US-IRAN BILATERAL RELATIONS (2009-2021): STRATEGIC SHIFTS, CHALLENGES, AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

This study examines the evolution of US-Iran relations from 2009 to 2021, focusing on policy shifts under the President Obama, President Trump, and President Biden administrations. The research explores diplomatic efforts, economic sanctions, and regional conflicts to assess their impact on bilateral relations and Middle Eastern stability. Using a qualitative research design, the study analyzes primary documents, policy reports, and scholarly sources within the framework of Regional Security Complex Theory (RSCT) and Game Theory. Comparative analysis is employed to evaluate the strategic effectiveness of decisions taken by different US administrations. The findings reveal that diplomatic engagement, such as the JCPOA, temporarily reduced tensions, while coercive measures, including economic sanctions and military confrontations, escalated hostilities. The inconsistency of US foreign policy has weakened long-term diplomatic efforts. To resolve these issues, the study recommends reviving multilateral diplomacy, ensuring economic incentives for compliance, establishing a regional security framework, and adopting a consistent US policy approach to reduce volatility and promote sustainable engagement between Washington and Tehran.