US Iran Conflict Guide

Iran Sponsors Groups that Use Terrorism

The U.S. has long charged Iran with backing groups it classifies as terrorist, including Hamas, Hizballah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

Since 1979, Iran has maintained a special military force to "protect" the goals of the revolution, which includes exporting it. According to most accounts, this force is also responsible for training terrorist groups, which is why the U.S. wants it classified as a terrorist group itself.

Iran Nuclear Development Program

Iran claims that its nuclear development program is for civil use only. The US doesn't believe it. A timeline shows the history of Iran's program, and of the US, European and UN efforts to stop it.

Iran and Sanctions

As of 2008, Iran is already under the force of multiple sanctions. Yet it continues its nuclear program. This article weighs the pros and cons of even more sanctions.

Obama and McCain on Iran

Iran is a contentious issue in the 2008 presidential elections. Obama's and McCain's different approaches are explained.