Why does the West have tensions with Iran?

Answer 1

The tensions between Western countries and Iran are based on three major issues: (1) Iran's Nuclear Ambitions, (2) Iran's Numerous Human Rights Violations, (3) Particular Political Grievances Between Western Countries and Iran.

(1) Iran's Nuclear Ambitions
While Iran has the right to have a program to produce nuclear energy in accordance with IAEA guidelines and oversight. However, Iran has repeatedly prevented IAEA inspectors from visiting sites where nuclear weapons are rumored to be in production. As a result, the United States and most European states are very distrustful that Iran is engaging in a peaceful nuclear energy production program and believe that Iran intends to create nuclear weapons. The Western States also categorically opposes Iran having a nuclear weapon given that Iran has expressed militancy towards and supported/founded militant groups that act throughout the Middle East. If Iran embraces a more moderate regime and makes clear that they are willing to work within IAEA parameters, Iran should not have a problem with its nuclear program.

(2) Iran's Numerous Human Rights Violations
Iran is well-known for being a country which violates fundamental human freedoms and is quite proud for doing so. For example, Iran is a prominent signatory to the Cairo Declaration of Human Rights which is a document that repudiates the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights and asserts that men are superior to women, that Muslims are superior to Non-Muslims, and that Freedom of Speech, Press, and Assembly should be curtailed in cases where the religion of Islam (broadly interpreted) is concerned. Iran's government persecutes minority religions, such as Sunni Islam, Baha'i, Yarsan, Christianity, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism. Political protests, such as the Green Revolution of 2009 have been met with violence from the Basij (Iran's military) and political expression contrary to the regime's interest has resulted in suppression and jail terms. Political parties with views contrary to the ruling regime are also repressed. Women's Rights, in terms of freedom of dress and interaction with men are also limited. Additionally, the Supreme Council of Ayatollahs (the most powerful branch of the Iranian government) is effectively forbidden for women since women are forbidden by Shiite Islam from becoming Ayatollahs.

(3) Particular Political Grievances Between Western Countries and Iran.
There are several grievances between Iran and Western countries, particularly Iran and the United States. Some of those grievances include:

1. The Iranian Hostage Crisis in 1979
2. Iran's financial support of Islamist groups that attacked US and French forces in the 1983 Beirut Barracks Bombing
3. Iran's continual monetary and political support to the end of eliminating Israel
4. Iran's antagonism towards the Arab Gulf countries
5. Iran's support for Hezbollah, Hamas, and Palestinian Jihad -- all recognized terrorist organizations
6. Iran's use of the al-Quds Expeditionary forces to attack Coalition Troops during the Iraq War.