Episode 16: America and the Ayatollahs - US-Iran Relations

In this episode, I sketch a rough outline of America's complicated relations with Iran prior to 1979, then provide an overview of the confrontational period of US-Iran relations in the revolutionary period post-1979. Unlike China, Iran is a smaller country that is very careful about how it chooses to confront a world superpower. The nagging presence of Iran in the Middle East forces America to confront, but never to the point of an all out war. What's a superpower to do? Get the show notes at www.timtalkspolitics.com and subscribe to the Weekly Brief on Substack (30% for podcast listeners)!