The relationship between the United States and Iran remains one of the most enduring and unstable rivalries in international politics. Despite moments of cooperation, including nuclear negotiations and mediated talks, diplomatic breakthroughs between the two countries have repeatedly collapsed. This study examines why these failures occur by focusing on structural factors rather than short-term political events. Using a qualitative and historically grounded approach, the research analyses how historical mistrust, ideological identity, economic sanctions, military deterrence strategies, alliance networks, and shifting global power structures reinforce long-term hostility. Particular attention is given to recent escalation, including the 2026 killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader and the regional responses that followed. The findings suggest that sanctions and punitive measures often strengthen hardline positions rather than encourage compromise, while alliance commitments and security dilemmas limit flexibility during negotiations. The study argues that diplomatic efforts remain fragile because they operate within deeply embedded institutional and geopolitical structures that sustain mistrust. By integrating structural realist and institutional perspectives, this research contributes to a clearer understanding of why U.S. – Iran diplomacy frequently breaks down despite periods of engagement. The article concludes that sustainable de-escalation requires addressing long-term structural drivers rather than relying solely on tactical negotiations.
United States–Iran relations; structural rivalry; diplomatic breakdown; economic sanctions; security dilemma; multipolarity; alliance politics; Middle East security.
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