What Is the Iranian Hostage Crisis?
The Iranian hostage crisis began 4 November 1979 under the administration of United States President Jimmy Carter when Islamic militants entered the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and held 66 Americans hostage. The Iranian hostage crisis was the culmination of the disintegration of relations between the United States and Iran prompted by U.S. support for Muhammad Reza Shah Pahlevi, after he was overthrown by Ayatollah Khomeini at the start of the Iranian Revolution. The hostages were held for a total of 444 days and released 20 January 1981, minutes after the inauguration of U.S. President Ronald Reagan.
The Iranian hostage crisis began 4 November 1979 under the administration of United States President Jimmy Carter when Islamic militants entered the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and held 66 Americans hostage. The Iranian hostage crisis was the culmination of the disintegration of relations between the United States and Iran prompted by U.S. support for Muhammad Reza Shah Pahlevi, after he was overthrown by Ayatollah Khomeini at the start of the Iranian Revolution. The hostages were held for a total of 444 days and released 20 January 1981, minutes after the inauguration of U.S. President Ronald Reagan. History has recorded the presidency of Jimmy Carter as one of the worst in the United States because of his failed attempts to end the Iranian hostage crisis. Shortly after the hostages were taken, Carter attempted to pursue every alternative to negotiate the release of the hostages, including diplomacy, political pressure and economic sanctions.
