History Extra podcast The Iranian embassy siege: an SAS hostage drama in London
Sep 12, 2024
Ben Macintyre, a bestselling author renowned for his thrilling historical narratives, dives into the dramatic events of the 1980 Iranian Embassy siege. He unpacks the complex motivations of the gunmen and the impact of this incident on Margaret Thatcher's early stance against terrorism. The conversation reveals how the SAS transformed from a secretive force to a globally recognized elite unit, and highlights the critical dynamics between hostages and captors during the rescue operation. Unexpected moments of humanity emerge, adding depth to this intense narrative.
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6
Intro
00:00 • 3min
The Iranian Embassy Siege: A Complex Legacy
02:59 • 6min
Resistance and Resolve: Thatcher's Stance Against Terrorism
08:58 • 2min
The Iranian Embassy Siege: Dynamics and Decisions
11:10 • 17min
Legacy of the Iranian Embassy Siege
28:04 • 4min
Unexpected Humanity in a Crisis: The Iranian Embassy Siege
32:27 • 3min