Tensions between the U.S. and Iran grew after Trump pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal, which had limited Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump said the deal was flawed and reimposed strict sanctions under a "maximum pressure" policy to force Iran into a new agreement. Iran saw this as bullying and rejected Trump’s offer for talks, with Supreme Leader Khamenei accusing the U.S. of seeking control, not solutions. In response to U.S. pressure, Iran expanded its nuclear activities beyond the deal’s limits. This deepened mistrust and led to more conflicts, including attacks in the region. Despite Trump’s openness to talks, U.S.-Iran relations remained tense, with little progress toward peace.