Understanding U.S.-Iran Conflict Through Presidential Language

What is it about?

This study examines how presidents of the United States and Iran talk about each other's country and the world in their speeches at the United Nations General Assembly. Both U.S. and Iranian leaders consistently create a strong distinction between “us” and “them.” This division shapes how each country understands its role in the world and its relationship with the other. Iranian presidents tend to emphasize collective identity over individual leadership. Across Iranian speeches, the “West” and “America” are often portrayed as "others", framed as opposing forces with different values and interests. Even when promoting ideas like dialogue and cooperation, Iranian leaders still position the West as essentially different. U.S. presidents, on the other hand, highlight individual leadership and national values. In U.S. speeches, countries such as China, Russia, and Iran are often presented as “others”. U.S. presidents promote democracy and liberalism as global norms and frame the U.S. as a leader in maintaining international order. The study also evaluates the idea of Samuel Huntington’s theory of “The clash of civilizations”. While it resonates with certain aspects of the US-Iran relationship, it does not fully capture its complexity and primarily explains recurring global patterns.

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Photo by Suga Suga on Unsplash

Photo by Suga Suga on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Political language is not neutral-it shapes how countries perceive each other and influences world decisions. By understanding how leaders construct “us vs. them” narratives, policymakers can better recognize sources of tension before they escalate. The study shows that even when U.S and Iran leaders call for cooperation, underlying narratives of difference remain strong. Policymakers should be aware that symbolic gestures or diplomatic statements may not be enough if deeper narratives are unchanged. Recognizing differences in political culture of U.S. and Iran can improve communication strategies. The article suggests that theories like "The Clash of Civilizations" are not sufficient on their own, and policymakers should adopt more complex approaches.

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