idea-of-replacing-obama-era-iran-deal-with|title=Trump says he agrees with idea of replacing Obama-era Iran deal with his own|last=Conradis|first=Brandon|date=2020-01-14|website=TheHill|language=en|access-date=2020-01-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200117142702/https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/478324-trump-says-he-agrees-with-idea-of-replacing-obama-era-iran-deal-with|archive-date=17 January 2020|url-status=live}}

On 15 January, the United States and Iraq resumed joint military operations against the Islamic State after a ten-day suspension following the drone strike on Soleimani.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/15/world/middleeast/us-military-iraq.html|title=U.S. Military Resumes Joint Operations With Iraq|last1=Rubin|first1=Alissa J.|date=2020-01-15|work=The New York Times|access-date=2020-01-18|last2=Schmitt|first2=Eric|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200118210431/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/15/world/middleeast/us-military-iraq.html|archive-date=18 January 2020|url-status=live}}

On 17 January, Ayatollah Khamenei personally led Friday prayers in Tehran for the first time since February 2012, speaking at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque.{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/b26a49ed212548d61e8bb6062a875c7e|title=Iran's top leader strikes defiant tone amid month of turmoil|date=2020-01-17|website=AP NEWS|access-date=2020-01-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200118174701/https://apnews.com/b26a49ed212548d61e8bb6062a875c7e|archive-date=18 January 2020|url-status=live}} During his televised sermon, Khamenei lamented the shootdown of the Ukrainian airliner, sought to present the image that the country was unified despite protests and the international crisis, and lashed out at the UK, France, and Germany, referring to them as "servants" of the "villainous" United States. Khamenei denounced the Trump administration as "clowns" and insisted that the "real punishment" for General Soleimani's assassination would be forcing American forces out of the Middle East.{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/iran-news-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-trump-clowns-sermon-defends-forces-ukrainian-airplane-2020-01-17/|title=Iran's supreme leader blasts U.S. "clowns" in rare personal message amid a crisis|date=17 January 2020|work=CBS News|access-date=17 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200117221529/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/iran-news-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-trump-clowns-sermon-defends-forces-ukrainian-airplane-2020-01-17/|archive-date=17 January 2020|url-status=live}} In response Trump, who was vacationing at Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, at the time, made posts on Twitter urging Iranian leadership to stop "killing" Iranian protesters and that it "should abandon terror and Make Iran Great Again!" One of the posts was written in both English and Persian.{{cite news|work=Fox News|url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-khamenei-make-iran-great-again|date=17 January 2020|access-date=18 January 2020|title=Trump fires back after Iranian leader condemns him on Twitter: 'Make Iran Great Again!'|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200118030043/https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-khamenei-make-iran-great-again|archive-date=18 January 2020|url-status=live}} On the same day, the Asian Football Confederation banned Iran from hosting international football matches.{{Cite web|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/news/478811-iran-banned-from-hosting-international-soccer-matches-report|title=Iran banned from hosting international soccer matches: report|last=Moreno|first=J. Edward|date=2020-01-17|website=TheHill|language=en|access-date=2020-01-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200118145546/https://thehill.com/homenews/news/478811-iran-banned-from-hosting-international-soccer-matches-report|archive-date=18 January 2020|url-status=live}} On 18 January, the U.S. sanctioned Brigadier General Hassan Shahvarpour, an IRGC commander in Khuzestan Province, after security personnel fired into protesters without warning during anti-government demonstrations in Mahshahr County.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-iran-sanctions-idUSKBN1ZH0LM|title=U.S. sanctions Iranian commander over Mahshahr killings|date=2020-01-18|work=Reuters|access-date=2020-01-18|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200118231908/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-iran-sanctions-idUSKBN1ZH0LM|archive-date=18 January 2020|url-status=live}}

{{main|American-led intervention in the Syrian civil war}}

It was reported on 30 November 2020 that an airstrike near the Iraq–Syria border killed an unidentified Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander and three other men traveling with him from Iraq and into Syria. The vehicle was struck after it entered Syrian territory. Iraqi security and local militia officials said the commander's vehicle had weapons in it and that pro-Iran paramilitary groups helped retrieve the bodies. Sources did not identify the commander nor elaborate on the exact time of the incident. It was not immediately known who conducted the strike, and Reuters could not independently verify the reports.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/iraq-iran-syria-militias/air-strike-kills-irgc-commander-at-iraq-syria-border-iraqi-officials-idUSKBN28A2SB|work=Reuters|title=Air strike kills IRGC commander at Iraq-Syria border - Iraqi officials|date=30 November 2020|access-date=5 December 2021|archive-date=13 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513002729/https://www.reuters.com/article/iraq-iran-syria-militias/air-strike-kills-irgc-commander-at-iraq-syria-border-iraqi-officials-idUSKBN28A2SB|url-status=live}}

On 10 February 2021, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby told reporters that U.S. troops were not committed to protecting Syrian oil fields except "for where appropriate under certain existing authorizations to protect civilians." He added that "DOD [Department of Defense] personnel or contractors are not authorized to provide assistance to any other private company, including its employees or agents, seeking to develop oil resources in northeastern Syria." However, there were reports from local sources in northeastern Syria that U.S. forces had transported oil and wheat smuggled from Syria to Iraq.{{cite web |url=https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2968911/syria-accuses-us-forces-smuggling-wheat-oil-iraq |title=Syria Accuses US Forces of Smuggling Wheat, Oil to Iraq |website=Asharq Al-Awsat |date=12 May 2021 |access-date=2 July 2023 |archive-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514204933/https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2968911/syria-accuses-us-forces-smuggling-wheat-oil-iraq |url-status=live }}

On 28 June 2021, President Biden directed airstrikes against Iran-backed militia groups close to the Syria-Iraq border.{{cite web|url=https://www.axios.com/biden-airstrikes-iran-backed-militias-iraq-syria-border-a9e6b94a-9c7c-4a67-94ac-359eb92fa808.html|title=Biden orders U.S. airstrikes on Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria|work=Axios|date=28 June 2021|access-date=2 July 2023|archive-date=28 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628071856/https://www.axios.com/biden-airstrikes-iran-backed-militias-iraq-syria-border-a9e6b94a-9c7c-4a67-94ac-359eb92fa808.html|url-status=live}} F-15E and F-16 aircraft were used to launch the attack in what the U.S. described as a retaliatory attack against U.S. facilities and personnel in Iraq by militia groups.{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-syria-iran-middle-east-iraq-86f3bc438d6ab6c9b14580ec000bc600|title=US airstrikes target Iran-backed militias in Syria, Iraq|date=June 27, 2021|work=AP NEWS|access-date=July 2, 2023|archive-date=September 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210905095610/https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-syria-iran-middle-east-iraq-86f3bc438d6ab6c9b14580ec000bc600|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-carries-out-air-strikes-against-iran-backed-militia-iraq-syria-2021-06-27/|title=U.S. warplanes strike Iran-backed militia in Iraq, Syria|date=June 27, 2021|work=Reuters|access-date=2023-07-02|archive-date=2022-01-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131004844/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-carries-out-air-strikes-against-iran-backed-militia-iraq-syria-2021-06-27/|url-status=live}} Two operational and weapons storage facilities were targeted in Syria, the U.S. military revealed in a statement.{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/6/28/us-carries-out-air-raids-on-iran-backed-groups-in-syria-iraq|title=US carries out air raids on Iran-backed militias in Syria, Iraq|work=Al Jazeera|date=June 28, 2021|access-date=July 2, 2023|archive-date=June 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628005314/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/6/28/us-carries-out-air-raids-on-iran-backed-groups-in-syria-iraq|url-status=live}} Despite the U.S. not disclosing the information regarding the casualties in the attack, the SOHR stated that at least nine Iran-backed Iraqi militia fighters died, leaving many others injured.{{cite web|url=https://www.syriahr.com/en/218672/|title=Death toll update Nine militiamen of Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces killed in US airstrikes near Syria-Iraq border|work=The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=June 28, 2021|access-date=July 2, 2023|archive-date=July 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718055043/https://www.syriahr.com/en/218672/|url-status=live}} Iraqi militia groups aligned with Iran in a statement named four members of the Kataib Sayyed al-Shuhada faction they said were killed in the attack on the Syria-Iraq border. Hours later, U.S. forces in Syria came under fire, following the U.S. strikes on the Syria-Iraqi border.{{Cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-says-its-strikes-iran-backed-militia-iraq-syria-were-necessary-2021-06-28/|title=U.S. troops come under fire in Syria after strikes against Iran-backed militias|date=28 June 2021|website=Reuters|access-date=2023-02-06|archive-date=2021-10-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211013062035/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-says-its-strikes-iran-backed-militia-iraq-syria-were-necessary-2021-06-28/|url-status=live}} Pro-Iranian militias fired rockets at the American base at Al-Omar Oilfield in Syria in response to U.S. airstrikes.{{cite web|url=https://www.syriahr.com/en/218629/|title=Reacting to US strikes on Iranian positions Iranian-backed militias shell US military base in Deir Ezzor, causing material damage|work=The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=June 28, 2021|access-date=July 2, 2023|archive-date=June 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629115424/https://www.syriahr.com/en/218629/|url-status=live}} The U.S. coalition responded by firing heavy artillery on Iranian-backed Militias Positions around Al-Mayadin.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/6/28/us-defends-strikes-in-iraq-syria-and-armed-groups-vow-revenge|title=US forces in Syria attacked after air raids on armed groups|website=www.aljazeera.com|access-date=2023-07-02|archive-date=2021-11-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103220838/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/6/28/us-defends-strikes-in-iraq-syria-and-armed-groups-vow-revenge|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/3052926/us-troops-come-under-fire-syria-after-strikes-against-pro-iran-militias|title=US Troops Come Under Fire in Syria after Strikes Against Pro-Iran Militias|website=Asharq AL-awsat|access-date=2023-07-02|archive-date=2021-07-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711043721/https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/3052926/us-troops-come-under-fire-syria-after-strikes-against-pro-iran-militias|url-status=live}} There were no injuries sustained during the attack, the spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve, Col. Wayne Marotto disclosed.{{Cite web|url=https://thehill.com/policy/defense/560606-us-troops-come-under-fire-in-syria-after-weekend-airstrikes|title=US troops come under fire in Syria after weekend airstrikes|first=Joseph|last=Choi|date=28 June 2021|website=TheHill|access-date=2 July 2023|archive-date=3 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703200702/https://thehill.com/policy/defense/560606-us-troops-come-under-fire-in-syria-after-weekend-airstrikes|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://theweek.com/world/1002063/us-troops-come-under-fire-in-syria-day-after-airstrikes-targeted-militias|title=U.S. troops come under fire in Syria day after airstrikes targeted militias|website=The Week|access-date=2023-07-02|archive-date=2021-11-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108094421/https://theweek.com/world/1002063/us-troops-come-under-fire-in-syria-day-after-airstrikes-targeted-militias|url-status=live}}

On 10 July 2021, a mortar shell landed near MSS Conoco, with no injuries reported. It was reportedly the fourth attack on or near U.S. troops or diplomats within a week, reportedly including one in which two service members were injured. No group claimed responsibility, but U.S. forces suspected Iran-backed proxy militias of carrying out such attacks.{{cite news|url=https://themedialine.org/headlines/shells-fired-near-syrian-base-housing-us-troops/|work=The Media Line|title=Shells Fired Near Syrian Base Housing US Troops|date=11 July 2021|access-date=11 December 2021|archive-date=19 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719091247/https://themedialine.org/headlines/shells-fired-near-syrian-base-housing-us-troops/|url-status=live}}

On 20 October 2021, troops at the al-Tanf garrison were attacked by bomb-laden drones in what Pentagon spokesman John Kirby called a "complex, coordinated and deliberate attack". U.S. officials reportedly blamed Iran and its proxy forces for the attack, but publicly declined to specify details of the attack and whether the U.S. was considering retaliation. There were no reports of deaths or injuries. Attacks by small drones carrying munitions have posed a consistent threat to U.S. forces in eastern Syria since at least March 2020, with U.S. forces suspecting ISIL or Iran-backed elements of conducting the attacks, as U.S.-Iranian tensions in the region have persisted.{{cite news|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/10/25/iran-syria-drone-attack-517096|work=Politico|title=Iran behind drone attack on U.S. base in Syria, officials say|date=25 October 2021|access-date=11 December 2021}}

On 24 August 2022, Joe Biden ordered airstrikes on claimed IRGC and Russian-backed proxy groups in Syria near Deir ez-Zor.{{cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/08/23/politics/syria-airstrikes-iranian-backed-groups-biden/index.html|title=Biden orders airstrikes against Iranian-backed groups in Syria following attacks near base holding US troops last week|agency=CNN|access-date=26 August 2022|date=24 August 2022|archive-date=9 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909195656/https://edition.cnn.com/2022/08/23/politics/syria-airstrikes-iranian-backed-groups-biden/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-military-carries-out-strike-syria-iran-linked-targets-2022-08-24/|title=U.S. military carries out strike in Syria on Iran-linked targets|work=Reuters|date=24 August 2022|access-date=26 August 2022}}{{cite news|work=Middle East Eye|url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/syria-us-service-member-wounded-military-says|title=Syria clashes leave US soldier wounded and Iran-backed fighters killed|quote=Service member reported injured during rocket attacks by suspected Iran-backed militants in northeast|date=24 August 2022|access-date=26 August 2022|archive-date=25 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825181100/https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/syria-us-service-member-wounded-military-says|url-status=live}} The airstrikes were in retaliation on an attack on the Al-Tanf garrison.[https://americanmilitarynews.com/2022/08/biden-ordered-airstrikes-take-out-iran-linked-targets-in-syria/ Biden-ordered airstrikes take out Iran-linked targets in Syria] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718034036/https://americanmilitarynews.com/2022/08/biden-ordered-airstrikes-take-out-iran-linked-targets-in-syria/ |date=2023-07-18 }} American Military News The airstrikes were also considered a massive setback in negotiations in order to revive the JCPOA. Airstrikes were also reported on 25 August. Iran strongly condemned the strikes and denied any links with the targets.{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us-says-airstrikes-in-syria-intended-to-send-message-to-iran/ar-AA11403p|title=US says airstrikes in Syria intended to send message to Iran|access-date=26 August 2022|archive-date=9 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909195742/https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us-says-airstrikes-in-syria-intended-to-send-message-to-iran/ar-AA11403p|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-denies-any-link-targets-hit-by-us-syria-2022-08-24/|title=Iran denies any link to targets hit by U.S. in Syria|work=Reuters|access-date=26 August 2022|archive-date=2022-08-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825192256/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-denies-any-link-targets-hit-by-us-syria-2022-08-24/|url-status=live}} The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights claimed that Liwa Fatemiyoun and the Syrian Army were targeted in the airstrikes.{{cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/us-airstrikes-target-iran-backed-104235491.html|title=US airstrikes target Iran-backed militias in eastern Syria|work=Yahoo! News|access-date=24 August 2022|archive-date=24 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824110639/https://news.yahoo.com/us-airstrikes-target-iran-backed-104235491.html|url-status=live}}

On 23 March 2023, at 1:38 p.m. local time (UTC+03:00), a kamikaze drone allegedly of Iranian origin struck a coalition base at Abu Hajar Airport near Rmelan, al-Hasakah Governorate in northeastern Syria,{{cite web |url=https://www.memri.org/jttm/iran-backed-group-claims-drone-attack-us-base-northeast-syria#_edn1 |title=Iran-Backed Group Claims Drone Attack On U.S. Base In Northeast Syria |publisher=Middle East Media Research Institute |date=26 March 2023 |access-date=2 July 2023 |archive-date=18 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718055056/https://www.memri.org/jttm/iran-backed-group-claims-drone-attack-us-base-northeast-syria#_edn1 |url-status=live }} killing one United States contractor and injuring five servicemen and second contractor.{{Cite news |last=Schmitt |first=Eric |date=2023-03-24 |title=American Contractor Killed in Drone Attack on Base in Syria |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/23/us/politics/syria-drone-attack-us-base.html |access-date=2023-03-24 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=2023-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324033127/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/23/us/politics/syria-drone-attack-us-base.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=Another attack on an American base In Syria Friday after US retaliatory airstrikes |language=en |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/us-military-airstrikes-syria-drone-attack-kills-contractor/story?id=98091728 |access-date=2023-03-24 |archive-date=2023-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324034607/https://abcnews.go.com/International/us-military-airstrikes-syria-drone-attack-kills-contractor/story?id=98091728 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Schmitt |first=Eric |date=2023-03-24 |title=Conflict in Syria Escalates Following Attack That Killed a U.S. Contractor |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/24/us/politics/syria-us-contractor-killed-iran-drone.html |access-date=2023-03-27 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=2023-03-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326233122/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/24/us/politics/syria-us-contractor-killed-iran-drone.html |url-status=live }} The New York Times reported, US officials said the main air defense system at the base was "not fully operational" at the time of Thursday's Drone Strike.{{cite web |last1=Schmitt |first1=Eric |title=Conflict in Syria Escalates Following Attack That Killed a U.S. Contractor |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/24/us/politics/syria-us-contractor-killed-iran-drone.html#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20%E2%80%94%20The%20conflict%20in%20northeast,and%20injured%20six%20other%20Americans. |website=The New York Times |access-date=2023-07-02 |archive-date=2023-03-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326233122/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/24/us/politics/syria-us-contractor-killed-iran-drone.html#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20%E2%80%94%20The%20conflict%20in%20northeast,and%20injured%20six%20other%20Americans. |url-status=live }} In retaliation, U.S. President Joe Biden authorized a response with an airstrike on IRGC-linked targets,{{cite web |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3339691/us-conducts-airstrikes-in-syria-in-response-to-deadly-uav-attack/ |title=U.S. Conducts Airstrikes in Syria in Response to Deadly UAV Attack |publisher=United States Department of Defense |date=23 March 2023 |access-date=24 March 2023 |archive-date=24 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324231743/https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3339691/us-conducts-airstrikes-in-syria-in-response-to-deadly-uav-attack/ |url-status=live }} including a weapons warehouse in the Harabish neighborhood in Deir ez-Zor, and military posts in the al-Mayadin and Abu Kamal countryside,{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/syria-airstrike-us-contractor-killed-iran-drone-attack-joe-biden-lloyd-austin/ |title=New attack against U.S. base in Syria after alleged Iranian drone kills American contractor, drawing airstrikes |publisher=CBS News |date=24 March 2023 |access-date=24 March 2023 |archive-date=24 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324231744/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/syria-airstrike-us-contractor-killed-iran-drone-attack-joe-biden-lloyd-austin/ |url-status=live }} killing 14 people including nine Syrians, according to SOHR.{{cite web |url=https://www.syriahr.com/en/293208/ |title=Including nine Syrians {{!}} 14 members of Iranian-backed militias kil*led in airst*rikes on their positions |publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights |date=24 March 2023 |access-date=24 March 2023 |archive-date=24 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324202557/https://www.syriahr.com/en/293208/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=2023-03-24 |title=US launches airstrikes in Syria after drone kills US worker |language=en |url=https://apnews.com/article/us-military-syria-iran-db9ac72843a0a71c995d6ea04392cdbf |access-date=2023-03-24 |archive-date=2023-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324034550/https://apnews.com/article/us-military-syria-iran-db9ac72843a0a71c995d6ea04392cdbf |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=US air strikes 'kill 11' in Syria after drone kills contractor |language=en |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/24/us-says-air-strikes-hit-syria-targets-after-deadly-drone-attack |access-date=2023-03-24 |archive-date=2023-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324034553/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/24/us-says-air-strikes-hit-syria-targets-after-deadly-drone-attack |url-status=live }}

On 24 March 2023, 10 rockets were launched at the Green Village near al-Omar oil field which injured another American serviceman. By afternoon, another rocket attack targeted US forces near the oil and gas fields of Conoco, east of Deir ez-Zor.{{cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/03/23/politics/syria-suspected-drone-strike-us-contractor-killed/index.html |title=Biden authorizes airstrike in Syria after suspected Iranian-affiliated drone kills US contractor and wounds 5 US troops |publisher=CNN |date=24 March 2023 |access-date=24 March 2023 |archive-date=24 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324231743/https://edition.cnn.com/2023/03/23/politics/syria-suspected-drone-strike-us-contractor-killed/index.html |url-status=live }} On 30 March, the Pentagon revealed that twelve American were wounded in total with six U.S. troops in Syria suffering traumatic brain injuries due to the two attacks by Iran-backed militias.{{Cite news |last1=Stewart |first1=Phil |last2=Ali |first2=Idrees |last3=Stewart |first3=Phil |last4=Ali |first4=Idrees |date=2023-03-30 |title=Six U.S. troops suffer traumatic brain injuries in Syria -Pentagon |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/six-us-troops-suffer-traumatic-brain-injuries-syria-pentagon-2023-03-30/ |access-date=2023-03-31 |archive-date=2023-03-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330192536/https://www.reuters.com/world/six-us-troops-suffer-traumatic-brain-injuries-syria-pentagon-2023-03-30/ |url-status=live }} A little-known militant group known as Liwa Al-Ghaliboun (The Brigade of Those who Prevail) claimed responsibility for the initial drone attack, although some observers believe the group to simply be a front group for a larger Iranian-backed group or the IRGC.

On 18 October 2023, American military bases in Iraq, Iraqi Kurdistan and eastern Syria were attacked by three drones. Pentagon officials insisted that there are few casualties.{{Cite web |title=Troops Hurt After 3 Drones Attack US Bases in Iraq |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/troops-hurt-after-3-drones-attack-us-bases-in-iraq-/7316811.html |access-date=2023-10-19 |website=Voice of America |archive-date=2023-10-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022164211/https://www.voanews.com/amp/troops-hurt-after-3-drones-attack-us-bases-in-iraq-/7316811.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Drone strikes target US military bases in Syria, Iraq as regional tensions from Israel-Hamas War escalate {{!}} Fox News |url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/drone-strikes-target-us-military-bases-syria-iraq-regional-tensions-israel-hamas-war-escalate.amp |access-date=2023-10-19 |website=www.foxnews.com |archive-date=2023-10-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019135309/https://www.foxnews.com/world/drone-strikes-target-us-military-bases-syria-iraq-regional-tensions-israel-hamas-war-escalate.amp |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=2023-10-19 |title=US troops in three drone attacks on American bases in Iraq |language=en |work=Le Monde.fr |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2023/10/19/troops-hurt-after-three-drones-attack-us-bases-in-iraq_6186715_4.html |access-date=2023-10-19 |archive-date=2023-10-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019170710/https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2023/10/19/troops-hurt-after-three-drones-attack-us-bases-in-iraq_6186715_4.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=2023-10-19 |title=US Base in Syria Attacked as Destroyer Stops Missiles From Yemen |language=en |work=Bloomberg.com |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-10-19/us-base-attacked-in-syria-resulting-in-minor-injuries |access-date=2023-10-19 |archive-date=2023-10-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019203906/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-10-19/us-base-attacked-in-syria-resulting-in-minor-injuries |url-status=live }} On 26 October, United States DoD said it conducted airstrikes on two facilities in eastern Syria linked to IRGC-backed militias in retaliation for the attacks.{{Cite news |last=Schmitt |first=Eric |date=2023-10-27 |title=U.S. Strikes Iranian-Linked Targets in Syria |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/26/us/politics/us-strikes-iran-syria-iraq.html |access-date=2023-10-27 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=2023-10-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027023200/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/26/us/politics/us-strikes-iran-syria-iraq.html |url-status=live }}

The United States and Iran have used proxy warfare throughout the Middle East and the Arab World since the 1979 Iranian Revolution.

The first instance of proxy warfare came during the Iran–Iraq War, when Iraq used American support to fight the war.Friedman, Alan. Spider's Web: The Secret History of How the White House Illegally Armed Iraq, Bantam Books, 1993.Timmerman, Kenneth R. The Death Lobby: How the West Armed Iraq. New York, Houghton Mifflin Company, 1991.Koppel, Ted. [https://web.archive.org/web/20040824084457/http://homepage.ntlworld.com/jksonc/docs/ir655-nightline-19920701.html The USS Vincennes: Public War, Secret War], ABC Nightline. July 1, 1992. However, American views toward Iraq were not enthusiastically supportive in its conflict with Iran, and activity in assistance was largely to prevent an Iranian victory. This was encapsulated by Henry Kissinger when he remarked, "It's a pity they both can't lose."{{cite news|url=http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/292496/it-s-pity-somebody-has-win-andrew-c-mccarthy|title=It's a Pity Somebody Has to Win|last=McCarthy|first=Andrew C.|newspaper=National Review Online|date=3 March 2012|access-date=7 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130330234452/http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/292496/it-s-pity-somebody-has-win-andrew-c-mccarthy|archive-date=30 March 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite book|author-link=Elaine Sciolino|last=Sciolino|first=Elaine|title=The Outlaw State: Saddam Hussein's Quest for Power and the Gulf Crisis|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|year=1991|isbn=9780471542995|page=[https://archive.org/details/outlawstate00elai/page/163 163]}}

In February 1982, Iraq was removed from the State Department's list of State Sponsors of Terrorism to ease the transfer of dual-use technology to that country. According to investigative journalist Alan Friedman, Haig was "upset at the fact that the decision had been made at the White House, even though the State Department was responsible for the list." "I was not consulted," Haig is said to have complained. In March, President Reagan signed National Security Study Memorandum (NSSM) 4-82—seeking "a review of U.S. policy toward the Middle East"—and in June Reagan signed a National Security Decision Directive (NSDD) co-written by Teicher, who was now at the NSC, which determined: "The United States could not afford to allow Iraq to lose the war to Iran."Pursuant to this Directive, Thomas Twetten arrived in Baghdad on July 27 to share CIA satellite imagery on Iranian troop movements with the Iraqi Mukhabarat. This was "the first U.S. provision of intelligence to Iraq," and sparked a short-lived debate over whether Iraq would tolerate a CIA presence in the country: Mukhabarat head Barzan Tikriti told Twetten to "get the hell out of Iraq," but Iraqi military intelligence—"having already drooled over it and having said repeatedly how valuable it was"—subsequently informed Twetten "we'll continue to look at your information, and we'll assess whether it is of use to us in any way." Reports of Iraq's use of chemical weapons against Iran reached the CIA as early as 1983, but the U.S. took no action to restrain Iraq's violations of international law, failing even to alert the UN.{{cite web|last1=Harris|first1=Shane|last2=Aid|first2=Matthew M.|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2013/08/26/exclusive-cia-files-prove-america-helped-saddam-as-he-gassed-iran/|title=Exclusive: CIA Files Prove America Helped Saddam as He Gassed Iran|work=Foreign Policy|date=2013-08-26|access-date=2017-05-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140915042349/http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2013/08/25/secret_cia_files_prove_america_helped_saddam_as_he_gassed_iran?page=0%2C2|archive-date=2014-09-15|url-status=live}} By November 1983, the State Department had been briefed on Iraq's "almost daily use of [chemical weapons]". In late 1983, Ronald Reagan selected Donald Rumsfeld as his envoy to the Middle East; Rumsfeld met Saddam in Baghdad in December 1983 and March 1984. "On November 26, 1984, Iraq and the U.S. restored diplomatic relations." The U.S. reportedly sought to normalize relations with Iraq in late 1983, but Saddam did not agree until 1984. The United States has also backed the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran, a group that had actively participated against Khomeini's government in Iran.{{cite web|url=https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/mek-who-is-this-iranian-cult-backed-by-the-us-24178|title=MEK: Who is this Iranian 'cult' backed by the US?|quote=The MEK, an Iranian group that opposes the Iranian government and has committed several terrorist attacks is hugely controversial. But that doesn't stop the US from supporting them.|work=TRT World|access-date=2023-07-03|archive-date=2023-06-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610120159/https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/mek-who-is-this-iranian-cult-backed-by-the-us-24178|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/big-story/Iranian-MEK-US-terror-list-halls-congress-PMOI-Iran|title=How Iranian MEK went from US terror list to halls of Congress|access-date=2023-07-03|archive-date=2020-04-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408235907/https://www.middleeasteye.net/big-story/Iranian-MEK-US-terror-list-halls-congress-PMOI-Iran|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/nov/09/mek-iran-revolution-regime-trump-rajavi|title=Terrorists, cultists – or champions of Iranian democracy? The wild wild story of the MEK|date=November 9, 2018|website=The Guardian}}

During the deployment of American troops in Lebanon during the Lebanese Civil War as part of the Multinational Force in Lebanon, Hezbollah, under the umbrella Islamic Jihad Organization, carried out attacks against American and Israeli troops in Lebanon with Iranian support, including the 1983 United States embassy bombing in Beirut and the Beirut barracks bombing. The U.S. maintains that the bombings were carried out with Iranian support.{{cite web |url=http://www.dcd.uscourts.gov/opinions/2006/2000CV2329-12036-12222006a.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2007-02-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070614085928/http://www.dcd.uscourts.gov/opinions/2006/2000CV2329-12036-12222006a.pdf |archive-date=2007-06-14}}"[http://www.cnn.com/2003/LAW/05/30/iran.barracks.bombing/ Iran responsible for 1983 Marine barracks bombing, judge rules]. CNN May 30, 2003. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030604043158/http://www.cnn.com/2003/LAW/05/30/iran.barracks.bombing/ |date=June 4, 2003}}

In the aftermath of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Iran supported Shi'ite insurgent groups dubbed the Special Groups in Iraq, which were made up by the Mahdi army, Kata'ib Hezbollah, Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, and the Promised Day Brigade. The U.S. used the Iraqi government to fight these insurgents as a result.{{cite web |url=https://ctc.usma.edu/the-evolution-of-irans-special-groups-in-iraq/ |title=The Evolution of Iran's Special Groups in Iraq |date=November 2010 |access-date=2023-07-03 |archive-date=2022-07-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702092232/https://ctc.usma.edu/the-evolution-of-irans-special-groups-in-iraq/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/19/world/middleeast/19intel.html |work=The New York Times |title=Documents Say Iran Aids Militias From Iraq |first=Mark |last=Mazzetti |date=19 October 2008 |access-date=27 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210064027/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/19/world/middleeast/19intel.html |archive-date=10 December 2008 |url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://ctc.usma.edu/Iran_Iraq.asp |title=Combating Terrorism Center |publisher=Ctc.usma.edu |access-date=26 March 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100206164118/http://www.ctc.usma.edu/Iran_Iraq.asp |archive-date= 6 February 2010}}Dafna Linzer – [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/25/AR2007012502199.html Troops Authorized to Kill Iranian Operatives in Iraq] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012121816/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/25/AR2007012502199.html |date=12 October 2017}} – The Washington Post

Iran and the United States engaged once again in proxy warfare during the Arab Spring, mainly in Syria following an uprising against pro-Iranian dictator Bashar al-Assad. Iran sought its proxy forces to support and aid Assad's government, seeing it as crucial for its interests. Meanwhile, the U.S., Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia supported the uprising, with the latter three funding revolutionary groups.{{Cite web |url=https://www.debka.com/qatar-builds-sunni-intervention-force-of-libyan-iraqi-terrorists-against-assad/ |title=Qatar builds Sunni intervention force of Libyan, Iraqi terrorists against Assad - DEBKAfile |access-date=28 May 2021 |archive-date=21 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521190501/https://www.debka.com/qatar-builds-sunni-intervention-force-of-libyan-iraqi-terrorists-against-assad/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web|author=Michael Bröning|title=Time to Back the Syrian National Coalition|url=http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/138509/michael-broening/time-to-back-the-syrian-national-coalition|work=Foreign Affairs|access-date=11 August 2013|date=17 December 2012|archive-date=7 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407053402/http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/138509/michael-broening/time-to-back-the-syrian-national-coalition|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=How Saudi Arabia can contain Iran – and other benefits from Syria's turmoil|date=31 August 2011|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/Opinion/2011/0831/How-Saudi-Arabia-can-contain-Iran-and-other-benefits-from-Syria-s-turmoil|access-date=30 August 2013|work=The Christian Science Monitor|author=Bilal Y. Saab|location=Washington DC|archive-date=4 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904052422/https://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/Opinion/2011/0831/How-Saudi-Arabia-can-contain-Iran-and-other-benefits-from-Syria-s-turmoil|url-status=live}} Following the escalation of the conflict into civil war, the conflict became subsumed into a proxy war between Russia and the United States, with Russia largely supporting Iranian efforts in Syria to contain rebels.{{cite news|title='The Cold War never ended...Syria is a Russian-American conflict' says Bashar al-Assad|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/10/14/the-cold-war-never-endedsyria-is-a-russian-american-conflict-say/|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=24 January 2017|archive-date=1 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201061104/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/10/14/the-cold-war-never-endedsyria-is-a-russian-american-conflict-say/|url-status=live}}[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/dec/23/syria-crisis-russian-military-presence "Russian military presence in Syria poses challenge to US-led intervention"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415104033/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/dec/23/syria-crisis-russian-military-presence |date=2019-04-15 }}. The Guardian, 23 December 2012. Retrieved 26 February 2013.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-usa-cooperation-idUSKCN0S11EH20151007|title=As Russia escalates, U.S. rules out military cooperation in Syria|work=Reuters|date=7 October 2015|access-date=9 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151009100208/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/10/07/us-mideast-crisis-usa-cooperation-idUSKCN0S11EH20151007|archive-date=9 October 2015|url-status=live}} Iran, Russia, and Syria, alongside Hezbollah and Iraq, formed a military coalition, of which was viewed by the U.S. as an attempt by said countries to antagonize the West.

Iran and the U.S. also engaged in proxy warfare in Yemen, where the U.S. supported the Saudi Arabian–led intervention in Yemen.{{Cite web |title=Biden pledges US support against Houthi attacks to Saudi king |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/9/biden-pledges-us-support-against-houthi-attacks-to-saudi-king |access-date=2022-05-14 |publisher=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=2022-02-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210041039/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/9/biden-pledges-us-support-against-houthi-attacks-to-saudi-king |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/2021/4/27/22403579/biden-saudi-yemen-war-pentagon|title=The US may still be helping Saudi Arabia in the Yemen war after all|work=Vox|access-date=2023-07-03|archive-date=2023-07-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705164211/https://www.vox.com/2021/4/27/22403579/biden-saudi-yemen-war-pentagon|url-status=live}} The U.S. officially intervened in October 2016 after the Houthis attacked a United States Navy ship.{{cite news | date = 27 October 2016 | title = U.S. Officials: Iran Supplying Weapons to Yemen's Houthi Rebels | first = Courtney | last = Kube | work = NBC News | url = https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/u-s-officials-iran-supplying-weapons-yemen-s-houthi-rebels-n674181 | access-date = 3 July 2023 | archive-date = 25 July 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170725130955/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/u-s-officials-iran-supplying-weapons-yemen-s-houthi-rebels-n674181 | url-status = live }}{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-missiles-idUSKCN12C294|work=Reuters|title=U.S. military strikes Yemen after missile attacks on U.S. Navy ship|date=4 May 2015|access-date=13 October 2016|archive-date=25 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525223834/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-missiles-idUSKCN12C294|url-status=live}} Iran has supported the rebel Houthis, while the Saudi coalition supported the government of Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi.

While not confirmed, the U.S. maintains that Iran supported the Taliban during the War in Afghanistan,Multiple Sources:

• {{cite news |title=Report: Iran pays $1,000 for each U.S. soldier killed by the Taliban |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna39014669 |publisher=NBC News |date=9 May 2010 |access-date=3 August 2024 |archive-date=10 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110124935/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna39014669 |url-status=live }}
• {{cite news |title=Iran's cooperation with the Taliban could affect talks on U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/08/09/irans-cooperation-with-taliban-could-affect-talks-us-withdrawal-afghanistan/ |first=Ariane M. |last=Tabatabai |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=9 August 2019 |access-date=3 July 2023 |archive-date=21 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821145948/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/08/09/irans-cooperation-with-taliban-could-affect-talks-us-withdrawal-afghanistan/ |url-status=live }}
• {{Cite news |date=9 January 2017 |title=Iranian Support for Taliban Alarms Afghan Officials |publisher=Middle East Institute |url=https://www.mei.edu/publications/iranian-support-taliban-alarms-afghan-officials |quote=Both Tehran and the Taliban denied cooperation during the first decade after the US intervention, but the unholy alliance is no longer a secret and the two sides now unapologetically admit and publicize it. |access-date=13 May 2023 |archive-date=13 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613164849/https://www.mei.edu/publications/iranian-support-taliban-alarms-afghan-officials |url-status=live }}
• {{Cite web |date=11 June 2015 |title=Iran Backs Taliban With Cash and Arms |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/iran-backs-taliban-with-cash-and-arms-1434065528 |access-date=13 June 2015 |website=The Wall Street Journal |archive-date=22 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822170320/https://www.wsj.com/articles/iran-backs-taliban-with-cash-and-arms-1434065528 |url-status=live }}
• {{cite web |title=Iran denies Taliban were paid bounties to target US troops |url=https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-middle-east-us-news-taliban-iran-99c1d96ba53ab0ccd543bf6ec2a0d040 |publisher=Associated Press |date=18 August 2020 |access-date=3 July 2023 |archive-date=18 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718085046/https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-middle-east-us-news-taliban-iran-99c1d96ba53ab0ccd543bf6ec2a0d040 |url-status=live }}
• {{cite web |last1=Patrikarakos |first1=David |title=Iran is an immediate winner of the Taliban takeover {{!}} The Spectator |url=https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/iran-is-an-immediate-winner-of-the-taliban-takeover |website=The Spectator |language=en |date=25 August 2021 |access-date=3 July 2023 |archive-date=9 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909195753/https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/iran-is-an-immediate-winner-of-the-taliban-takeover/ |url-status=live }}
• {{cite web |last1=Salahuddin |first1=Syed |title=Iran funding Taliban to affect US military presence in Afghanistan, say police and lawmakers |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1310541/world |website=Arab News |language=en |date=27 May 2018 |access-date=3 July 2023 |archive-date=9 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909195807/https://www.arabnews.com/node/1310541/world |url-status=live }}
• {{cite web |last1=Siddique |first1=Abubakar |last2=Shayan |first2=Noorullah |title=Mounting Afghan Ire Over Iran's Support For Taliban |url=https://gandhara.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-iran-taliban-support/28651070.html |website=RFE/RL |language=en |date=31 July 2017 |access-date=3 July 2023 |archive-date=31 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731185424/https://gandhara.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-iran-taliban-support/28651070.html |url-status=live }}
• {{cite web|date=26 July 2017|url=https://gandhara.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-iran-taliban-aid/28641841.html|title=Iran Accused of Helping Taliban Capture A District In Afghanistan|website=Gandhara|language=en|access-date=June 5, 2022|archive-date=27 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170727000308/https://gandhara.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-iran-taliban-aid/28641841.html|url-status=live}}
• {{cite news|url=http://www.rferl.org/content/article/1075937.html|title=Afghanistan: U.S. Says Iranian-Made Weapons Found|publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL)|author=Breffni O'Rourke|date=18 April 2007|access-date=12 January 2012|archive-date=11 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811042251/http://www.rferl.org/content/article/1075937.html|url-status=live}}
• {{cite news |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/iranian-weapons-found-in-afghanistan-1.243723 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115133022/http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories/20070604/iran_weapons_070604/ |url-status=live |archive-date=15 January 2013 |title=Iranian weapons found in Afghanistan |publisher=CTV |agency=Associated Press |date=4 June 2007 |access-date=12 January 2012 }}
• {{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/26/world/middleeast/iran-taliban-afghanistan.html|title=Iran Wanted U.S. Out of Afghanistan. It May Be Sorry the Wish Came True.|quote=Iran is glad the Americans are gone, but the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan creates a host of problems for Tehran, with no easy solutions.|work=The New York Times|access-date=2023-02-06|archive-date=2022-12-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229200118/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/26/world/middleeast/iran-taliban-afghanistan.html|url-status=live}}
• {{Cite web |date=31 May 2010 |title=US General Accuses Iran Of Helping Taliban |url=http://www.eagleworldnews.com/2010/05/31/us-general-accuses-iran-of-helping-taliban/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100607013315/http://www.eagleworldnews.com/2010/05/31/us-general-accuses-iran-of-helping-taliban/ |archive-date=7 June 2010 |access-date=1 December 2011 |work=Eagle World News }}
• {{Cite news |last=Meyer |first=Henry |date=14 February 2009 |title=Iran Is Helping Taliban in Afghanistan, Petraeus Says (Update1) |publisher=Bloomberg |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aru5H2YB1Tv8&refer=india |url-status=dead |access-date=1 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110814093743/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aru5H2YB1Tv8&refer=india |archive-date=14 August 2011 }}
• {{Cite web |last=Kugelman |first=Michael |title=What Was Mullah Mansour Doing in Iran? |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2016/05/27/mullah-mansour-iran-afghanistan-taliban-drone/ |website=Foreign Policy |access-date=2023-07-03 |archive-date=2021-08-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821172634/https://foreignpolicy.com/2016/05/27/mullah-mansour-iran-afghanistan-taliban-drone/ |url-status=live }}
• {{Cite news |date=17 August 2020 |title=US intelligence indicates Iran paid bounties to Taliban for targeting American troops in Afghanistan |publisher=CNN |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/08/17/politics/iran-taliban-bounties-us-intelligence/index.html |access-date=3 July 2023 |archive-date=21 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821152231/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/08/17/politics/iran-taliban-bounties-us-intelligence/index.html |url-status=live }}
• {{Cite web |title=Iran and the Taliban after the US fiasco in Afghanistan |url=https://www.mei.edu/publications/iran-and-taliban-after-us-fiasco-afghanistan |access-date=2022-04-13 |website=Middle East Institute |language=en |archive-date=2022-05-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531111129/https://www.mei.edu/publications/iran-and-taliban-after-us-fiasco-afghanistan |url-status=live }}
• [https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-afghanistan-region-idUSWALNME6T120101123 Iran still supporting Afghan insurgency-U.S.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812104222/https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-afghanistan-region-idUSWALNME6T120101123 |date=2021-08-12 }} Reuters 23 November 2010
• [http://www.centralasiaonline.com/en_GB/articles/caii/features/main/2010/06/07/feature-03 Iran accused of supporting Afghan insurgents] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919081248/http://centralasiaonline.com/en_GB/articles/caii/features/main/2010/06/07/feature-03 |date=2020-09-19 }}
• {{cite web|url=http://www.jamestown.org/single/?no_cache=1&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=35708|title=Is Iran Supporting the Insurgency in Afghanistan?|publisher=The Jamestown Foundation|access-date=20 April 2016|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303183824/http://www.jamestown.org/single/?no_cache=1&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=35708|url-status=live}}
• {{cite web|url=http://www.rawa.org/temp/runews/2011/03/10/isaf-seizes-iranian-weapons-in-nimroz.html|title=Isaf Seizes Iranian Weapons in Nimroz|access-date=20 April 2016|archive-date=17 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817192226/http://www.rawa.org/temp/runews/2011/03/10/isaf-seizes-iranian-weapons-in-nimroz.html|url-status=live}}
• {{cite news |url=http://articles.cnn.com/2010-10-06/world/afghanistan.iran.weapons_1_iranian-weapons-afghanistan-sunni-taliban?_s=PM:WORLD |title=Afghans find tons of explosive devices transferred from Iran |publisher=CNN |date=6 October 2010 |access-date=12 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305015156/http://articles.cnn.com/2010-10-06/world/afghanistan.iran.weapons_1_iranian-weapons-afghanistan-sunni-taliban?_s=PM%3AWORLD |archive-date=5 March 2012 }}
• {{Cite web |date=4 October 2016 |title=Shi'ite Hazara gunmen join the Taliban |url=https://mobile.almasdarnews.com/article/shiite-hazara-gunmen-join-taliban/ |access-date=31 January 2018 |archive-date=27 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327094319/https://mobile.almasdarnews.com/article/shiite-hazara-gunmen-join-taliban/ |url-status=dead }}
• {{cite news|last1=Gorman|first1=Siobhan|last2=Solomon|first2=Jay|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703700904575391664183556930|title=Reports Bolster Suspicion of Iranian Ties to Extremists|newspaper=Wall Street Journal|date=2010-07-27|access-date=2014-08-20|archive-date=2015-04-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150401054814/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703700904575391664183556930|url-status=live}} and also assessed that Iran paid bounties to the Taliban splinter group known as the Haqqani network.

Proxy warfare between the two intensified throughout the 2020s, after Iran began backing Russia with weaponry amidst the latter's invasion of Ukraine,{{cite news |last=Bertrand |first=Natasha |date=10 August 2022 |title=US believes Russians have begun training on Iranian drones |work=CNN |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/08/09/politics/russia-training-drones-iran/index.html |access-date=10 August 2022 |archive-date=11 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811110703/https://edition.cnn.com/2022/08/09/politics/russia-training-drones-iran/index.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Madhani |first1=Aamer |last2=Miller |first2=Zeke |title=US: Iranian troops in Crimea backing Russian drone strikes |url=https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-8b085070758120c31d421f68a65e4b14 |date=21 October 2022 |work=AP News |access-date=22 October 2022 |archive-date=3 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503164518/https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-8b085070758120c31d421f68a65e4b14 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|last1=Shaw|first=Adam|url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/senators-tie-iran-russian-invasion-ukraine-amid-nuclear-deal-talks|title=Senators in both parties tie Iran to Russian invasion of Ukraine amid nuclear deal talks|quote=Sen. Menendez warns, 'we cannot lose sight of the threat of the Iranian regime'|work=Fox News|date=17 March 2022|access-date=18 March 2022}}[https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/03/09/iran-support-russia-war-ukraine/ In Backing Russia on Ukraine, Iran Is on the Wrong Side of History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323125647/https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/03/09/iran-support-russia-war-ukraine/ |date=2022-03-23 }} Foreign Policy Retrieved 18 March 2022 which has led to Ukrainian condemnation. The United States has provided aid for Ukraine on the other hand. During the Gaza war, both Iran and the United States supported opposite sides, with Iran allegedly helping plan the Hamas incursion into Israel while the U.S. has backed Israel.

{{main|Views on the nuclear program of Iran}}

The Iranian nuclear program has been controversial as, although the development of a civilian nuclear power program, including enrichment activities, is explicitly allowed under the terms of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), there have been allegations that Iran has been illicitly pursuing a nuclear weapons program, in violation of the NPT (see Iran and weapons of mass destruction).

Under the leadership of the United States and of the European Union, the international community has requested the end of enrichment activities in Iran. The 118 member states of the Non-Aligned Movement however have backed Iran's right to "acquire peaceful nuclear technology".Fars News Agency, Jan 18, 2007. Link: {{cite web |url=http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=8510280149 |title=Fars News Agency :: Iran Blasts Statements of UN Secretary-General |access-date=2007-06-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070610150635/http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=8510280149 |archive-date=2007-06-10 }}

This diplomatic effort culminated in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1737, adopted (after a significant amount of diplomatic efforts) with the approval of both China and Russia (which held veto power). This resolution imposes specific, but light, economic sanctions solely linked to Iran's nuclear program.

The resolution mentions that in the event that "Iran has not complied with this resolution, [the security council will] adopt further appropriate measures under Article 41 of Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations to persuade Iran to comply with this resolution and the requirements of the IAEA, and underlines that further decisions will be required should such additional measures be necessary." According to the resolution, Iran must comply within 60 days, i.e. before 20 February 2007.

Iran has strongly rejected this resolution. Iran's parliament passed a bill on 27 December 2006 obliging the government to "revise" its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and to accelerate its drive to master nuclear technology in a reaction to the U.N. resolution. The bill gave President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's government a free hand to adopt a tougher line against the IAEA, including ending its inspections of Iran's atomic facilities.

On March 2, 2007, six key nations, including the 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council, which hold veto power, have agreed to pass a new resolution to impose tougher sanctions on Iran regarding its nuclear issue at the United Nations Security Council, French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said.{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-03/03/content_5795349.htm|title=Key countries agree on new UN resolution on Iran|work=xinhuanet.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070305192605/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-03/03/content_5795349.htm|archive-date=2007-03-05}}

In March 2007, Russia announced that construction of a nuclear reactor would be delayed at least two months because Iran had failed to make monthly payments since January. It said the delay could cause "irreversible" damage to the project. Because of the delay, Russia also indefinitely put off the delivery of enriched uranium fuel it had promised to provide Iran in March. Iran, which denied falling behind in payments, was furious, convinced Russia was pressuring the country to bend to the U.N. Security Council, which has placed sanctions against it for refusing to suspend uranium enrichment. The pattern of Russia's behavior has strengthened Iran's determination to obtain the full technology to build nuclear power plants and end its dependence because they say Russia has never been and will never be a reliable partner.{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=2959900&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312|title=ABC News: Delayed Nuke Plant Bolsters Resolve |work=ABC News}}

On February 20, 2007, before the expiration of the United Nations Security Council deadline asking Iran to suspend uraninium enrichment, Ali Larijani, Iran's Head of the National Security Council, warned that “double standards will severely damage the credibility of international bodies“.

“I think certain countries are seeking adventure on Iran’s nuclear case. You know that some countries until now have not signed the NPT, but are conducting nuclear activities,“ he said, regretting that no action has been taken against such countries while the UN Security Council has passed a resolution against Iran.{{cite web|url=http://iran-daily.com/1385/2788/html/|title=دسترسی غیر مجاز|website=iran-daily.com|access-date=23 February 2019|archive-date=24 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224062351/http://www.iran-daily.com/1385/2788/html/|url-status=live}}

On March 18, 2007, Iran, under fire from Western powers over its atomic program, criticized Britain's plans to renew its nuclear arsenal as a "serious setback" to international disarmament efforts. Britain's parliament backed Prime Minister Tony Blair's plans to renew the country's Trident missile nuclear weapons system.

"Britain does not have the right to question others when they're not complying with their obligations" referring to the obligation by the U.K., United States, Russia and France to disarm under the NPT accord and "It is very unfortunate that the UK, which is always calling for non-proliferation not only has not given up the weapons but has taken a serious step toward further development of nuclear weapons," Iran's envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency, told a conference examining the Trident decision.{{Cite web |url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070316/wl_nm/iran_nuclear_britain_dc_1 |title=British nuclear plans "serious setback": Iran envoy - Yahoo! News |access-date=2017-01-14 |archive-date=2007-03-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070319190508/http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070316/wl_nm/iran_nuclear_britain_dc_1 |url-status=dead }}

In a Question and Answer session following his address to Columbia University on September 24, 2007, the Iranian President remarked: "I think the politicians who are after atomic bombs, or testing them, making them, politically they are backward, retarded."[http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2007/09/5313B078-4467-4D74-B94F-59135A1FC549.html Ahmadinejad's Performance Gets Mixed Reaction From Iranians] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071010001649/http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2007/09/5313b078-4467-4d74-b94f-59135a1fc549.html |date=2007-10-10 }} Radio Free Europe September 25, 2007

On 20 February 2007, a small radical reformist political party, the Islamic Revolutionary Mujahadin Organisation, complained that Iran's drive to produce nuclear energy has endangered national security, the national interest and the destiny of the Iranian people.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6381477.stm|title=BBC NEWS – Middle East – Iran 'swiftly seeks nuclear goal'|work=bbc.co.uk|date=21 February 2007|access-date=12 June 2007|archive-date=10 March 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310232010/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6381477.stm|url-status=live}}

On 26 February 2007, the conservative daily Resalat chided Ahmadinejad, saying "neither weakness nor unnecessarily offensive language is acceptable in foreign policy."{{cite web|url=https://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/world/4582609.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20070228095236/http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/world/4582609.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 28, 2007|title=Some in Iran denounce Ahmadinejad stance|access-date=23 February 2019}}

{{main|Iran–Israel proxy conflict|Iran–Israel relations}}

{{see also|Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Israel}}

Iranian leaders have made vehement declarations against Israel. Ahmadinejad was widely reported as calling for Israel to be "wiped off the map."{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061024200549/http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/15E6BF77-6F91-46EE-A4B5-A3CE0E9957EA.htm|url-status=dead|title=Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera|archivedate=October 24, 2006|website=www.aljazeera.com}} However, this translation is disputed, and some have considered it a psyop."[http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/jonathan_steele/2006/06/post_155.html Lost in translation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060615161522/http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/jonathan_steele/2006/06/post_155.html |date=2006-06-15 }}", by Jonathan Steele, The Guardian, 2006-06-14 A call for Israel's destruction is also attributed to Ayatollah Khomeini, the political leader of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.,"[http://www.france24.com/en/20080310-iran-students-put-bounties-heads-israel-leaders?pop=TRUE Khomeini Called for Israel's destruction] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080521124517/http://www.france24.com/en/20080310-iran-students-put-bounties-heads-israel-leaders?pop=TRUE |date=2008-05-21 }}",France24, 2008-03-10 and Iranian military parades featured ballistic missiles adorned with slogans such as 'Israel must be uprooted and erased from history'.[http://terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/html/final/eng/sib/4_04/as_iran.htm Erase Israel slogans spotted on Iranian ballistic missiles in Teheran Army Parade] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080522075638/http://terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/html/final/eng/sib/4_04/as_iran.htm |date=2008-05-22 }}

The Iranian government has stressed they did not call for an attack on Israel. Rather, they wish to allow Palestinian refugees to return to Palestine, whereupon all inhabitants will vote on its political future.{{cite web|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1535777-2,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061108123217/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C1535777-2%2C00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 8, 2006|title=We Do Not Need Attacks|date=17 September 2006|work=Time}} These "clarifications" are seen in Israel as a diplomatic smokescreen.

"For many long years, we have followed Iran's efforts to acquire nuclear weapons, in the guise of a civilian nuclear program," said Prime Minister of Israel Ehud Olmert.{{cite web|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/02/18/MNGPCO71TL1.DTL|title=Israel tense over 'the Iranian threat' / As U.N. Security Council ponders new sanctions against Tehran, Jerusalem is watching warily|work=SFGate|date=18 February 2007|access-date=12 June 2007|archive-date=18 December 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071218195440/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/02/18/MNGPCO71TL1.DTL|url-status=live}}

In November 2003, Israel's defence minister Shaul Mofaz has made what sources have described as a warning of "unprecedented severity." Mofaz set out his government's position last week during a visit to the United States stating that "under no circumstances would Israel be able to tolerate nuclear weapons in Iranian possession".[http://news.scotsman.com/international.cfm?id=1292472003 Israel threatens strikes on Iranian nuclear targets] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070420083828/http://news.scotsman.com/international.cfm?id=1292472003 |date=2007-04-20 }}, Ross Dunn, Scotsman.com, Nov 23, 2003

Iran has also been known to use the pejorative terms Zionist entity and Little Satan, as well as calling Israel 'cancer'.{{cite news |author= |date=2023-10-03 |title=Iran can't stop Israel-Saudi peace, Netanyahu says in message to ayatollah |url=https://m.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-761516 |work=jpost.com |location=Tehran |access-date=2023-10-03 |archive-date=2023-10-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009035135/https://m.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-761516 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/war-with-cancerous-tumor-israel-will-eventually-happen-says-iranian-general/|title=War with 'cancerous tumor Israel' will eventually happen, says Iranian general|work=The Times of Israel|date=22 September 2012|access-date=22 September 2012|author=Goldman, Yoel|archive-date=25 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925100410/http://www.timesofisrael.com/war-with-cancerous-tumor-israel-will-eventually-happen-says-iranian-general/|url-status=live}}{{cite web | url=http://www.jpost.com/IranianThreat/News/Article.aspx?id=281345 | title=Senior Iranian official threatens Israel with destruction | work=The Jerusalem Post | date=15 August 2012 | access-date=15 August 2012 | author1=Keinon, Herb | author2=Parazczuk, Joanna | archive-date=15 August 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815195733/http://www.jpost.com/IranianThreat/News/Article.aspx?id=281345 | url-status=live }}

{{further|Iran and state-sponsored terrorism}}

According to both the United States Department of Defense and Department of State, Iran has arbitrarily funded armed militant groups throughout the Muslim World, many of which adhere to Islamism.{{cite news|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/syria-crisis-idINL6E8J6E9Q20120807/|title=Iran backs Assad as Syrian forces choke off Aleppo|date=7 August 2012|access-date=7 August 2012|work=Reuters|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127053526/http://in.reuters.com/article/syria-crisis-idINL6E8J6E9Q20120807/|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/07/world/meast/syria-unrest/|title=Iran: Syria part of 'axis of resistance'|date=7 August 2012|access-date=7 August 2012|work=CNN|archive-date=21 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921050037/https://www.cnn.com/2012/08/07/world/meast/syria-unrest/|url-status=live}}{{citation|url=http://www.crisisgroup.org/~/media/Files/Middle%20East%20North%20Africa/Iraq%20Syria%20Lebanon/Lebanon/97%20Drums%20of%20War%20-%20Israel%20and%20the%20Axis%20of%20Resistance.pdf|title=Drums Of War: Israel And The "AXIS OF RESISTANCE"|publisher=International Crisis Group|date=2 August 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304111425/http://www.crisisgroup.org/~/media/Files/Middle%20East%20North%20Africa/Iraq%20Syria%20Lebanon/Lebanon/97%20Drums%20of%20War%20-%20Israel%20and%20the%20Axis%20of%20Resistance.pdf|archive-date=2016-03-04}} As a result of support for several designated terrorist group such as Hezbollah, Hamas, the Taliban, and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the U.S. has designated Iran as a state sponsor of terror.[https://2001-2009.state.gov/s/ct/rls/crt/2005/64337.htm State Sponsors of Terror Overview] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701151608/https://2001-2009.state.gov/s/ct/rls/crt/2005/64337.htm |date=2019-07-01 }} April 28, 2006 Iran has also allegedly forged ties with al-Qaeda and thus supported the September 11 attacks and its perpetrators according to the 9/11 Commission.The [http://avalon.law.yale.edu/sept11/911Report.pdf 9/11 Commission Report.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171119101555/http://avalon.law.yale.edu/sept11/911Report.pdf |date=November 19, 2017 }} New York: W.W. Norton & Company. pp. 240–41. {{ISBN|0-393-32671-3}}

The extent of Iran's support to Islamist and terrorist groups has been subject to debate, however, it is known that Iran has supported mainly anti-American groups such as Hezbollah,[https://hezbollah.org/about-hezbollah About Hezbollah] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501115145/https://hezbollah.org/about-hezbollah |date=2023-05-01 }} Hezbollah[https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/how-hezbollah-widens-irans-middle-east-reach-2021-10-15/ Explainer: How Hezbollah widens Iran's Middle East reach] Reuters{{cite web|url=https://www.brookings.edu/opinions/hezbollah-revolutionary-irans-most-successful-export/|title=Hezbollah: Revolutionary Iran's most successful export|website=Brookings|date=17 January 2019|access-date=12 May 2023|archive-date=9 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609005146/https://www.brookings.edu/opinions/hezbollah-revolutionary-irans-most-successful-export/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/iransource/hezbollah-considers-the-united-states-not-israel-its-greatest-enemy/|title=Hezbollah considers the United States, not Israel, its greatest enemy|date=April 30, 2020|access-date=June 3, 2022|publisher=Atlantic Council|archive-date=June 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603231045/https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/iransource/hezbollah-considers-the-united-states-not-israel-its-greatest-enemy/|url-status=live}}[http://archive.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2007/07/03/us_accuses_iran_of_using_hezbollah_to_train_militia/ US accuses Iran of using Hezbollah to train militia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909195733/http://archive.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2007/07/03/us_accuses_iran_of_using_hezbollah_to_train_militia/ |date=2024-09-09 }} The Boston Globe(15 September 2020) [https://hezbollah.org/resources/party-god-and-its-greatest-satan The Party of God and its Greatest Satan ] "The 36-Year Confrontation Between Hezbollah and America" Eye on Hezbollah rejectionist groups in Palestine such as Hamas,{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/how-iran-fuels-hamas-terrorism|title=How Iran Fuels Hamas Terrorism|work=The Washington Institute for Near East Policy|quote=After playing a key role in the group’s military development for years and navigating deep ideological rifts, Tehran has renewed its extensive sponsorship in ways that contributed directly to the recent bloodshed in Gaza.|access-date=2023-05-13|archive-date=2024-02-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201182506/https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/how-iran-fuels-hamas-terrorism|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/9/25/hamas-restoration-of-ties-with-syria-maintains-interests|title=Iranian support vital for Hamas after ties restored with Syria|first=Arwa|last=Ibrahim|website=www.aljazeera.com|access-date=2023-05-13|archive-date=2024-01-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103215455/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/9/25/hamas-restoration-of-ties-with-syria-maintains-interests|url-status=live}} the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine,{{Cite web|url=https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/iran-hamas-and-palestinian-islamic-jihad|title=Iran, Hamas & Palestinian Islamic Jihad | Wilson Center|website=www.wilsoncenter.org|access-date=2023-05-13|archive-date=2019-05-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507050705/https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/iran-hamas-and-palestinian-islamic-jihad|url-status=live}} and others,{{cite web |url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/features/2018/02/02/Who-is-Al-Sabreen-movement-the-arms-of-Iran-in-Palestine-.html |title=US move turns spotlight on Al Sabreen movement, the arms of Iran in Palestine |date=2 February 2018 |website=Al Arabiya English |access-date=22 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817195034/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/features/2018/02/02/Who-is-Al-Sabreen-movement-the-arms-of-Iran-in-Palestine-.html |archive-date=17 August 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/09/iran-pflp-gaza-palestine-syria.html |title=Iran Increases Aid to PFLP Thanks to Syria Stance |first=Hazem |last=Balousha |date=17 September 2013 |work=Al-Monitor |access-date=18 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150418132016/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/09/iran-pflp-gaza-palestine-syria.html |archive-date=18 April 2015|url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/is-the-popular-front-for-the-liberation-of-palestine-back-from-the-dead-628060|title=Is the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine back from the dead?|website=The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com|access-date=28 December 2020|archive-date=14 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214064427/https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/is-the-popular-front-for-the-liberation-of-palestine-back-from-the-dead-628060|url-status=live}} as well as other groups including the Popular Mobilization Forces,{{cite web|url=https://www.state.gov/state-department-terrorist-designations-of-asaib-ahl-al-haq-and-its-leaders-qays-and-laith-al-khazali/|title=State Department Terrorist Designations of Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq and Its Leaders, Qays and Laith al-Khazali|publisher=U.S. Department of State|date=3 January 2020|access-date=11 February 2023|archive-date=18 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718034036/https://www.state.gov/state-department-terrorist-designations-of-asaib-ahl-al-haq-and-its-leaders-qays-and-laith-al-khazali/|url-status=live}}[https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/29/world/middleeast/us-airstrikes-iran-iraq-syria.html U.S. Launches Airstrikes on Iranian-Backed Forces in Iraq and Syria] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101014118/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/29/world/middleeast/us-airstrikes-iran-iraq-syria.html |date=2020-01-01 }} en: The New York Times. Consultado el 29-12-2019.{{cite news|url=https://thearabweekly.com/us-sanctions-key-leader-iraqi-pmf-hezbollah-brigades|title=US sanctions key leader of Iraqi PMF, Hezbollah Brigades|quote=The US State Department says Abu Fadak is working with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s Quds Force to “reshape official Iraqi state security institutions … to instead support Iran’s malign activities,”|work=The Arab Weekly|access-date=June 3, 2022|archive-date=December 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211013744/https://thearabweekly.com/us-sanctions-key-leader-iraqi-pmf-hezbollah-brigades|url-status=live}} several Bahraini militias,{{cite web|url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/03/us-designates-iran-backed-bahrainis-for-terrorism.php|title=US designates Iran-backed Bahrainis as terrorists - FDD's Long War Journal|date=21 March 2017|access-date=11 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914133959/https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/03/us-designates-iran-backed-bahrainis-for-terrorism.php|archive-date=14 September 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news |url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/02/bahraini-militant-group-adopts-irgc-branding.php |quote=At the same time, Saraya al Ashtar reaffirmed its loyalty to the Islamic Republic of Iran. "We believe that the commander and ruler of the Islamic religion is the line of the two imams, Khomeini and Khamenei, which is in the original Muhammad approach in confronting the oppressors and fighting back against the tyrants," the group's statement reads. |title=Bahraini militant group adopts IRGC branding |first=Caleb |last=Wess |date=February 23, 2018 |access-date=May 13, 2023 |archive-date=April 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401151842/https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/02/bahraini-militant-group-adopts-irgc-branding.php |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=State Department Terrorist Designation of al-Ashtar Brigades (AAB) |url=https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2018/07/283939.htm |publisher=U.S. State Department |date=10 July 2018 |access-date=13 May 2023 |archive-date=15 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915084640/https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2018/07/283939.htm |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/gulf/2017/03/18/US-places-Bahrainis-backed-by-Iran-on-terrorist-list-imposes-sanctions.html |publisher=Al Arabiya |first=Ismaeel |last=Naar |date=June 9, 2017 |title=Who are the al-Ashtar Brigades, latest Arab-designated 'terrorist group'? |access-date=May 13, 2023 |archive-date=February 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227034806/https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/gulf/2017/03/18/US-places-Bahrainis-backed-by-Iran-on-terrorist-list-imposes-sanctions.html |url-status=live }} the Houthis,{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/yemens-houthi-rebels-threaten-to-attack-israel/|title=Yemen's Houthi rebels threaten to attack Israel|website=The Times of Israel |access-date=26 January 2020|archive-date=10 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110025717/https://www.timesofisrael.com/yemens-houthi-rebels-threaten-to-attack-israel/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2017-03-21/exclusive-iran-steps-up-support-for-houthis-in-yemens-war-sources|title=Exclusive: Iran Steps up Support for Houthis in Yemen's War – Sources|publisher=U.S. News & World Report|date=21 March 2017|access-date=30 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322202635/https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2017-03-21/exclusive-iran-steps-up-support-for-houthis-in-yemens-war-sources|archive-date=22 March 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://m.jpost.com/Opinion/Yemens-Houthis-New-members-of-Irans-anti-Israelianti-American-axis-494170|title=Yemen's Houthis: New members of Iran's anti-Israeli/anti-American axis|website=The Jerusalem Post |access-date=1 January 2018}} and the Taliban{{Cite news |date=9 January 2017 |title=Iranian Support for Taliban Alarms Afghan Officials |publisher=Middle East Institute |url=https://www.mei.edu/publications/iranian-support-taliban-alarms-afghan-officials |quote=Both Tehran and the Taliban denied cooperation during the first decade after the US intervention, but the unholy alliance is no longer a secret and the two sides now unapologetically admit and publicize it. |access-date=13 May 2023 |archive-date=13 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613164849/https://www.mei.edu/publications/iranian-support-taliban-alarms-afghan-officials |url-status=live }} that together form the Axis of Resistance alongside the Iraqi,{{cite journal|last=Goodarzi|first=Jubin|journal=Viewpoints|title=Iran and Syria at the Crossroads: The Fall of the Tehran-Damascus Axis?|url=http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/iran_syria_crossroads_fall_tehran_damascus_axis.pdf|date=August 2013|publisher=Wilson Center|access-date=2023-05-13|archive-date=2015-10-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151022200408/https://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/iran_syria_crossroads_fall_tehran_damascus_axis.pdf|url-status=dead}} Syrian, and Russian governments.{{Cite web |date=1 March 2023 |title=The Concept of the Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation |url=https://russiaeu.ru/en/news/concept-foreign-policy-russian-federation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410161817/https://russiaeu.ru/en/news/concept-foreign-policy-russian-federation |archive-date=10 April 2023 |website=Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the European Union}}{{Cite journal |last=Al Qedra |first=Ahmed |date=May 2022 |title=Russian foreign policy towards the GCC |url=https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/2188654 |journal=Journal of Crises and Political Research |volume=6 |issue=1 |pages=41–66 |via=dergipark.org |access-date=2023-05-13 |archive-date=2023-05-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503223323/https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/2188654 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=31 March 2023 |title=Russia adopts new anti-West foreign policy strategy |work=Deutsche Welle |url=https://www.dw.com/en/russia-adopts-new-anti-west-foreign-policy-strategy/a-65198660 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402012931/https://www.dw.com/en/russia-adopts-new-anti-west-foreign-policy-strategy/a-65198660 |archive-date=2 April 2023}} Iran uses the axis of resistance as a proxy force, fighting in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, and with militias collaborating with one another.[https://www.foreignaffairs.com/iran/irans-axis-resistance-rises Iran’s Axis of Resistance Rises: How It’s Forging a New Middle East] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230702195904/https://www.foreignaffairs.com/iran/irans-axis-resistance-rises |date=2023-07-02 }}, Foreign Affairs, January 24, 2017

Within Syria itself, Iran uses the Axis of Resistance as a proxy force in order to support the regime of despot Bashar al-Assad.{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/americas/2012/08/20128154537913351.html |title=Iran accused of setting up pro-Assad militias |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=15 August 2012 |access-date=16 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815205837/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/americas/2012/08/20128154537913351.html |archive-date=15 August 2012 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/report/hezbollah-syria |title=HEZBOLLAH IN SYRIA |access-date=2023-07-02 |archive-date=2024-09-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909195740/https://www.understandingwar.org/report/hezbollah-syria |url-status=live }} Assad and Iran hold close ties,Nada Bakri, [https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/28/world/middleeast/28syria.html?_r=0 "Iran Calls on Syria to Recognize Citizens' Demands"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806063229/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/28/world/middleeast/28syria.html?_r=0 |date=2017-08-06 }}, The New York Times, 8 August 2011 in part due to their anti-American stance.{{cite journal|last=Goodarzi|first=Jubin M.|title=Syria and Iran: Alliance Cooperation in a Changing Regional Environment|journal=Middle East Studies|date=January 2013|volume=4|issue=2|pages=31–59|url=http://www.orsam.org.tr/en/enUploads/Article/Files/201331_makale2.pdf|access-date=6 August 2013|archive-date=20 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020172459/http://www.orsam.org.tr/en/enUploads/Article/Files/201331_makale2.pdf|url-status=live}} Iran aided Syria in their crackdown of the Syrian revolution,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-13173697|title=Syria crisis: Obama condemns 'outrageous' use of force|publisher=BBC News|date=23 April 2011|access-date=11 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110905184118/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-13173697|archive-date=5 September 2011|url-status=live}} and eventually sent troops to support the government.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/may/28/syria-army-iran-forces |title=Syrian army being aided by Iranian forces |date=28 May 2012 |work=The Guardian |access-date=5 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120528174410/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/may/28/syria-army-iran-forces |archive-date=28 May 2012 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/08/15/232401.html |title=U.S. officials confirm captured Iranians in Syria are 'active' military: report |publisher=Al Arabiya |date=15 August 2012 |access-date=16 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815234652/http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/08/15/232401.html |archive-date=15 August 2012 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all}}

Iran uses Hezbollah as a proxy within Syria, using them to attack enemies such as Israel,{{cite web|last=Katz|first=Brian|url=https://www.csis.org/analysis/axis-rising-irans-evolving-regional-strategy-and-non-state-partnerships-middle-east|title=Axis Rising: Iran's Evolving Regional Strategy and Non-State Partnerships in the Middle East|work=Center of Strategic and International Studies|date=October 11, 2018|access-date=July 2, 2023}} Turkey,{{Cite web|url=https://eurasiantimes.com/israel-impressed-how-turkish-army-crushed-hezbollah-in-idlib-syria/|title=Israel Impressed How Turkish Army Crushed Hezbollah In Idlib, Syria|first=Xavier|last=Francis|date=21 May 2020|website=Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News|access-date=2 July 2023|archive-date=18 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718040051/https://www.eurasiantimes.com/israel-impressed-how-turkish-army-crushed-hezbollah-in-idlib-syria/|url-status=live}} and rebels.{{cite news|last=Barnard|first=Anne|title=Car Bombing Injures Dozens in Hezbollah Section of Beirut|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/10/world/middleeast/syria.html?_r=0|access-date=August 30, 2013|newspaper=The New York Times|date=July 9, 2013|quote=Hezbollah has portrayed the Syrian uprising as an Israeli-backed plot to destroy its alliance with Mr. Assad against Israel.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929090905/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/10/world/middleeast/syria.html?_r=0|archive-date=September 29, 2013|url-status=live}} Iran and Hezbollah have both also created, funded, and armed several paramilitaries and militias within Syria loyal to the Assad Regime,{{cite web |last=Weiss |first=Michael |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/articles/2014/06/23/iran_is_funding_isis_syria_iraq_proxy_war |title=Trust Iran Only as Far as You Can Throw It |work=Foreign Policy |date=23 June 2014 |access-date=11 August 2014 |archive-date=13 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140813003037/http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2014/06/23/iran_is_funding_isis_syria_iraq_proxy_war |url-status=live }}
{{cite magazine |last=Filkins |first=Dexter |url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2013/09/30/the-shadow-commander?currentPage=all |title=The Shadow Commander |magazine=The New Yorker |date=30 September 2013 |access-date=11 August 2014 |archive-date=14 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214063916/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2013/09/30/the-shadow-commander?currentPage=all |url-status=live }} as well as overseeing the involvement of other militias from Iraq,{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-fighters-pour-southern-aleppo/|title=Iraqi fighters pour into southern Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=8 August 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=8 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808083825/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-fighters-pour-southern-aleppo/|archive-date=8 August 2016|url-status=live}} Palestine, and Lebanon.Phillip Smyth, [https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/uploads/Documents/pubs/PolicyFocus138_Smyth-2.pdf The Shiite Jihad In Syria And Its Regional Effects] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713052402/https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/uploads/Documents/pubs/PolicyFocus138_Smyth-2.pdf |date=2015-07-13}}, The Washington Institute For Near East Policy, Policy Focus 138, 2015{{cite web|url=http://www.joshualandis.com/blog/overview-of-some-pro-assad-militias/|title=Overview of some pro-Assad Militias|work=Syria Comment|access-date=25 October 2015|archive-date=10 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810000748/http://www.joshualandis.com/blog/overview-of-some-pro-assad-militias/|url-status=dead}} Iran also formed militias for fighters from Afghanistan and Pakistan, under the banners of Liwa Fatemiyoun and Liwa Zainebiyoun.{{cite news |last1=Heistein |first1=Ari |last2=West |first2=James |title=Syria's Other Foreign Fighters: Iran's Afghan and Pakistani Mercenaries |url=http://nationalinterest.org/feature/syrias-other-foreign-fighters-irans-afghan-pakistani-14400 |access-date=11 October 2016 |agency=National Interest |date=20 November 2015 |archive-date=17 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117004713/https://nationalinterest.org/feature/syrias-other-foreign-fighters-irans-afghan-pakistani-14400 |url-status=live }}

Iran has been heavily involved in Iraq since the 2003 invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein from power.{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/29/world/middleeast/29iranians.html?ei=5094&en=d4deb1d521cb8706&hp=&ex=1170046800&partner=homepage&pagewanted=print | newspaper=New York Times | title=THE REACH OF WAR; IRANIAN REVEALS PLAN TO EXPAND ROLE INSIDE IRAQ | date=2007-01-29 | first=James | last=Glanz | access-date=May 1, 2010 | archive-date=2021-03-09 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309123154/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/29/world/middleeast/29iranians.html?ei=5094&en=d4deb1d521cb8706&hp=&ex=1170046800&partner=homepage&pagewanted=print | url-status=live }} Iran has often used Shia militias within Iraq to disrupt American operations,[https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2007/01/20070110-7.html President's Address to the Nation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501145439/http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2007/01/20070110-7.html |date=2011-05-01 }}, The White House, January 10, 2007. Retrieved February 1, 2007. while also directly participating in the insurgency that followed the invasion.{{cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/operations-by-irans-military-mastermind-2014-7|title=Operations By Iran's Military Mastermind – Business Insider|date=9 July 2014|work=Business Insider|access-date=2 July 2023|archive-date=18 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718034353/https://www.businessinsider.com/operations-by-irans-military-mastermind-2014-7|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://cisac.fsi.stanford.edu/sites/default/files/Felter_Iranian_Strategy_in_Iraq.pdf |title=Iranian Strategy in Iraq: Politics and 'Other Means' |access-date=12 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305151457/http://cisac.fsi.stanford.edu/sites/default/files/Felter_Iranian_Strategy_in_Iraq.pdf |archive-date=5 March 2016 |url-status=dead}} Iran mainly funded the Mahdi Army, a group led by Muqtada al-Sadr. Iran has also been heavily involved with the founding of the Popular Mobilization Forces and their effort to fight the Islamic State within Iraq, fighting alongside them and the axis of resistance.

In August 2020, U.S. intelligence officials assessed that Iran offered bounties to the Taliban-linked Haqqani network to kill foreign servicemembers, including Americans, in Afghanistan.{{cite news |title=US intelligence indicates Iran paid bounties to Taliban for targeting American troops in Afghanistan |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/08/17/politics/iran-taliban-bounties-us-intelligence/index.html |publisher=CNN |date=17 August 2020 |access-date=3 July 2023 |archive-date=21 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821152231/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/08/17/politics/iran-taliban-bounties-us-intelligence/index.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Iran paid bounties for targeting US troops, intelligence reportedly suggests |url=https://thehill.com/policy/defense/512273-iran-paid-bounties-for-targeting-us-troops-intelligence-reportedly-suggests |work=The Hill |date=17 August 2020 |access-date=3 July 2023 |archive-date=15 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815101231/https://thehill.com/policy/defense/512273-iran-paid-bounties-for-targeting-us-troops-intelligence-reportedly-suggests |url-status=live }} U.S. intelligence determined that Iran paid bounties to Taliban insurgents for the 2019 attack on Bagram airport.{{cite news |title=Iran reportedly paid bounties to Afghan group for attacks on Americans |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/aug/17/iran-bounties-us-troops-afghanistan-taliban |work=The Guardian |date=17 August 2020 |access-date=3 July 2023 |archive-date=21 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821025428/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/aug/17/iran-bounties-us-troops-afghanistan-taliban |url-status=live }} According to CNN, Donald Trump's administration has "never mentioned Iran's connection to the bombing, an omission current and former officials said was connected to the broader prioritization of the peace agreement and withdrawal from Afghanistan."

Iran is known to fund several Palestinian militant groups, many of them members of the Alliance of Palestinian Forces. These groups, all of them espousing Anti-Zionism, are known to attack Israeli civilians within Israeli territory and are known to use terrorism. Iran itself has also been directly involved in several conflicts against Israel, including in 2018 and 2023.

Hamas is the main proxy group funded and armed by Iran, based in the Gaza Strip, of which it governs. It has engaged Israeli forces in direct combat several times in Gaza, with it also being notorious for its antisemitism and attacks against Israeli civilians. Alongside Hamas, Iran is also known to fund Hamas-allied Palestinian Islamic Jihad,{{cite web|url=https://fas.org/irp/world/para/docs/950500.htm|title=THE TERRORIST CONNECTION - IRAN, THE ISLAMIC JIHAD AND HAMAS|website=fas.org|access-date=16 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212213527/https://fas.org/irp/world/para/docs/950500.htm|archive-date=12 December 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au/agd/WWW/NationalSecurity.nsf/Page/What_Governments_are_doing_Listing_of_Terrorism_Organisations_Palestinian_Islamic_Jihad|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060820175840/http://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au/agd/WWW/NationalSecurity.nsf/Page/What_Governments_are_doing_Listing_of_Terrorism_Organisations_Palestinian_Islamic_Jihad|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 August 2006 |title=Australian Government Attorneys General's Department - Palestinian Islamic Jihad|date=20 August 2006|access-date=16 March 2018}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21599826-decline-hamas-may-result-new-wave-chaos-whos-charge |title=The Gaza Strip: Who's in charge? |newspaper=The Economist |date=29 March 2014 |access-date=1 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705205238/http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21599826-decline-hamas-may-result-new-wave-chaos-whos-charge |archive-date=5 July 2014 |url-status=live }} the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine,{{Cite web|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2013/09/iran-pflp-gaza-palestine-syria.html|title=Iran Increases Aid to PFLP Thanks to Syria Stance|website=Al Monitor: The Pulse of the Middle East|access-date=2 May 2021|archive-date=2 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502203304/https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2013/09/iran-pflp-gaza-palestine-syria.html|url-status=live}} the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine,{{cite news |url=https://www.plenglish.com/news/2023/10/07/palestinian-militias-back-hamas-against-israel/ |title=Palestinian militias back Hamas against Israel |date=7 October 2023 |access-date=12 October 2023 |work=Prensa Latina |archive-date=12 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012153436/https://www.plenglish.com/news/2023/10/07/palestinian-militias-back-hamas-against-israel/ |url-status=live }} and the Sabireen Movement, all of which are based in the Gaza Strip and have engaged Israeli forces. Iran also formerly supported the Popular Resistance Committees up until 2013,{{cite web|url=http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/prc-spokesman-future-operations-against-enemy-will-be-%E2%80%98thorn-israels-throat%E2%80%99|title=PRC Spokesman: Future Operations Against the Enemy will be 'Thorn in Israel's Throat'|work=Al Akhbar English|access-date=2015-01-23|archive-date=2015-01-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150125062649/http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/prc-spokesman-future-operations-against-enemy-will-be-%E2%80%98thorn-israels-throat%E2%80%99|url-status=dead}} when relations were ruptured following the PRC's support of the Syrian opposition.

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine – General Command and Free Palestine Movement, based in Syria, are also known to receive aid from Iran and the Syrian government.{{cite web |url=http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/syriasource/palestinian-syrian-militarization-in-yarmouk |title=Palestinian-Syrian Militarization in Yarmouk |author=Tom Rollins |work=Atlantic Council |date=19 July 2017 |accessdate=18 March 2018 |archive-date=11 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811032536/http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/syriasource/palestinian-syrian-militarization-in-yarmouk |url-status=live }}

{{Main|United States sanctions against Iran}}

{{see also|Sanctions against Iran}}

Since the 1979 revolution in Iran, the country has been under constant US unilateral sanctions. The first U.S. sanctions against Iran were formalized in November 1979, and during the hostage crisis, many sanctions were leveled against the Iranian government. By 1987 the import of Iranian goods into the United States had been banned. In 1995, President Clinton issued Executive Order 12957, banning U.S. investment in Iran's energy sector, followed a few weeks later by Executive Order 12959 of May 9, 1995, eliminating all trade and investment and virtually all interaction between the United States and Iran. For details of current US sanctions, see [http://treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/programs/iran/iran.shtml the page of US Treasury] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101203130127/http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/programs/iran/iran.shtml |date=2010-12-03 }}.

Iran and the United States have had no formal diplomatic relations since April 7, 1980. Instead, Pakistan serves as Iran's protecting power in the United States, while Switzerland serves as the United States' protecting power in Iran. Contacts are carried out through the Iranian Interests Section of the Pakistani Embassy in Washington, D.C.,{{Cite web|url=http://www.daftar.org/far/default.asp|title=Interests Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran|date=June 26, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100626003804/http://www.daftar.org/far/default.asp |archive-date=2010-06-26 }} and the US Interests Section of the Swiss Embassy in Tehran. In August 2018, Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei banned direct talks with the United States.{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-usa/irans-khamenei-bans-holding-direct-talks-with-united-states-tv-idUSKBN1KY14A | title=Iran's Khamenei bans holding direct talks with United States: TV | newspaper=Reuters | date=13 August 2018 | access-date=17 May 2023 | archive-date=4 January 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104071503/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-usa/irans-khamenei-bans-holding-direct-talks-with-united-states-tv-idUSKBN1KY14A | url-status=live }}

The United States have not been followed yet by other countries. But the UN sanctions are the first international sanctions levied on Iran. The United States is pushing for more economic sanctions against Iran.{{cite web|url=http://www.payvand.com/news/07/jan/1127.html|title=The Plan for Economic Strangulation of Iran|work=payvand.com|access-date=2007-06-12|archive-date=2007-04-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070410221717/http://www.payvand.com/news/07/jan/1127.html|url-status=live}} Under a proposal by Germany, which holds the EU presidency during the first semester of 2007, the European Union is also considering imposing sanctions that go beyond the UN sanctions{{cite web|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/65b43832-a71f-11db-83e4-0000779e2340.html|title=Germany proposes wider Iran sanctions|access-date=23 February 2019|archive-date=21 November 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121185301/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/65b43832-a71f-11db-83e4-0000779e2340.html|url-status=live}} but has not made any decision yet.

In June 2007 leading EU countries including Britain, France and Germany cautioned Iran that it faces further sanctions for expanding uranium enrichment and curbing U.N. inspectors' access to its nuclear program. "Iran continues to ignore its obligations and has not taken any steps to build confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of its program". Additionally, the EU offers Iran suspension of sanctions and a package of trade and industrial benefits if it suspends its nuclear program.{{cite web|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/65b43832-a71f-11db-83e4-0000779e2340.html|title=Iran faces more sanctions over nuclear advances: EU|access-date=23 February 2019|archive-date=21 November 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121185301/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/65b43832-a71f-11db-83e4-0000779e2340.html|url-status=live}}

The Iran Sanctions Enhancement Act of 2007 introduced by Representatives Mark Kirk and Rob Andrews would've threatened sanctions against any company or individual that provided Iran with refined petroleum products or engaged in an activity that could have contributed to the enhancement of Iran's ability to import refined products after 31 December 2007. The bill could have led to sanctions against gasoline brokers, tankers and insurers,{{cite web|url=http://www.platts.com/Oil/News/6397128.xml?sub=Oil&p=Oil/News&|title=Platts|access-date=23 February 2019|archive-date=5 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205181134/http://www.platts.com/Oil/News/6397128.xml?sub=Oil&p=Oil/News&|url-status=live}} but never passed.

On September 22, 2022, the United States Department of the Treasury announced sanctions against the Iran Morality Police as well as seven senior leaders of Iran's various security organizations, "for violence against protestors and the death of Mahsa Amini". These include Mohammad Rostami Cheshmeh Gachi, chief of Iran’s Morality Police, and Kioumars Heidari, commander of the Iranian army's ground force, in addition to the Iranian Minister of Intelligence Esmail Khatib, Haj Ahmad Mirzaei, head of the Tehran division of the Morality Police, Salar Abnoush, deputy commander of the Basij militia, and two law enforcement commanders, Manouchehr Amanollahi and Qasem Rezaei of the LEF in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province of Iran. The sanctions would involve blocking any properties or interests in property within the jurisdiction of the US, and reporting them to the US Treasury. Penalties would be imposed on any parties that facilitate transactions or services to the sanctioned entities.{{Cite web |last=Gottbrath |first=Laurin-Whitney |date=2022-09-22 |title=U.S. sanctions Iran's morality police over death of woman in custody |url=https://www.axios.com/2022/09/22/mahsa-amini-protests-iran-us-sanctions-morality-police |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Axios |language=en |archive-date=2022-09-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923115229/https://www.axios.com/2022/09/22/mahsa-amini-protests-iran-us-sanctions-morality-police |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=22 September 2022 |title=Treasury Sanctions Iran's Morality Police and Senior Security Officials for Violence Against Protesters and the Death of Mahsa Amini |url=https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0969 |website=United States Department of the Treasury |access-date=3 July 2023 |archive-date=23 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923031841/https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0969 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=22 September 2022 |title=Designating Iran's Morality Police and Seven Officials for Human Rights Abuses in Iran |url=https://www.state.gov/designating-irans-morality-police-and-seven-officials-for-human-rights-abuses-in-iran/ |website=United States Department of State |access-date=3 July 2023 |archive-date=23 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923145437/https://www.state.gov/designating-irans-morality-police-and-seven-officials-for-human-rights-abuses-in-iran/ |url-status=live }}

{{main|Views on military action against Iran}}

United States and Israel have refused to exclude the use of force to stop the Iranian nuclear program. {{citation needed|date=November 2024}} They have, however, always stressed that they consider the use of force as a last resort. {{citation needed|date=November 2024}}

Starting in 2005, several analysts, including journalist Seymour Hersh,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/reporting|title=Reporting|magazine=The New Yorker|access-date=23 February 2019|archive-date=6 September 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060906211450/http://www.newyorker.com/fact/content/?060227fa_fact|url-status=live}} former UN weapons of mass destruction inspector in Iraq from 1991 to 1998, Scott Ritter,{{cite web |url=http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?itemid=7560 |title=Sleepwalking To Disaster In Iran |date=April 1, 2005 |author=Scott Ritter |author-link=Scott Ritter |access-date=23 February 2019 |archive-date=17 March 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070317202338/http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?itemid=7560 |url-status=dead }} Joseph Cirincione, director for non-proliferation at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace,{{cite magazine |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=3416 |title=Fool Me Twice |date=March 27, 2006 |author=Joseph Cirincione |author-link=Joseph Cirincione |magazine=Foreign Policy |access-date=23 February 2019 |archive-date=7 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070607215337/http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=3416 |url-status=live }} Professor at the University of San Francisco and Middle East editor for the Foreign Policy in Focus Project, Stephen Zunes{{cite web |url=http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=22&ItemID=10194 |title=The United States, Israel, and the Possible Attack on Iran |author=Stephen Zunes |author-link=Stephen Zunes |date=May 2, 2006 |publisher=ZNet |access-date=23 February 2019 |archive-date=21 June 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060621192553/http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=22&ItemID=10194 |url-status=dead }} claimed that the United States planned a military attack against Iran.

Dec 19, 2006: According to CBS News report, the Pentagon is planning to bolster its presence in the Persian Gulf as a warning to Iran's continuously defiant government. CBS News national security correspondent David Martin says the U.S. military build-up, which would include adding a second aircraft carrier to the one already in the Gulf, is being proposed as a response to what U.S. officials view as an increasingly provocative Iranian leadership.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-plans-military-buildup-to-warn-iran/|title=U.S. Plans Military Buildup To Warn Iran|date=19 December 2006|work=cbsnews.com}}

Dec 22, 2006: US Defense Secretary Robert Gates said that an increased US naval presence in the Persian Gulf is not a response to any action by Iran but a message that the United States will keep and maintain its regional footprint "for a long time."

Jan 6, 2007, a news agency reported that Israeli military sources had revealed a plan to strike the enrichment plant at Natanz using low-yield nuclear "bunker-busters."[http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=worldNews&storyID=2007-01-06T232231Z_01_L06759405_RTRUKOC_0_US-IRAN-NUCLEAR-ISRAEL.xml&WTmodLoc=IntNewsHome_C1_%5bFeed%5d-4 Israel has plans for nuclear strike on Iran: paper] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080505033543/http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=worldNews |date=2008-05-05 }} Reuters The disclosure may have been done to increase pressure on Iran to cease enrichment activities. The Israeli government denied this report. In Tehran, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini told a news conference that the newspaper report "will make clear to the world public opinion that the Zionist regime is the main menace to global peace and the region." He said "any measure against Iran will not be left without a response and the invader will regret its act immediately.".{{cite web|url=http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArtVty.jhtml?sw=iran&itemNo=810130|title=Israel denies plan to hit Iran enrichment plant with tactical nukes|author=Haaretz Service|date=7 January 2007|work=Haaretz.com}}

Jan 11, 2007: Administration officials said that the battle group would be stationed within quick sailing distance of Iran, a response to the growing concern that Iran is building up its own missile capacity and naval power, with the goal of military dominance in the Gulf.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/|title=Breaking News, World News & Multimedia|website=www.nytimes.com|access-date=23 February 2019|archive-date=8 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108144641/http://www.nytimes.com/|url-status=live}}

Jan 12, 2007: President Bush accused Iran in a speech this week of helping launch attacks against U.S. troops in Iraq. His remarks were followed by combative comments from his top war advisors, new moves by U.S. naval forces and a raid Thursday in the Kurdish-controlled city of Irbil. The administration moved Friday 12 January to defuse concerns that it was planning or inviting a confrontation with Tehran. At a news conference, White House Press Secretary Tony Snow dismissed as an "urban legend" suggestions that the United States was preparing for another war. Similar denials were issued by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/|title=News from California, the nation and world|website=Los Angeles Times|access-date=23 February 2019|archive-date=21 December 1996|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961221155400/http://www.latimes.com/|url-status=live}}

Jan 14, 2007: A former Russian Black Sea Fleet Commander, Admiral Edward Baltin, says he believes the presence of so many US nuclear submarines in the Persian Gulf meant a strike was likely.{{Cite web |url=http://www.jnewswire.com/article/1555 |title=Russian admiral: Numerous US nuclear subs signals imminent strike on Iran |access-date=2007-06-12 |archive-date=2007-05-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070528201410/http://www.jnewswire.com/article/1555 |url-status=live }}

Jan 24, 2007: Iranian officials said Wednesday that they had received a delivery of advanced Russian air defense systems that are designed to protect its nuclear facilities at Isfahan, Bushehr, Tehran, and eastern Iran from attack, primarily from Israeli or American aircraft.{{cite journal|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0125/p99s01-duts.html|title=Iran takes possession of Russian air defense missiles|author=The Christian Science Monitor|journal=The Christian Science Monitor|date=25 January 2007|access-date=12 June 2007|archive-date=8 June 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070608205009/http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0125/p99s01-duts.html|url-status=live}}

Feb 18, 2007: According to Scott Ritter, who reiterated his view that Iran will be attacked by Feb 18, 2007: According to Scott Ritter, who reiterated his view that Iran will be attacked by the US, the Pentagon has negotiated basing rights in Romania and Bulgaria so that B-1 and B-2 bombers can operate out of airfields there.{{cite web|url=http://www.benningtonbanner.com/headlines/ci_5248408|title=Ritter: Iran is target|work=benningtonbanner.com|access-date=2007-06-12|archive-date=2007-04-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070403113715/http://www.benningtonbanner.com/headlines/ci_5248408|url-status=dead}}

Jul 6, 2009: It was reported that Joe Biden gave a green light to Israel for a military attack on Iran,{{cite news|url=https://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/letters/articles/2009/07/07/biden_gives_israel_green_light_on_iran/ | work=The Boston Globe | title=Biden gives Israel green light on Iran | date=July 7, 2009}}

however it was a misunderstanding, no green light was given to attack.{{cite news|url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2009-07-07/news/17927775_1_vice-president-biden-sovereign-nation-president-obama |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707002608/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2009-07-07/news/17927775_1_vice-president-biden-sovereign-nation-president-obama |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 7, 2012 | location=New York | work=Daily News | first=Michael | last=Mcauliff | title=Vice President Biden did not give Israel green light to attack Iran over nukes, says President Obama | date=July 7, 2009}}

Organized opposition to a possible future military attack against Iran by the United States is known to have started in 2005. Beginning in early 2005, journalists, activists, and academics such as Seymour Hersh, Scott Ritter, Joseph Cirincione, and Jorge E. Hirsch began publishing claims that American concerns over the alleged threat posed by Iran's nuclear program might lead the US government to take military action against that country in the future. These reports, and the concurrent escalation of tensions between Iran and some Western governments, prompted the formation of grassroots organisations, including Campaign Against Sanctions and Military Intervention in Iran in the US and the United Kingdom, to advocate against potential military strikes on Iran. Additionally, several organizations and individuals, including the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mohamed ElBaradei, a former United Nations weapons inspector in Iraq, Scott Ritter, the Non-Aligned Movement of 118 states, and the Arab League, have publicly stated their opposition to a would-hypothethical attack on Iran.

{{Portal|Iran}}

• Iran–Saudi Arabia proxy conflict
• Iran–Israel proxy conflict
• Iran–Israel relations
• Iran–Saudi Arabia relations
• Anti-Iranian sentiment
• Energy policy of the United States
• iBRIDGES
• Iran Sanctions Enhancement Act of 2007
• United Nations Security Council Resolution 1747
• Iran Action Group

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist|2}}

{{Iran–United States relations}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Iran-United States relations after 1979}}

Category:Politics of Iran

Category:History of the Persian Gulf

Category:2006 in Iran

Category:Nuclear program of Iran

Category:Sanctions against Iran

Category:Aftermath of the Iranian revolution