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.
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Rise and Fall of Reza Shah
- Reza Shah's modernization efforts and reduced foreign influence led to his abdication in 1941.
- His son, Mohammad Reza Pavali, became the new Shah with limited power under British and Soviet occupation.
1953 Iranian coup d'état
- Mohammad Reza Pavali's reign saw the nationalization of Iran's oil industry under Prime Minister Mossadegh.
- However, a CIA-backed coup in 1953 reinstated the Shah, leading to authoritarian rule and suppression of dissent.
Shah's Brutality and Khomeini's Rise
- The Shah's rule, despite Western support, was marked by brutality and widespread hatred.
- This fueled the rise of Ayatollah Khomeini, who led the Islamic Revolution in 1979.