Muscat: Tensions between the United States and Iran have been simmering since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, characterized by a complex web of sanctions, proxy conflicts, nuclear disputes, and military confrontations. These tensions culminated in a dramatic 12-day conflict in June 2025, followed by ongoing diplomatic and military maneuvers.
According to Anadolu Agency, the 12-day Iran-Israel war in June 2025 marked a significant escalation, drawing the United States into direct military confrontation with Iran. The conflict began with Israeli attacks on Iran on June 13, leading to a series of retaliatory airstrikes and covert operations. Israel's airstrikes resulted in the deaths of several senior Iranian military figures, while Iranian missile and drone strikes targeted Israeli facilities. The United States intervened with a series of strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, utilizing B-2 Spirit stealth bombers and Tomahawk cruise missiles. This military engagement abruptly ended ongoing negotiations over Iran's nuclear program.
Following the ceasefire announced on June 23, 2025, by then-US President Donald Trump, tensions remained high. The period from July to August saw increased rhetoric and pressure from US officials warning Iran against further escalation, while Iran accused the US and Israel of exploiting the situation for political and economic gains.
In September 2025, the European Union reinstated nuclear-related sanctions on Iran under the 'snapback' mechanism of the 2015 nuclear deal, leading to Tehran's rejection of the move and a warning that it would hinder diplomatic efforts. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) further complicated matters in November 2025 by demanding full access to Iranian nuclear sites, prompting Iran to warn of reciprocal actions.
Economic turmoil in Iran led to widespread protests beginning in December 2025. The demonstrations, sparked by economic grievances, evolved into broader anti-government protests, resulting in an internet shutdown and a crackdown on dissent. The US and other Western countries voiced concern over the handling of the protests.
In January 2026, President Trump expressed support for the Iranian protesters, urging them to continue their demonstrations. Military tensions increased as the US bolstered its presence in the Middle East, and the European Union designated Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, to which Iran responded with similar designations against EU member states' armed forces.
Despite these tensions, diplomatic efforts continued. In February 2026, President Trump confirmed ongoing negotiations with Tehran, even after the US shot down an Iranian drone near its aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea. Talks are set to resume in Oman's capital, Muscat, focusing on nuclear issues, illustrating continued efforts to resolve the longstanding US-Iran tensions through diplomatic channels.