How Long Were American Hostages Held in Iran- The Lengthy Ordeal of the Tehran Hostage Crisis
How Long Were American Hostages Held in Iran?
The Iran hostage crisis, a pivotal event in the history of United States-Iran relations, began on November 4, 1979, when a group of Iranian students, supported by the Iranian government, took over the American embassy in Tehran. The crisis would have a profound impact on the United States, its foreign policy, and its relationship with the Middle East. One of the most pressing questions surrounding this event is: how long were American hostages held in Iran?
The answer is a duration that would become a symbol of American vulnerability and the depths of diplomatic stalemate. The hostages were held for 444 days, from November 4, 1979, to January 20, 1981, marking the longest period of captivity for American diplomats in history. This period coincided with the final days of the administration of President Jimmy Carter and the transition to the presidency of Ronald Reagan. The crisis had a significant impact on Carter’s re-election campaign, contributing to his defeat by Reagan, who promised to bring the hostages home.
