Abstract

The Middle East continues to be a crucial focus of U.S. foreign policy, where the interplay of security, energy, and diplomacy shapes the wider global balance. Within this complex landscape, Iran stands out as one of Washington’s most persistent and multifaceted challenges. Its nuclear ambitions, network of regional proxies, ideological influence, and growing ties with non-Western powers have reshaped the region’s strategic environment. This review article draws on 25 scholarly sources from both Western and Iranian perspectives published between 2005 and 2025 to provide a balanced assessment of how Iran’s actions impact U.S. security goals, alliances, and regional stability. Using a thematic review approach, the study explores five key aspects of Iran’s strategic behavior: ideological motivation, deterrence strategy, proxy warfare, geopolitical partnerships, and economic adaptability. The findings suggest that Iran skillfully blends revolutionary ideals with pragmatic statecraft, enabling it to withstand U.S. pressure and expand its influence across the Persian Gulf and the Levant. Over the past two decades, U.S. administrations have pursued varied strategies from Obama’s emphasis on nuclear diplomacy, to Trump’s maximum-pressure campaign, to Biden’s cautious re-engagement each achieving only partial success due to changing political and global contexts. The paper ultimately argues for a more nuanced U.S. policy that balances targeted sanctions with inclusive regional diplomacy and flexible deterrence. It also highlights the importance of incorporating non-Western academic perspectives to better understand Iran’s strategic mindset. Such an approach could not only refine U.S. policy but also contribute to a more stable and cooperative Middle East in an increasingly multipolar world.