US-Iran tensions soar: What do both sides want?

Al JazeeraCenterEN 8 min read 100% complete by Priyanka Shankar,Charu Sudan KasturiJanuary 29, 2026 at 01:24 PM

AI Summary

long article 8 min

Tensions between the US and Iran are escalating in January 2026, with US warships moving into the Arabian Sea. The US, under President Trump, demands Iran renegotiate its nuclear program and curb its regional influence, threatening military action if Iran doesn't comply. Iran, led by Foreign Minister Araghchi, vows a strong response to any US attack, citing its military readiness. This follows a history of US sanctions against Iran and recent events including attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities and retaliatory strikes on US forces in Qatar and Israeli cities. The core demands from both sides remain largely unchanged despite diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Qatar 30% Al Udeid Air Base 30% Venezuela 40% Nicolás Maduro 40% Tehran ×240% Israel ×240% Abbas Araghchi 50% USS Abraham Lincoln 50% Arabian Sea ×260% Donald Trump ×470% United States ×1190% Iran ×1390%

Keywords

us-iran tensions 90% sanctions 70% nuclear program 70% military escalation 60% donald trump 60% diplomatic solution 50% regional influence 50% abbas araghchi 40% ballistic missiles 40%