Iran Hostage Crisis Overview

The Iran hostage crisis began on November 4, 1979, when Iranian students seized the US Embassy in Tehran, holding 52 Americans hostage. The crisis was fueled by the US allowing the ousted Shah of Iran to enter the country for medical treatment. Ayatollah Khomeini refused to release the hostages despite international pressure. President Carter's attempts to resolve the crisis diplomatically failed, and a rescue mission resulted in the deaths of eight US personnel. The crisis ended on January 20, 1981, with the release of the hostages after 444 days, coinciding with Ronald Reagan's inauguration. The US unfroze Iranian assets as part of the resolution.

What event triggered the Iran Hostage Crisis?

• The US withdrew its ambassador from Iran.

• The US military invaded Iran.

• The US imposed sanctions on Iran.

• The US Embassy in Tehran was seized by Iranian students.

Why did the Iranian students seize the US Embassy?

• To express outrage over the Shah's medical treatment in the US.

• To protest US military actions in Iran.

• To negotiate trade agreements with the US.

• To demand the return of the Shah to Iran.

Which groups did Ayatollah Khomeini release during the hostage crisis?

• Only military personnel.

• Only female hostages.

• Non-US captives and certain American groups.

• All American hostages.

What was the outcome of President Carter's rescue mission?

• All hostages were successfully rescued.

• The mission was a success with no casualties.

• Eight US military personnel were killed, and no hostages were rescued.

• The hostages were released immediately after the mission.

What significant event occurred in November 1980 related to the crisis?

• The hostages were released.

• Carter won the presidential election.

• Carter lost the presidential election to Ronald Reagan.

• The Shah returned to Iran.

Who assisted in the successful negotiations between the US and Iran?

• The Soviet Union.

• Algerian intermediaries.

• The European Union.

• The United Nations.

What action did the US take on the day of Reagan's inauguration?

• Declared war on Iran.

• Closed the US Embassy in Iran.

• Imposed new sanctions on Iran.

• Released frozen Iranian assets.

How long were the hostages held during the Iran Hostage Crisis?

• 200 days.

• 100 days.

• 444 days.

• 365 days.

Where did Jimmy Carter greet the returning hostages?

• In Tehran.

• In Washington, D.C.

• In West Germany.

• In New York City.

What was the main reason for the release of the hostages?

• A change in Iranian leadership.

• A military intervention by the US.

• Successful negotiations and the release of Iranian assets.

• The death of the Shah.