US-Iran relations in international law since 1979

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Iran is currently marking the 30th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, which not only transformed the nation but also severed its ties with the United States, a former ally. Since 1979, relations between these countries have fluctuated between crises, though moments of potential rapprochement have occasionally emerged. The year 2009 presents a possible turning point, with President Obama's conciliatory stance and the upcoming Iranian elections raising hopes for a reformist candidate like Moussavi. This moment could be critical in averting further dangerous confrontations. A key lesson from the past three decades is that the use of force has not benefited either nation in achieving their foreign policy objectives. This paper analyzes US-Iran relations since 1979 through the lens of international law, particularly regarding the repeated use of force. Despite skepticism about legal frameworks, both nations have sought to justify their actions under international law. The paper discusses three major crises: the 1979-1981 hostage crisis, the Iran-Iraq War, and the current nuclear program crisis, examining the legality of actions taken by both sides. Ultimately, it argues that none of these actions were legal under international law, and the aggressive strategies employed have led to failure for both states. The paper, based on a dissertation submitted to the University of Kent, has been updated to reflect current developments.