Iran hostage crisis begins, militants seize U.S. Embassy

Iranian militants storm the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and take approximately 70 American personnel hostage. The seizure occurs shortly after the deposed Shah enters the U.S. for cancer treatment. The militants, calling themselves Muslim Students Following the Line of Imam Khomeini, demand the return of the Shah to Iran for trial. With Ayatollah Khomeinappalaval approval, the militants hold the hostages for 444 days, becoming the most profound crisis of the Carter presidency. The crisis triggers international isolation of Iran, asset freezes, and a diplomatic impasse that contributes to Carters 1980 election loss.