Tensions between the United States and Iran have been escalating since the US withdrew from the multilateral deal on Iran’s nuclear programme in 2018. The move reignited geopolitical friction in the Middle East, with both nations taking actions that further strained relations.
US President Donald Trump reimposed strict economic sanctions aimed at crippling Iran’s economy, while Tehran began rolling back its commitments to the 2015 nuclear accord. The situation intensified last week after US officials accused Iran of involvement in attacks on two major oil installations in eastern Saudi Arabia—a claim Tehran has denied.
As world leaders convene at the United Nations General Assembly, here’s a timeline of the key events that have shaped the ongoing US-Iran standoff.
2018: US Withdraws from Iran Nuclear Deal
On May 8, 2018, President Trump fulfilled a campaign promise by announcing the US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal.
Trump stated:
“I made clear that if the deal could not be fixed, the United States would no longer be a party to the agreement.”
“The Iran deal is defective at its core.”
The JCPOA had imposed strict limits on Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for lifting sanctions that had severely impacted the country’s economy. In response to the US withdrawal, Iran condemned Trump’s move as “unacceptable” and signaled that it would continue negotiations with the other signatories: France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Russia, and China.
Escalating Tensions
Following the US exit from the deal, tensions escalated steadily. Economic sanctions severely restricted Iran’s oil exports and international trade, putting immense pressure on Tehran. In retaliation, Iran began scaling back its nuclear commitments, including limits on uranium enrichment and stockpiling levels.
The situation further deteriorated last week after US accusations that Iran had orchestrated attacks on two critical Saudi oil facilities. The attacks temporarily disrupted global oil markets, heightening concerns over regional stability. Tehran denied any involvement in the attacks, intensifying the standoff.
- Al Jazeera – US accuses Iran of Saudi oil attacks
Broader Regional Context
The US-Iran standoff is part of a larger pattern of Middle Eastern instability. Key regional events include:
- Pakistan and Iran Agreements: Both countries recently agreed to “de-escalate” tensions following tit-for-tat attacks along their shared border.
- Syria Conflict: Sectarian tensions and foreign interventions, particularly by Israel, have contributed to ongoing violence in Syria.
- Israel-Gaza Clashes: Israel kills dozens in Gaza; Hezbollah chief declares ‘victory’.
- DR Congo Peace Efforts: DR Congo and M23 rebels signed a deal in Qatar to end fighting in eastern Congo.
These events underscore how regional conflicts often intersect, with the US-Iran dynamic playing a pivotal role in broader Middle Eastern stability.
Looking Ahead
With global attention focused on the UN General Assembly this week, the world is watching closely to see how US-Iran relations will evolve. While sanctions, accusations, and retaliatory actions have defined the standoff so far, diplomatic channels through multilateral negotiations remain a potential pathway to de-escalation.
The situation remains fluid, and future developments will likely depend on both nations’ willingness to engage constructively with international partners and each other.
