The U.S. Hostage Crisis in Iran 444 Days in Captivity

Background of the Shah First came to power during WWII Deposed in the late forties Reinstalled by a CIA-led coup in 1953 approved by the Eisenhower administration

The “White Revolution” Divested the clergy of their vast landholdings Declared new rights for women Right to vote Right to attend university Dramatically increased urbanization and industrialization Exiles the Ayatollah Khomeini after he criticizes the Shah

Westernize or Bust! Most Iranians did not want to abandon their rich heritage for Western Ways Found inspiration in the sermons of Muslim leaders who denounced the material West The Shah maintained control with harsh repression and brutality

Allah Hu Akbar, Marg Bar Shah! Demonstrations increased demanding the shah be deposed Demonstrators demanded the return of the exiled Ayatollah Khomeini The country was out of control

Exit the Shah! Offers the premiership to Dr. Shahpur Bahktiar Leaves the country January 16, 1979 The Ayatollah was invited back Tens of thousands of demonstrators demanded the return of an Islamic state. Dr. Bahktiar leaves

Islamic State Returns Enemies of the Islamic Revolution are tried and executed All political parties and organizations are banned Independent and non-Islamic newspapers are closed. Banks and Industries are Nationalized.

Iranian Revolution Escalates US interests in the Persian Gulf are threatened. No access to Iranian Oil Cancellation of $7 billion of uncompleted arms contracts Anti American sentiment runs high.

“Marg Bar Amrika!” Sunday, November 4, 1979 the US Embassy in Teheran is stormed Sixty-six hostages taken

Oh Canada! Six Americans seek refuge at the Canadian Embassy Tense moments Ottawa and Canadian Embassy prepare to evacuate

Iran’s Hostage Demands Return the Shah for trial Return the Shah’s wealth to the people of Iran Admission of guilt by the US An apology and promise to stay out of Iran’s affairs.

President Carter’s Response Refused to send the Shah back Froze all Iranian Government financial assets Forbade American companies from buying Iranian oil 13 hostages freed

U.S. Reaction to Hostage Crisis Demonstrations at the Iranian Embassy in the US Record sales of Iranian flags, which were then burned Iranian Americans were harassed

Renewed Sense of Patriotism Hostages became a national obsession Penelope Laingen and the yellow ribbon

America’s Frustration Grows On April 7, President Carter announces the severing of diplomatic relations with Iran Complete economic embargo Inventory of financial claims against Iran to be paid from Iranian assets in the U.S. All Iranian diplomats are told to leave the country in 24 hours.

Operation Eagle Claw April 24, 1980 8 helicoptors from the Nimitz were to rendezvous with 6 transports at Desert One Then fly to Desert Two to drive to Teheran where the CIA had arranged for several Iranians to help storm the embassy                                                       

Mission Aborted! The first mission for the newly formed Delta Force Pilots did not have experience, flying at night, flying low, and in sand storms. The sandstorm disabled three helicoptors, one collided with a transport and both burst into flames killing eight Americans

President Carter Accepts Full Blame Little hope for a second attempt because the hostages were dispersed to various locations Carter’s popularity sinks The Shah dies in July

“On Wings of Eagles” Ross Perot’s hires Col. Bull Simon to rescue two EDS employees in an Iran prison. Successful mission Ken Follett novel                                        

1980 Presidential Campaign The Reagan-Bush team realized that the hostage issue would determine the election Americans needed to hear stirring phrases of national purpose, and believe in the future. Wins by a landslide, Nov. 4

The Hostages are Freed Carter released $8 billion in frozen Iranian assets the morning of the inauguration Hostages freed in moments after Reagan inaugurated

Where Are They Now? The Shah’s son is attended school at USC Trained as a pilot in the US Air Force Acknowledges some of the evil that his father was accused of Is gathering support to return to Iran