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Unveiling the Inside Story: The 1979 Embassy Capture

Ivan Turgenev

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Published in Takeover In Tehran: The Inside Story Of The 1979 U S Embassy Capture

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On November 4, 1979, a group of Iranian students and militants seized the U.S. embassy in Tehran and held 52 American hostages for 444 days. The incident, known as the 1979 Embassy Capture, sent shockwaves around the world and had a profound impact on international relations.

The Lead Up

The 1979 Embassy Capture was the culmination of years of tensions between the United States and Iran. After the Iranian Revolution in 1979, the new Iranian government led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini was hostile towards the United States, which it saw as a symbol of Western imperialism.

The Iranian government's anger towards the United States was further fueled by the fact that the United States had allowed the deposed Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, to enter the country for medical treatment. The Shah was widely hated in Iran, and his presence in the United States was seen as a provocation by the Iranian government.

The Seizure

On November 4, 1979, a group of Iranian students and militants stormed the U.S. embassy in Tehran. The students were led by Abolhassan Bani-Sadr, who later became Iran's first president. The militants were armed with guns and explosives, and they quickly overwhelmed the embassy's security guards.

The students and militants took 52 American hostages, including diplomats, military personnel, and civilians. The hostages were held captive for 444 days, during which time they were subjected to physical and psychological abuse.

The Aftermath

The 1979 Embassy Capture had a profound impact on international relations. The United States and Iran broke off diplomatic relations, and the United States imposed economic sanctions on Iran. The incident also led to a loss of trust between the United States and its allies, who were concerned that the United States could not protect its diplomats and citizens abroad.

The hostages were eventually released on January 20, 1981, after the United States agreed to unfreeze $8 billion in Iranian assets. However, the scars of the 1979 Embassy Capture remain, and the incident continues to cast a shadow over U.S.-Iran relations.

The Inside Story

The book "The Inside Story of the 1979 Embassy Capture" provides a comprehensive account of the events leading up to, during, and after the 1979 embassy capture. The book is based on firsthand accounts from hostages, diplomats, and Iranian officials, as well as extensive research from the author.

The book offers a unique perspective on the 1979 Embassy Capture, and it sheds new light on one of the most dramatic events in recent history. The book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in U.S.-Iran relations, the history of the Middle East, or international diplomacy.

Author Biography

The Inside Story of the 1979 Embassy Capture is written by Gary Sick, a former National Security Council staff member and author of several books on U.S.-Iran relations. Sick has a deep understanding of the Iranian Revolution and its aftermath, and he has written a book that is both authoritative and accessible.

The 1979 Embassy Capture was a watershed moment in U.S.-Iran relations. The incident had a profound impact on international diplomacy, and it continues to cast a shadow over relations between the two countries. The Inside Story of the 1979 Embassy Capture is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand this important event in history.

Free Download your copy of The Inside Story of the 1979 Embassy Capture today!