President Richard Nixon Visits the Shah of Iran - 1972

The United States had been involved in Iran's affairs for many years, dating back to the early 20th century when American companies began investing in Iran's oil industry. The U.S. also had strategic interests in Iran due to its proximity to the Soviet Union and its potential as a regional ally against communist influence.During the 1950s, the U.S. played a key role in the overthrow of Iran's Prime Minister, Mohammad Mossadegh, who had nationalized Iran's oil industry. The Shah, who was reinstalled to power with American support, became a close ally of the United States in the region.