Abstract

U.S. foreign policy toward Iran has undergone significant transformations, shaped by shifting strategic interests, ideological divergences, historical developments, and evolving power dynamics. Since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, bilateral relations have oscillated between confrontation and limited cooperation, epitomized by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). However, the relationship remains fraught with tension. In light of Iran’s growing regional influence, the rise of new global powers, the transition from unipolarity to multipolarity, and the U.S.’s increasing energy independence, Washington’s approach to Iran and the broader Middle East has continued to evolve.

Despite stark rhetorical and tactical differences between the Trump and Biden administrations following the JCPOA, this study identifies underlying continuities in U.S. policy that persist beyond partisan divides. The central research question guiding this analysis is: To what extent has U.S. policy toward Iran changed or remained consistent in the post-JCPOA era؟ Employing a deductive content analysis framework, this study systematically examines key speeches by Presidents Trump and Biden through 2024, evaluating them across thematic categories such as diplomacy, nuclear negotiations, and regional containment. The findings reveal that while core U.S. strategic concerns regarding Iran have remained consistent across administrations, there are notable variations in tactical approaches—particularly in engagement strategies, nuclear issue management, and efforts to counter Iran’s regional influence.