Hostage Crisis

The Hostage Crisis commonly refers to the 1979-1981 Iranian Hostage Crisis, when 52 American diplomats and citizens were taken hostage by Iranian militants at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. This occurred after the Iranian Revolution, which saw the overthrow of the Shah, a U.S. ally. The crisis lasted 444 days, leading to significant tension between the U.S. and Iran. Hostages were held captive in harsh conditions, sparking widespread media coverage and protests in the U.S. The crisis ended with their release on January 20, 1981, coinciding with Ronald Reagan's inauguration. It profoundly influenced U.S. foreign relations and domestic politics.