Everything Everywhere Daily

444 Days: The Iran Hostage Crisis

Jan 28, 2025

In 1979, Iranian revolutionaries stormed the American Embassy, taking 66 hostages for 444 harrowing days. The podcast dives into the historical roots of this crisis, including the rise of Reza Shah and the complex role of foreign influences. Listeners will learn about the emotional toll on Americans, symbolized by yellow ribbons, and the political fallout for the Carter administration. The dialogue explores the long-lasting impact on U.S.-Iran relations, shaping counterterrorism strategies and media narratives while enshrining distrust between the two nations.

17:11

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Quick takeaways

The Iran hostage crisis stemmed from historical tensions between Iran and the U.S., notably following the 1953 CIA-backed coup reinstating the Shah.

The resolution involved the Algiers Accords, signifying a major shift in U.S. foreign policy and permanently damaging U.S.-Iran relations.

Deep dives

Origins of the Hostage Crisis

The Iran hostage crisis can be traced back to historical tensions between Iran and foreign powers, particularly the United States. The rise of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi as Shah in 1941 marked the beginning of a complex relationship, as he aligned with Western interests while his government faced growing dissent due to authoritarian practices. The nationalization of Iran's oil industry by Prime Minister Mohamed Mossadegh in the early 1950s led to a U.S.-backed coup that reinstated the Shah, amplifying anti-American sentiments. This laid the groundwork for the revolution in 1979, as the Islamic Republic sought to distance itself from Western influence, ultimately resulting in the storming of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran.

Intro

2min

The Historical Roots of the Iran Hostage Crisis

3min

The Rise and Fall of the Shah: Iran's Path to Revolution

2min

Tensions and Turmoil: The Iran Hostage Crisis Unfolds

7min

The Legacy of the Iran Hostage Crisis

2min

On November 4, 1979, a group of Iranian Revolutionaries stormed the American Embassy in Tehran, Iran, and took 66 American diplomats and citizens hostage.

Over the next 444 days, the hostage crisis dominated the news and became the single biggest foreign policy issue for both the United States and Iran.

Even after the hostages were released, it has affected US/Iranian relations for the last four decades.

Learn more about the Iranian Hostage Crisis, its causes and how it was resolved on this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily.

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