Bush Labels Iran Part of "Axis of Evil" in State of the Union

President George W. Bush declares Iran part of an "axis of evil" alongside Iraq and North Korea, dramatically raising tensions and ending a brief post-9/11 thaw in relations.

Despite Iran's constructive cooperation in the weeks after the 9/11 attacks — including agreeing to rescue downed US pilots in Afghanistan — President George W. Bush's January 2002 State of the Union address labeled Iran part of an "axis of evil" alongside Iraq and North Korea. Bush accused Iran of pursuing weapons of mass destruction and exporting terrorism. The speech infuriated Iran and torpedoed an emerging diplomatic back channel. Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi called the remarks "arrogant" and interference in Iran's internal affairs. The speech marked a decisive turn toward confrontation, emboldening hardliners in Tehran who argued that the US could never be trusted, and killing reformist President Khatami's efforts at rapprochement.