US embassy in Iran-hostage crisis

The Iran hostage crisis began on November 4, 1979, when Iranian militants seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, taking 52 American diplomats and citizens hostage. This event occurred amid the Iranian Revolution, which overthrew the U.S.-backed Shah. The hostages were held for 444 days, leading to a significant deterioration in U.S.-Iran relations and culminating in a failed rescue operation in April 1980. The crisis ended on January 20, 1981, coinciding with the inauguration of President Ronald Reagan, after negotiations led to their release.