Iran’s Ongoing Campaign Against Americans: A 40-Year Struggle

Iran’s Ongoing Campaign Against Americans: A 40-Year Struggle

As the U.S. considers its future role in the conflict involving Iran and Israel, attention is being drawn to Iran’s long-standing history of targeting Americans across the globe. This hostile campaign has persisted for over four decades, marked by various forms of aggression.

Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas recently noted that the ongoing conflict can be referred to as a forever war, emphasizing that Iran has engaged in this battle against the U.S., Israel, and the broader civilized world since 1979.

The Historical Context of Iranian Aggression

Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Iran has been involved in numerous attacks against Americans. These acts comprise both direct and proxy assaults on U.S. military forces, support for terrorist organizations, and attempts at orchestrating high-profile assassinations.

In a significant admission in 2023, Sayyed Issa Tabatabai, a representative of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Lebanon, acknowledged Iran’s involvement in the infamous bombings of 1983. These attacks claimed the lives of numerous Americans in Lebanon, laying bare the regime’s intent to harm U.S. citizens.

The catastrophic bombing at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut resulted in 63 fatalities, including 17 American nationals. In a simultaneous attack by two suicide trucks at military barracks, a staggering number of allied troops were killed, further highlighting Iran’s aggressive military posture.

Iran’s Confessions and International Accountability

In the aforementioned IRNA interview, Tabatabai boasted about facilitating attacks on American and Israeli individuals. He claimed to have received orders from Ayatollah Khomeini to execute these operations. Interestingly, this statement was later retracted by the state agency, illustrating the complexities of Iran’s public communications.

On June 25, 1996, another tragic incident occurred when a truck bomb exploded at the Khobar Towers, killing 19 U.S. Air Force personnel. Years later, a U.S. court attributed responsibility for the attack to the Iranian government, prompting legal consequences and financial reparations to the victims’ families.

According to a Pentagon report from 2019, from 2003 to 2011, Iran is believed to have directly contributed to the deaths of 603 U.S. military personnel in Iraq, accounting for 17 percent of all American fatalities in that period.

Legal Actions Against the Iranian Regime

In a significant development in 2022, families of victims successfully sued the Islamic Republic of Iran using the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act. This legal action held the regime accountable for its involvement in terrorism that led to the deaths and injuries of American personnel in Afghanistan.

Alongside these legal victories, experts persist in analyzing Iran’s extensive network of support for insurgent groups. Bill Roggio, an authority on defense, explained the impact of Iran’s backing of the Taliban and al-Qaeda on the conflict, detailing the support in terms of resources, training, and intelligence.

Recent Escalations in Hostilities

In an attempt to retaliate against the United States for the assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, Iran targeted U.S. military bases in Iraq with missile strikes in 2020.

More recently, in January 2024, a drone attack near the Syria-Jordan border resulted in the deaths of three Americans and injuries to 25 others. The attack has been linked to two Iranian nationals, one of whom possesses dual citizenship.

Following the severe attacks on U.S. forces, officials have reported a dramatic increase in hostility from Iranian proxies. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Rep. Michael McCaul mentioned over 150 attacks on U.S. troops in the aftermath of recent conflicts instigated by Iranian forces.

Continuing Threats from Iranian Proxies

Reports confirmed that on June 14, Iranian-affiliated militias launched drones at Ain al Assad, a significant U.S. base in western Iraq. However, U.S. defense systems prevented these drones from reaching their intended targets.

Roggio indicated that the attack seemed to reflect an unsanctioned effort by Iranian groups, suggesting a strategy to keep U.S. military involvement limited while avoiding any direct attribution for attacks.

Victims of Iranian Aggression

The frequency of attacks on U.S. forces remains a pressing concern. Between October 2023 and August 2024, Iranian-backed militias executed approximately 180 strikes against U.S. forces stationed in Iraq, Syria, and Jordan. Analysts believe these groups are responsible for the deaths of over 600 U.S. service members throughout the years.

Additionally, the case of Robert Levinson illustrates the complex narrative of Americans targeted by Iran. Levinson, a retired FBI agent, disappeared in 2007 and was declared dead in 2020, with his family largely blaming the Iranian regime for his captivity.

Another recent incident involved the execution of Jamshid Sharmahd, who survived an assassination attempt in California only to be kidnapped later by Iranian operatives during a business trip. This highlights the lengths to which the regime is willing to go to eliminate perceived threats.

Implications of Diplomatic Relations

The history of prisoner exchanges between the U.S. and Iran dates back to 1979, illustrating a long-standing and contentious relationship. The latest exchange occurred in September 2023, involving the release of five Americans in return for five Iranians held in the U.S., along with financial concessions that included the release of $6 billion in frozen assets.

In a striking development in November, the DOJ announced charges against an Iranian citizen and two New Yorkers linked to a plot to assassinate multiple Americans, including a former president.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently asserted that the Iranian regime continues to see former President Trump as a primary target, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.

Understanding the Ever-Present Threat

Numerous incidents underscore the persistent threat posed by Iran’s aggressive strategies toward U.S. citizens. The complexity of Iran’s global network and its willingness to act against American interests remains a significant concern for policymakers.

As discussions around U.S. military and diplomatic strategies continue, understanding the historical context and the ongoing implications of Iran’s actions is essential in formulating a robust response.