USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -A diplomatic standoff ensued. The hostages were held for 444 days, being released on January 20, 1981. 8 American servicemen and 1 Iranian civilian killed during an attempt to rescue the hostages. Western media described the crisis as an “entanglement” of “vengeance and mutual incomprehension."

Detailed explanation-2: -The seizure of the U.S. Embassy was not orchestrated by Iranian officials; it was initiated by student militants who wanted to dramatize the fact that a CIA-backed coup had placed the Shah in power and who feared that the United States would overturn the Iranian revolution.

Detailed explanation-3: -On November 4, 1979, Iranian students seized the embassy and detained more than 50 Americans, ranging from the Chargé d’Affaires to the most junior members of the staff, as hostages. The Iranians held the American diplomats hostage for 444 days.

Detailed explanation-4: -Sixty-six Americans were taken captive when Iranian militants seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran on Nov. 4, 1979, including three who were at the Iranian Foreign Ministry.