The United States became involved in conflicting arms deals and covert operations in the Middle East throughout the 1970s and 1980s for a variety of reasons, including:
- Cold War politics: The Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union was a major factor in U.S. involvement in the Middle East during this period. The U.S. sought to prevent the spread of Soviet influence in the region and to support friendly governments that would align with American interests.
- Oil interests: The Middle East is a major source of oil, and U.S. involvement in the region was often driven by a desire to protect American access to this vital resource.
- Strategic alliances: The U.S. formed alliances with several countries in the Middle East, such as Saudi Arabia and Israel, that were seen as important partners in the region.
- Conflicts and instability: The Middle East was and continues to be a region marked by conflicts and instability, and the U.S. often became involved in attempts to stabilize the situation or to support certain factions or governments.
Some of the major events that led to U.S. involvement in the Middle East during this period include the Iranian Revolution in 1979, the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, and the Gulf War in 1990-1991. The specific motivations and goals of U.S. involvement in each of these events varied, but overall, the U.S. sought to protect American interests and maintain stability in the region.