US-Iran Relations and Regional Security
International Relations
- PYQs12
- Articles3
Background
Central to global nuclear non-proliferation efforts, impacts Middle East regional stability, influences international sanctions regimes, and affects global energy markets and international trade.
US-Iran relations are characterized by long-standing geopolitical rivalry, often manifesting in proxy conflicts and military tensions in the West Asian region. Key issues include Iran's nuclear program, its regional influence, and the presence of US military forces, all of which significantly impact regional security and global energy markets.
Facts & tables
- Current Tensions
- US military strikes in Iran, described as 'self-defence,' indicate ongoing conflict despite a ceasefire.
- Negotiations
- Discussions are ongoing for an 'Iran deal,' likely referring to efforts to revive or renegotiate the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) or a new agreement.
- US Objectives
- To protect US troops from Iranian threats and manage regional stability.
- Regional Impact
- Tensions affect maritime security (mines), energy routes, and the broader geopolitical landscape of West Asia.
- Signing and Objective
- Signed in 2015, it restricted Iran's uranium enrichment capacity and stockpiles to prevent nuclear weapon development.
- Monitoring Body
- The agreement's implementation and Iran's compliance are monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
- US Withdrawal
- The US unilaterally withdrew from the deal in 2018 under the Trump administration, reimposing sanctions on Iran.
- Iran's Response
- Following the US withdrawal, Iran gradually reduced its compliance with the deal's restrictions.
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | Geopolitics & International Conflicts |
| Conceptual area | International Relations |
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| United States | Actor in conflict |
| Iran | Actor in conflict |
| U.S. Central Command | Executes military operations |
| International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) | Monitors compliance |
| Pakistan | Mediates negotiations |
| Qatar | Mediates negotiations |
Prelims angle
Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis
Prelims angle: Cause and effect relationships
- Characterized by geopolitical rivalry and military tensions.
- US military strikes in 'self-defence' against Iranian threats.
- Ongoing negotiations for an 'Iran deal' (e.g., JCPOA).
- Impacts West Asian security, energy routes, and global stability.
- US Central Command involved in military operations.
Treaty = agreement between states; body = institution.
| Year | Framing tags |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis |
| 2026 | Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis |
| 2025 | Factual recall, Conceptual understanding |
| 2024 | Multi-statement analysis, Cause and effect relationships |
| 2024 | Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall |
| 2023 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
| 2022 | Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall |
| 2022 | Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions |
| 2019 | Factual recall, Policy measures |
| 2017 | Conceptual understanding, Policy measures |
| 2015 | Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding |
| 2015 | Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis |
Timeline
-
Geopolitics & International Conflicts
Conceptual area
-
International Relations
Conceptual area
-
Prelims 2015
Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2015
Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis
-
Prelims 2017
Conceptual understanding, Policy measures
-
Prelims 2019
Factual recall, Policy measures
-
Prelims 2022
Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2022
Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions
-
Prelims 2023
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2024
Multi-statement analysis, Cause and effect relationships
-
Prelims 2024
Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2025
Factual recall, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2026
Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis
-
Prelims 2026
Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis
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U.S. Military carries out ‘self-defence’ strikes in Iran, including on missile launch sites
US-Iran relations are marked by military tensions (US strikes, Iranian threats) and ongoing negotiations for an 'Iran deal,' reflecting a complex geopolitical rivalry that significantly impacts West Asian regional security.
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From bad to worse: On Donald Trump and the war on Iran
The JCPOA is a 2015 agreement to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, from which the US withdrew in 2018, leading to renewed tensions and Iran's reduced compliance.
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U.S. and Iran to talk in Switzerland as Tehran says it closed Strait of Hormuz again
An international agreement designed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons in exchange for sanctions relief, subject to ongoing negotiations and geopolitical tensions.
See also
Past papers
2015–2025 · 8 questions
In the news
From bad to worse: On Donald Trump and the war on Iran
The JCPOA is a 2015 agreement to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, from which the US withdrew in 2018, leading to renewed tensions and Iran's reduced compliance.
U.S. and Iran to talk in Switzerland as Tehran says it closed Strait of Hormuz again
An international agreement designed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons in exchange for sanctions relief, subject to ongoing negotiations and geopolitical tensions.
U.S. Military carries out ‘self-defence’ strikes in Iran, including on missile launch sites
US-Iran relations are marked by military tensions (US strikes, Iranian threats) and ongoing negotiations for an 'Iran deal,' reflecting a complex geopolitical rivalry that significantly impacts West Asian regional security.
Try these PYQs
Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with which of the following countries?
* India signed the ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with Russia. * India and Russia have a long-standing strategic partnership in the field of civil nuclear cooperation. * The agreement aims to enhance collaboration in areas such as nuclear fuel cycle management, nuclear power projects, and research in nuclear science and technology. * Russia has been a key partner in India's nuclear energy sector, particularly through Rosatom, which has been involved in building Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) in Tamil Nadu. * Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States have also engaged in nuclear cooperation with India but were not part of this specific agreement.
Consider the following statements :
Statement-I : There is instability and worsening security situation in the Sahel region.
Statement-II: There have been military takeovers/coups d'état in several countries of the Sahel region in the recent past.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
* Statement-I: There is instability and worsening security situation in the Sahel region. This statement is correct as the Sahel region has been experiencing significant instability and security challenges, including terrorism, armed conflict, and humanitarian crises. * Statement-II: There have been military takeovers/coups d'état in several countries of the Sahel region in the recent past. This statement is also correct. Several countries in the Sahel region, such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Chad, have experienced military coups in recent years. * Statement-II explains Statement-I because the military takeovers and coups contribute to the instability and worsening security situation in the Sahel region. The political instability resulting from these coups disrupts governance, exacerbates conflict, and undermines efforts to address security and development challenges in the region.
With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, Consider the following statements:
1. It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills
2. It is an alliance meant for maritime security only
Which of the following statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is incorrect. IOR-ARC is a regional cooperation initiative of the Indian Ocean Rim countries. It was established in Mauritius in March 1997 with the aim of promoting economic and technical cooperation. IOR-ARC is the only pan-Indian ocean grouping. It brings together countries from three continents having different sizes, economic strengths, and a wide diversity of languages, cultures. Statement 2 is incorrect. It aims to create a platform for trade, socio-economic and cultural cooperation in the Indian Ocean rim area. The Indian Ocean Rim is rich in strategic and precious minerals, metals and other natural resources, marine resources and energy, all of which can be sourced from Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), continental shelves and the deep seabed.
Consider the following pairs:
Country - Important reason for being in the news recently
1. Chad – Setting up of permanent military base by China.
2. Guinea – Suspension of Constitution and Government by military
3. Lebanon – Severe and prolonged economic depression
4. Tunisia – Suspension of Parliament by President
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
Pair 1 is incorrectly matched. China has not established any permanent military base in Chad. Pair 2 is correctly matched. Guinean special forces staged a coup, captured President Alpha Conde, replaced governors with the military, and dissolved the constitution and National Assembly. Pair 3 is correctly matched. Lebanon has been experiencing a severe and prolonged economic depression since 2019, driven by political instability, inadequate reforms, and systemic corruption. The economic crisis has affected approximately 74% of the population. Pair 4 is correctly matched. Tunisian President Kais Saied dissolved the suspended parliament after lawmakers held an online meeting and voted to repeal presidential decrees. He called it a failed coup attempt.
Which of the following statements about 'Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023' are correct?
1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.
Select the answer using the code given below :
* Statement 1 is incorrect: Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2023 was a joint military exercise between India and Sri Lanka. * Statement 2 is correct: The ninth edition of Joint Military exercise “Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2023” commenced in Aundh (Pune). * Statement 3 is correct: The Scope of the exercise includes synergizing joint responses during counter-terrorist operations. * Statement 4 is correct: 15 personnel from Indian Air Force and five personnel from Sri Lankan Air Force participated in the exercise.
Show 7 more PYQs
India is one of the founding members of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multimodal transportation corridor, which will connect
The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is a multimodal transport network aimed at boosting trade between India, Central Asia, Russia, and Europe, using a combination of sea, rail, and road routes via Iran. The corridor connects Mumbai → Bandar Abbas (Iran) → Azerbaijan → Russia → Europe, with access to Central Asia.
In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an initiative of six countries, which of the following is/are not participant/ participants?
1. Bangladesh
2. Cambodia
3. China
4. Myanmar
5. Thailand
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
All 6 participants of the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation are member countries bordering the basins of the Mekong and Ganga rivers, aiming to collaborate on various initiatives. These countries are: - India - Cambodia - Laos - Myanmar - Thailand - Vietnam Hence, China & Bangladesh are not part of the Mekong-Ganga Corporation.
Consider the following statements:
Statement-I :Israel has established diplomatic relations with some Arab States.
Statement-II :The 'Arab Peace Initiative' Mediated by Saudi Arabia was signed by Israel and Arab League.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
* Statement I is correct: Several Arab states, including Egypt, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan, have established diplomatic relations with Israel. * Statement II is incorrect: The Arab Peace Initiative, mediated by Saudi Arabia, was endorsed by the Arab League but not signed by Israel. It outlines a path towards peace in exchange for Israeli concessions, but Israel has not formally accepted all its terms.
Which of the following countries are members of the European Union ?
1. Belarus
2. Poland
3. Germany
4. Switzerland
Select the answer using the code given below :
Statement 1 is Incorrect: Belarus is an Eastern European country that is not a member of the European Union. It maintains close political and economic ties with Russia and has never formally applied for EU membership. Statement 2 is Correct: Poland is a full member state of the European Union. It joined the bloc during the major eastward expansion in May 2004. Statement 3 is Correct: Germany is a full member state of the European Union. It is one of the original six founding members of the EU's predecessor, the European Economic Community, established in 1957. Statement 4 is Incorrect: Switzerland is not an EU member state. Although it is geographically surrounded by the EU and participates in the EU's single market and the Schengen Area through a series of bilateral treaties, it maintains its historic neutrality. It is a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) instead. Therefore, the correct answer is 2 and 3.
With reference to the United Nations General Assembly, consider the following statements:
1. The UN General Assembly can grant observer status to the non-member States.
2. Inter-governmental organisations can seek observer status in the UN General Assembly.
3. Permanent Observers in the UN General Assembly can maintain missions at the UN headquarters.
Which of the statements given above are correct ?
Statement 1 is correct. The United Nations General Assembly may grant non-member states, international organizations, and other entities Permanent Observer Status. Statement 2 is correct. The General Assembly decided that observer status would be confined to States and intergovernmental organizations whose activities cover matters of interest to the Assembly. Statement 3 is correct. Permanent Observers may participate in the sessions and workings of the General Assembly and maintain missions at the UN Headquarters.
The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany visited India in January, 2026. Which of the following is/are **not** correct in terms of outcomes of this visit ?
1. Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the All India Institute of Ayurveda and the University of Hamburg
2. Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Youth Hockey Development between Hockey India and the German Hockey Federation
3. Establishment of a bilateral dialogue mechanism on the Indo-Pacific
4. Opening of an Honorary Consul of Germany in Lucknow
Select the answer using the code given below :
Statement 1 is Incorrect: During the visit, an MoU was signed to strengthen cooperation in traditional medicine between Gujarat Ayurveda University and German institutions. (An earlier MoU in late 2025 was agreed upon between the All India Institute of Ayurveda and Charité Universitätsmedizin in Berlin, not the University of Hamburg). Statement 2 is Correct: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Youth Hockey Development was officially signed between Hockey India and the German Hockey Federation. Statement 3 is Correct: The two nations announced the establishment of a new bilateral dialogue mechanism on the Indo-Pacific, alongside a Track 1.5 Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue. Statement 4 is Incorrect: Following the Chancellor's focus on Gujarat, Germany announced the appointment of an Honorary Consul in Ahmedabad to foster closer cooperation in the western region, rather than in Lucknow. Since the question asks for the statements that are not correct, statements 1 and 4 fit the criteria. Therefore, the correct option is B.
What is the importance of developing Chabahar Port by India?
India signed a deal to develop the Chabahar port with Iran. Apart from the bilateral agreement between India and Iran, a trilateral transit and trade corridor deal was also signed by India, Iran and Afghanistan which would ensure easy movement of goods between the three countries, bypassing Pakistan. The Chabahar port is situated in South Eastern part of Iran and on the northern coast of Gulf of Oman It is surrounded by Afghanistan in the North, Pakistan in the North-East and India in the East. The location of the Chabahar port is of strategic importance to India in linking trade routes from the Indian Ocean to Afghanistan, Central Asia and also to Europe; thereby avoiding a land route through Pakistan.