ipping route connecting Europe to Asia. In the post-war period, US policymakers saw the region as a bulwark against Soviet expansionism and as a potential market for American goods. Oil only became a significant factor in US foreign policy towards the Middle East in the 1950s, following the nationalization of Iran’s oil industry by Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh in 1951. Mossadegh’s actions threatened US and British oil interests, leading to a CIA-backed coup in 1953 that removed him from power and reinstated the Shah.

The US continued to support authoritarian regimes in the Middle East during the Cold War, but this was primarily driven by anti-communist sentiment rather than oil interests. In the 1970s, the US became more involved in the region’s politics due to the Arab-Israeli conflict and the oil embargo imposed by OPEC. The US sought to maintain access to Middle Eastern oil by building alliances with oil-producing states and supporting pro-US governments. However, this was not the only motive for US policy in the region. The US also sought to counter Soviet influence and promote stability and security in the region.

Today, while access to oil remains an important factor in US policy towards the Middle East, it is not the only one. The US also seeks to promote democracy, human rights, and regional stability in the face of threats such as terrorism and nuclear proliferation. Additionally, US policy towards the region is influenced by domestic politics, including pressure from interest groups, public opinion, and electoral considerations.

In conclusion, while access to oil has played a significant role in US foreign policy towards the Middle East, it is only one of many factors driving US policy in the region. Historical evidence shows that US involvement in the Middle East predates its dependence on oil and is motivated by a range of political, strategic, and ideological factors.