The situation between Iran and most of the modern world can get described in one word: volatile. Some people assumed the sanctions deal between Iran and the West would help to build bridges. But, it's unlikely Iran will become a Western ally any time soon.
America was anxious about striking a deal with Iran in the first place. In fact, it took some cajoling on America's part to sell the deal to its citizens. I say it's a fact because it's something a U.S. government official admitted to in a recent interview.
Iran is once again making the headlines in major world news publications. This time, the story revolves around the 1953 Iranian coup d'etat. The one that effectively increased the power of the pro-American Shah.
On Tuesday, May 17th, Iran's parliament passed a bill demanding compensation from America. Why? They cite "spiritual and material" damages as the reason.
Despite demanding compensation, the Iranian bill did not quote a specific monetary value. At least, that's what the Islamic Republic News Agency reports. Historical records prove that the CIA had an active role in directing the 1953 coup d'etat.
At the time, Iran's democratically-elected prime minister, Mohammad Mosaddegh. He got ousted and replaced with Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, an ally of America. Pahlavi remained in power until he got overthrown during the Islamic Revolution of 1979.
The slow pace of integration with the international community
In other news, Iran has also filed a complaint with the International Court of Justice. Iran's Supreme National Security Council is unhappy with America's approved confiscation of Iranian assets.
The Supreme Court in the U.S. ruled last month that Iran must pay $2 billion in compensation. The money is to get paid to families of victims killed by Iran-sponsored terrorist attacks.
Americans are just as unhappy with Iran. The sanctions deal is both a sore subject and fresh in everyone's minds. Key figures like the FDD's Mark Dubowitz are fierce critics of the hermit nation. He, like many Americans, believed the Iran sanctions deal was a bad idea from day one. This latest episode from Iran in the continuing spat with America reaffirms that thought.
Continued escalation?
The trouble with Iran's volatile relationship with America and the West is that it can break at any time. Both Iran and Western nations have never been good friends. Iran sees the West as a bunch of countries that have pillaged their nation for their own personal gain.
Meanwhile, Western nations see Iran as a viable threat. First of all, there are the worrying nuclear developments in the country. And, of course, there is the evidence that Iran is an active terrorism supporter.
Could Western countries ever have a good relationship with such a nation? It's not likely. At least, not for the foreseeable future.
The relationship between Iran and much of the world is both complicated and frustrating. If Iran wants to integrate with the modern world, it needs to improve its track record.
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