Tensions Rise as US Pursues Nuclear Deal with Iran
About the People Mentioned
Donald Trump
Donald John Trump, born June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, is an American businessman, media personality, and politician. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in 1968 with a degree in economics. In 1971, he took over his family’s real estate business, renaming it the Trump Organization, through which he expanded into building and managing skyscrapers, hotels, casinos, and golf courses. Trump gained widespread fame as the host of the reality TV show *The Apprentice* from 2004 to 2015, which helped establish his public persona as a successful entrepreneur. Trump entered politics as a Republican and was elected the 45th president of the United States, serving from 2017 to 2021. His presidency was marked by significant policy actions including tax cuts, deregulation, the appointment of three Supreme Court justices, renegotiation of trade agreements (notably replacing NAFTA with the USMCA), and a focus on immigration control including border wall expansion. He withdrew the U.S. from international agreements such as the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran nuclear deal, and engaged in a trade war with China. His administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic was criticized for downplaying the virus’s severity. Trump was impeached twice by the House of Representatives—first in 2019 for abuse of power and obstruction, and again in 2021 for incitement of insurrection—but was acquitted by the Senate both times. After losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, Trump challenged the results, culminating in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. He remains a central figure in American politics, having won the 2024 presidential election and returned as the 47th president in 2025, continuing to promote policies aimed at economic growth, border security, and military strength[1][2][3][4].
Iran
Iran, officially known as the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country with one of the world's oldest continuous major civilizations, dating back to the 5th millennium BC. Historically, it was known as Persia and was home to powerful empires such as the Achaemenid, Parthian, and Sassanian Empires. The country experienced significant changes with the Islamic conquest in the 7th century and the establishment of Shia Islam as the state religion under the Safavid dynasty in the 16th century[1][2]. Iran's modern history includes the Pahlavi dynasty, which modernized the country but was overthrown by the 1979 Islamic Revolution led by Ayatollah Khomeini. This revolution transformed Iran into an Islamic theocracy, marking a significant shift in its political and social landscape[3]. Economically, Iran is heavily reliant on its oil and gas resources, making it a key player in global energy markets[2]. Currently, Iran plays a significant role in regional and global geopolitics, with ongoing tensions with the United States, Israel, and other Western countries. The country has been involved in various conflicts, including the Iran-Iraq War and more recent proxy wars in the Middle East[1][3]. Internally, Iran faces challenges related to human rights and democracy, with periodic protests and calls for reform[5]. Recent events have included increased tensions with Israel, with reports of escalating military actions, and internal protests against the government's policies[3]. Despite these challenges, Iran remains culturally rich, with a diverse population and a heritage in arts, literature, and architecture[2]. Its unique blend of traditional and modern elements continues to influence both regional and global affairs.
About the Organizations Mentioned
Trump administration
The **Trump administration** refers to the executive branch of the U.S. federal government during Donald J. Trump’s presidency, initially from January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021, and resuming with his second term starting in 2025. It was characterized by a mix of aggressive domestic policies, significant judicial appointments, and a distinct foreign policy approach that emphasized "America First" principles[4][8]. The administration’s key activities included **tax reform**, notably passing the $3.2 trillion Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which represented the largest overhaul of the U.S. tax code in decades[5]. Trump also renegotiated trade agreements with major economies including Mexico, Canada, China, Japan, and South Korea, prioritizing bilateral deals over multilateral ones such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which the administration withdrew from early on[1][2]. The administration sought to protect American jobs by restricting cheap foreign labor and influencing agencies like the Tennessee Valley Authority to retain American workers[5]. On the judicial front, the Trump administration appointed over 200 federal judges, including three Supreme Court justices—Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett—shaping the judiciary for years to come[4]. These appointments were among the most significant achievements, influencing U.S. law on multiple fronts. In foreign policy, the administration pursued a controversial agenda: it imposed travel bans on several predominantly Muslim countries, withdrew U.S. troops from northern Syria, and supported Saudi Arabia militarily despite congressional opposition related to the Yemen conflict[1][3]. It also fostered new international technology alliances, such as securing commitments from allies to exclude Chinese telecom giant Huawei from 5G infrastructure and signing AI cooperation agreements with the UK[5]. The Trump administration faced substantial political turmoil, including two impeachments by the House of Representatives—first in 2019 over Ukraine dealings, and again in 2021 following the January
