Iranian Hostage Crisis: 36 Years of Pain and Resilience
Background
On November 4, 1979, approximately 400 Iranian students stormed the US Embassy in Tehran. The students, who were protesting the presence of the deposed Shah of Iran in the United States, took 52 US citizens hostage. The hostage crisis lasted for 444 days and became a major international incident.
Failed Rescue Attempt
In April 1980, the United States attempted a military rescue operation codenamed Operation Eagle Claw. The mission failed, resulting in the deaths of eight US military personnel. The failure of the rescue attempt further strained relations between the United States and Iran.
Aftermath and Compensation
The hostages were eventually released in January 1981 after lengthy negotiations. The hostage crisis had a profound impact on the United States, both politically and socially. In 2016, the US government agreed to pay approximately $3 billion to the victims of the hostage crisis as compensation for their suffering.
Ongoing Tensions
Despite the resolution of the hostage crisis, tensions between the United States and Iran remain high. The hostage crisis continues to be a source of anger and resentment among many Iranians, who view it as a violation of their sovereignty. The two countries continue to disagree on a number of issues, including the Iranian nuclear program and the ongoing conflict in Syria.
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