1
Iran's nuclear programme
The U.S. and Israel argue Iran's growing uranium-enrichment capability could eventually enable nuclear weapons. Nuclear negotiations repeatedly failed to produce a durable deal. In February 2026, the U.S. and Israel launched major strikes on Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure.
US / IsraelEnrichment could lead to weapons capability
IranProgramme is peaceful
2
Missiles & regional influence
Washington objects to Iran's ballistic-missile programme and its support for armed groups across Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon. The U.S. says these networks threaten American forces and its regional allies.
USNetworks threaten US forces & allies
IranSupports allied groups in the region
3
Israel is central to the equation
Iran and Israel are bitter regional rivals. Israel sees Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities as an existential threat; Iran backs groups opposed to Israel. The U.S. is Israel's principal military ally — so the February 2026 US–Israeli strikes turned a long indirect confrontation into direct US–Iran warfare.
4
Sanctions & Iran's economy
The U.S. has imposed extensive sanctions targeting Iran's oil exports and financial system, using them to pressure Tehran over its nuclear programme, missiles and regional activities.
USSanctions are leverage for policy change
IranWants relief; calls pressure an attack on sovereignty
5
The Strait of Hormuz & oil — the flashpoint right now
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important oil-shipping routes. Iran has threatened or attempted to restrict shipping there; the U.S. says it is working to keep the waterway open and protect shipping — turning the conflict into a global energy issue.
1
Guarantees against future attacks
Iran has called for firm international guarantees that the U.S. and Israel won't attack again.
2
Recognition of "legitimate rights"
Tehran wants its sovereignty recognized, including its right to a civilian nuclear programme. It has resisted putting its missile programme on the table.
3
Lifting U.S. sanctions
One of Iran's biggest asks — especially sanctions on its oil exports, banking and trade.
4
War reparations
President Masoud Pezeshkian has cited compensation for war damage as a condition for ending the conflict.
5
U.S. military withdrawal
Proposals call for U.S. forces to leave bases and other positions across the Middle East.
6
A say over the Strait of Hormuz
Iran wants a role in security and transit arrangements there — a major global oil route.
7
Release of frozen assets
Proposals include releasing Iranian funds frozen abroad under sanctions.
8
End attacks on Iran's allies
A halt to attacks on what Tehran calls its "Resistance Front" — allied regional groups.
The fundamental disagreement
Iran and the U.S. want very different things — which is why the cycle of strike and retaliation has been so hard to break.
United States wants
Limits on Iran's nuclear and missile programmes, an end to its support for regional armed groups, and continued leverage through sanctions and military presence.
VS
Iran wants
Guarantees of no future attacks, recognition of its sovereignty and nuclear rights, sanctions relief, reparations, and U.S. withdrawal from the region.