Free for 30 years
Today, former Iran hostages will reunite. Here's more about their time as captives.
On Jan. 20, 1981, the nation welcomed home 52 Americans who had been held hostage for over a year in Iran. Today, some of the former hostages will take part in a reunion held at the location of their initial homecoming.
On Nov. 4, 1979, US citizens were taken hostage in the US Embassy in Tehran, Iran.
Early hostage release
A few weeks after the building was overtaken, 13 of the hostages were released.
Military response
The US military attempted a rescue operation on April 24, 1980.
Backstory to the crisis
1950’s US-backed maneuver fostered the group’s anti-American sentiment.
Another move made by the Carter administration heightened US-Iranian tensions.
United States puts pressure on Iran
President Carter make steps to pressure Iran for the hostages’ release.The militants demanded that the United States apologize for the overthrow of Iran’s democratically-elected leader.
Americans follow the crisis at home
Ted Koppel's Nightline, long-running network TV show was created for the purpose of delivering updates on the crisis.Yellow Ribbon symbol had some Americans adopted to show support for the hostages.
Crisis draws to a close
Algiers Accords in Algeria was the name of the agreement signed on Jan. 19, 1981 that led to the freedom of the hostages.
Hostages return home
On Jan 27, 1981 the hostages freed from captivity in Iran. The day the hostages were released was historic in the US for another reason.