Status: Contextual analysis of live event stream.
A US drone strike killed a top Iranian military commander in January 2020, significantly escalating tensions between the US and Iran.
Resolution: The incident led to a retaliatory missile strike by Iran on US bases in Iraq, but both sides ultimately stepped back from further escalation.
In July 2019, Iran seized a British-flagged oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, heightening tensions in the region and with Western powers.
Resolution: The tanker was eventually released after two months, following diplomatic efforts and the release of an Iranian tanker detained by the UK.
In response to Iran's increasing uranium enrichment, the US imposed new sanctions on Iran in 2023, further straining relations.
Resolution: Iran responded by enriching uranium to higher levels, and indirect talks between the US and Iran through European intermediaries continued in an attempt to revive the nuclear deal.