For Centuries, America’s Best Friend in the Middle East Was…Iran?

History Unplugged Podcast · Apr 20, 2021 · 45m

As far back as America’s colonial period, educated residents were fascinated with Iran (or Persia, as it was known). The Persian Empire was subject of great admiration by Thomas Jefferson and John Quincy Adams. Iranians returned the favor. They thought the American model was an ideal one to copy for their own government. 19th century American missionaries helped build schools, hospitals, and libraries across Iran. Iran loved America far more than any other Western nation due to it not meddling in colonial affairs.

So what happened? What all changed to the point that the United States helped…