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 voteRight 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 OilCancellation 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