Timeline
January 16th, 1979
The Shah flees Iran and goes to Egypt.
The Shah flees Iran and goes to Egypt.
February 1, 1979
After 14 years of exile, Ayatollah Khomeini goes back to Iran as the leader.
After 14 years of exile, Ayatollah Khomeini goes back to Iran as the leader.
October 22, 1979
The Shah was allowed into the US for cancer treatment.
The Shah was allowed into the US for cancer treatment.
November 4, 1979
Students of Iran storm into the US embassy in Tehran, Iran, taking 90 people hostage, including 66 Americans.
Students of Iran storm into the US embassy in Tehran, Iran, taking 90 people hostage, including 66 Americans.
November 7, 1979
Jimmy Carter sent Ramsey Clark and William Miller to open up communication with Ayatollah with a letter to discuss the relations between Iran and the US. Ayatollah refused any further communication.
Jimmy Carter sent Ramsey Clark and William Miller to open up communication with Ayatollah with a letter to discuss the relations between Iran and the US. Ayatollah refused any further communication.
November 17, 1979
Ayatollah demanded the release of all women and African Americans, bringing the total number of hostages down to 53
Ayatollah demanded the release of all women and African Americans, bringing the total number of hostages down to 53
April 25, 1980
Jimmy Carter ordered a rescue mission by helicopter, Operation Eagle Claw. However, it all ended when an unwanted sand storm threw them off, crashing the helicopters and killing 8 servicemen.
Jimmy Carter ordered a rescue mission by helicopter, Operation Eagle Claw. However, it all ended when an unwanted sand storm threw them off, crashing the helicopters and killing 8 servicemen.
July 27, 1980
The Shah dies of cancer in Egypt.
The Shah dies of cancer in Egypt.
January 19, 1981
Both of the countries sign an agreement to release the hostages and free thousands of Iranian assets.
Both of the countries sign an agreement to release the hostages and free thousands of Iranian assets.
January 20, 1981
The hostages take plane to German soil. The hostage crisis has ended.
The hostages take plane to German soil. The hostage crisis has ended.