Iranian Revolution & Iran Hostage Crisis

Brief History Historically known as Persia Language – Farsi 1921 – Reza Kahn becomes Shah & wishes to “westernize”

Mohammed Reza Pahlavi Kahn’s son. Worked to make Iran a modern, western style nation Wanted to be a power in the Middle East Friendly towards US

Good and Bad Modernization – Pahlavi improved literacy and healthcare, gave rights to women & allowed western clothes, music, and movies Problems – A brutal dictator; many Iranians impoverished under his rule –Heavy use of SAVAK –Sazeman-e Ettela'at va Amniyat-e Keshvar Many wanted an Islamic state –Felt that “the west” was unclean & sinful –Impose Shariah law

Revolution Feb 1, 1979 Ayatollah Khomeini (exiled by Pahlavi) returns 1979 – Iran experience a revolution Shah is overthrown and flees to the US

Changes Khomeini hated the west, particularly the US –Declared an Islamic republic –Got rid of western influences (music, movies) –Westerners forced out of Iran –Women could no longer wear western clothing; must wear chador

American Embassy Taken Over Radical Iranian students took over US embassy in Tehran Held 51 American hostage for 444 days Situation created much dislike between former friends Iran an US

Events November 1, 1979 –Khomeini urges demonstrations against US & Israel Khomeini labels America as the "Great Satan" Protest began –Embassy occupied during revolution –Crowds outside common Iranian police were less and less helpful

Events November 4 –Mob of ~500 students seize the embassy –Marines outnumbered - staff destroy communication/classified equipment & papers Khomeini claims he was not aware of the students' plan - but applauded the action Khomeini informed of student plans on Nov. 3

Denial & Humiliation Justification for hostages as retaliation for giving the Shah asylum in the U.S. Operation Eagle Claw on April 24, 1980 –Two helicopters broke down in a sandstorm –Third damaged on landing –Mission aborted; helicopter clipped a C-130 and crashed - eight servicemen killed Iran did not take responsibility Hostages blindfolded; shown on TV Crisis end on January 20 th, 1981

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Former hostages allege that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad among the hostage takers Claim Ahmadinejad is the man whom they remember from captivity Photograph taken during the crisis shows a man who resembles Ahmadinejad Other hostages and the CIA express uncertainty regarding whether Ahmadinejad was actually involved