The tension stems from decades of geopolitical conflict, including the 1979 Iranian Revolution, US support for Iraq during the Iran-Iraq war, Iran nuclear program, and US sanctions. Key issues include Iran ballistic missile program, its support for proxy militias in the Middle East, and disagreements over nuclear capabilities.

The US has imposed extensive sanctions on Iran, including measures targeting Iran oil and petrochemical exports, banking sector, metal exports, and energy industry. These sanctions aim to limit Iran nuclear program and missile development. In 2018, the US withdrew from the JCPOA nuclear deal and reinstated maximum pressure sanctions.

Negotiations have been ongoing but fraught with challenges. The original JCPOA was signed in 2015 but the US withdrew in 2018. Efforts to revive the deal have seen limited progress, with key issues including uranium enrichment scope, sanctions relief, and verification mechanisms. As of early 2026, diplomatic efforts continue but no major breakthrough has been achieved.