Iran’s Long-Running Conflict With the U.S.: A Chronology of Attacks and Retaliation

Iran’s long-standing conflict with the United States has spanned nearly four decades, marked by a series of hostile actions, proxy wars, and retaliatory strikes. The conflict began in 1979 with the Islamic Revolution, which led to the taking of American hostages in Tehran and the establishment of a radical regime hostile to Western interests.

Over the years, Iran has been implicated in numerous attacks on U.S. personnel and military installations, including the 1983 Beirut bombings and the 2003 Khobar Towers truck bombing. Recent events such as the 2023 drone strike in Jordan, which killed three U.S. soldiers, and the 2024 assassination attempt on President Trump, underscore the ongoing tensions between the two nations. The article also mentions the release of $6 billion in frozen assets by the U.S. as part of a recent prisoner exchange deal, highlighting the complex and often adversarial relationship between Iran and the United States.

Sen. Tom Cotton’s recent comments on the ‘forever war’ reflect growing concerns among U.S. lawmakers about Iran’s continued aggression. The U.S. government has taken various legal and diplomatic steps to hold Iran accountable, including court cases and prisoner exchanges, as seen in the recent deal where five Americans imprisoned in Iran were released in exchange for the release of five Iranians detained in the U.S.

The implications of Iran’s actions extend beyond military confrontations. The financial consequences of these hostilities, including potential sanctions and compensation for victims, underscore the broader economic impact of this long-standing conflict. As the situation continues to unfold, the U.S. and its allies must remain vigilant in addressing the threats posed by Iran’s actions.