Iran’s deadly attacks on US forces and citizens span more than 30 years

The conflict between Iran and Israel has been a longstanding issue that has drawn the attention of many leaders around the world. As the U.S. contemplates its future involvement in this conflict, there is a growing focus on Iran’s activities targeting Americans over the past four decades.

According to Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., Iran has been waging a “forever war” against the U.S., Israel, and the civilized world since 1979. This war has manifested in various forms, including direct and proxy attacks on U.S. forces, support for terror groups, and assassination efforts.

One of the earliest examples of Iran’s hostility towards the U.S. was the 1979 embassy hostage crisis in Tehran, where radical Islamic students seized the U.S. embassy and held American hostages for 444 days. This event marked the beginning of a series of attacks targeting Americans, including the 1983 bombings in Beirut that killed 241 U.S. service members.

In 1996, the Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia claimed the lives of 19 U.S. Air Force members, with Iran being held responsible for the attack by a U.S. court in 2006. Additionally, Iran’s support for terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan has led to the deaths of hundreds of U.S. service members over the years.

The involvement of Iranian-backed militias in attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria, as well as attempted drone strikes on American troops, further highlight Iran’s aggressive actions against Americans. The kidnapping of individuals like Robert Levinson and the execution of Jamshid Sharmahd underscore Iran’s disregard for international norms and human rights.

The history of prisoner exchanges and assassination plots targeting American citizens, including President Donald Trump, serve as a reminder of Iran’s ongoing hostility towards the U.S. and its allies. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Trump remains a target of the Islamic Republic.

As the U.S. navigates its relationship with Iran and evaluates its role in the Middle East, it is crucial to recognize the long history of Iranian aggression towards Americans. By holding Iran accountable for its actions and supporting victims of terrorism, the U.S. can send a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated on the global stage.