U.S-Iran Rivalry and Insecurity in the Middle East

Chimezie Chukwuemeka Eze

doi:10.56201/ijssmr.vol.12no3.2026.pg243.257

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U.S-Iran Rivalry and Insecurity in the Middle East

Chimezie Chukwuemeka Eze

Abstract

The study investigated U.S.-Iran rivalry and insecurity in the Middle East. The enduring strategic rivalry between the United States and Iran contributes significantly to instability in the Middle East, with disputes over Iran’s nuclear programme and regional influence intensifying tensions. This rivalry threatens security by fueling proxy conflicts, increasing military buildup, and provoking clashes in countries such as Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. Ongoing sanctions, military interventions, and mutual distrust further destabilize political systems and hinder economic growth across the region. The objectives of the study were to examine the historical development of the U.S.–Iran rivalry, analyse the underlying causes of the U.S.–Iran rivalry, and examine the impact of the U.S.–Iran rivalry on insecurity in the Middle East. The study adopted the Neorealism Theory propounded by Kenneth Waltz in 1979. The study adopted a historical research design and applied secondary sources of data; data were sourced from academic journals, government documents, historical archives, and reputable news analyses. The study concluded that the antagonism between the United States and Iran continues to be a major driver of instability in the Middle East. This tension is deeply rooted in long-standing mistrust, ideological contrasts, and conflicting geopolitical ambitions, all of which have influenced the region’s political, economic, and security structures over time. This sustained confrontation has encouraged the militarization of regional politics, disrupted economic activities, and triggered repeated crises in major energy transit routes, particularly the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. The study recommended that the United States and Iran should place diplomatic channels at the forefront of their conflict management strategy. This includes sustaining and expanding direct bilateral negotiations, as well as engaging in multilateral forums when necessary, to address disputes, build trust, and prevent escalation.

Keywords

U.S.IraninsecurityMiddle Eastgeopolitics

References

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U.S-Iran Rivalry and Insecurity in the Middle East

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