Decades of hostility between Iran and the US were preceded by a little-remembered century-long friendship

Many Americans only know the history of anger and tension with Iran. But an archaeologist who has spent 45 years focusing on Iran says it is worth recalling the time when the countries were friends.

By: Daniel Thomas Potts, New York University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: March 30, 2026

Words: 1,610

Last Updated: 4 months ago

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By Daniel Thomas Potts, New York University

The British- and American-backed plot to overthrow Iran’s prime minister in 1953 laid the groundwork for the 1979 Iran hostage crisis and decades of hostility with the U.S. that have now culminated in a war launched on Iran by the U.S. and Israel.

Many Americans only know the anger and tension with Iran that has grown from those roots set down during the middle of the …

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