Iranian Hostage Crisis (mar 15, 1979 – mar 11, 1981)
Description:
Muslim fundamentalists overthrew regime of the American-backed shah, forcing him into exile, triggering an energy crisis by cutting off Iranian oil. Muslim revolutionaries stormed the American embassy, demanded US return the shah to Iran for trial. Carter failed to negotiate their release, returned on Reagan’s inauguration.
The situation hurt Carter’s image and approval, permanently damaged US/Iran relations.
