How History Keeps the U.S. and Iran on a Collision Course

AI Summary

The United States and Iran remain on a collision course driven by deeply rooted historical narratives of exceptionalism and mutual victimhood. Both nations interpret their longstanding conflict through different historical starting points, with each side believing it is acting defensively in response to wrongs committed by the other. This shared but conflicting psychology has become one of the most powerful forces shaping U.S.–Iran relations.

The United States and Iran are fighting not just because of their differences, but also because of their similarities. Both countries see themselves as exceptional civilizations shaped by religion and sustained by a sense of victimhood. Each believes it has been repeatedly wronged by the other and is therefore acting defensively. This mutual narrative has become one of the most powerful forces shaping U.S.–Iran relations. Both nations interpret the relationship through different historical starting points. Because their memories of the conflict…