Structural Distrust Between Iran and the U.S. Undermines Diplomatic Progress
Original framing: “Iran says lack of trust is the main obstacle in US negotiations” — Al Jazeera
The 1953 Iranian coup, orchestrated by the CIA and British intelligence, remains a foundational wound in U.S.-Iran relations. This historical trauma continues to shape Iran’s foreign policy and its perception of U.S. intentions.
The U.S.-Iran conflict is not merely a matter of broken trust but a symptom of deeper structural issues rooted in historical injustice, power asymmetry, and cultural misalignment. The U.S.
must move beyond transactional diplomacy and adopt a restorative approach that acknowledges past violations and includes marginalized voices. Drawing on cross-cultural models of trust and justice, and informed by scientific insights into conflict resolution, a new framework for engagement is possible. Regional mediation and civil society inclusion can provide the necessary conditions for a more equitable and lasting resolution.