47 Years Ago: Iranian Islamists Seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran
On November 4, 1979, Islamist students loyal to Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, triggering a hostage crisis that lasted 444 days.
Fifty-two American diplomats and citizens were held hostage. A U.S. rescue attempt, Operation Eagle Claw, failed in April 1980 following mechanical problems and operational setbacks.
The hostages were finally released on January 20, 1981, following the Algiers Accords.
Iran commemorates November 4 as its National Day of Struggle Against Global Arrogance.
The embassy takeover marked a historic rupture in U.S.-Iran relations, which have remained without formal diplomatic ties ever since.
