Agreement Reached for Hostage Release
January 19th, 1981
January 19th, 1981

How Long Ago?
44 years, 1 month, 24 days ago
Location
Tehran, Iran
Category
Politics & Government
People
- Jimmy Carter
- Mohammad Khatami
- Algerian President Chadli Bendjedid
Links & References
Tags
Agreement Reached for Hostage Release
United States and Iranian officials signed an agreement to release 52 American hostages after 14 months of captivity in Tehran. The negotiations involved mediators and culminated in a complex deal that involved economic and political concessions from both sides. The hostages were taken on November 4, 1979, during the Iranian Revolution, and their release was eagerly anticipated by the U.S. public.
52 American hostages freed after 14 months.
Deal involved $8 billion in Iranian assets.
Negotiations mediated by Algeria.
Marked a shift in U.S.-Iran relations.
What Happened?
The Iran hostage crisis began when Iranian students stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979, taking 52 American diplomats and citizens hostage. This was in response to the U.S. granting asylum to the Iranian Shah, who had been deposed during the Iranian Revolution. Various attempts at negotiation and rescue were made over the ensuing months, but these were largely unsuccessful, leading to increasing tensions between the two nations. After 14 months of negotiations mediated by Algeria, an agreement was reached that would secure the release of the hostages. The agreement involved $8 billion in frozen Iranian assets and commitments from the U.S. to not intervene in Iranian internal affairs.
Why Does it Matter?
The release of the hostages marked a significant turning point in U.S.-Iran relations, leading to decades of diplomatic estrangement. The crisis had profound effects on American politics, particularly in the defeat of President Jimmy Carter in the 1980 presidential election. The event reshaped U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and influenced American perceptions and actions toward Iran for generations. The hostages' safe return was seen as a relief, but the diplomatic consequences lingered long after.
Discover More Historic Events from January 19th
Bytedance Ban Sparks Controversy in U.S.
Bytedance, along with its subsidiary companies, faced a ban from the United States due to escalating security concerns related to user data privacy and national security. The decision emerged from fears that the Chinese government could access sensitive information from American users. This ban triggered discussions about the balance between technological innovation and safeguarding national interests, particularly at a time when digital connections were crucial for global commerce and communication.
Continue ReadingJapan Lands Probe on the Moon
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully landed its lunar probe, demonstrating significant advancements in space exploration technology. This achievement marks Japan as the fifth nation to execute a soft landing on the moon, following the USA, the Soviet Union, China, and India. Positioned at the lunar south pole, the probe is set to conduct exploratory operations, focusing on analyzing the moon's surface and subsurface material composition. The mission not only showcases Japan's technological capabilities but also contributes to the broader investigation of lunar resources.
Continue ReadingDeadly Bomb Attack on Bannu Army Convoy
A bombing targeted an army convoy in Bannu, Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of at least 26 soldiers and injuring 38 others. The attack was carried out using a roadside bomb as the convoy passed through a critical area known for insurgent activity. Bannu, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, serves as a strategic point for military operations against militant groups. Responsibility for the attack is often attributed to various militant factions aiming to destabilize the region and challenge the state’s authority.
Continue ReadingFBI Shuts Down Megaupload File-Sharing Site
The FBI shut down Megaupload, a Hong Kong-based file-sharing website, leading to the arrest of its founder Kim Dotcom and several others. This action was part of a larger operation aimed at enforcing copyright laws. The shutdown sparked global debates over internet privacy and copyright infringement, highlighting tensions between copyright holders and internet users. The site was also known for its high-profile file sharing of movies and music, attracting millions of users worldwide.
Continue ReadingHrant Dink Assassinated Outside His Office
Hrant Dink, a Turkish-Armenian journalist, was assassinated by 17-year-old Ogün Samast. The shooting took place outside the offices of his newspaper, Agos, in Istanbul. Dink was known for his advocacy of Armenian rights and his criticism of the Turkish government's stance on the Armenian Genocide. His murder shocked many and sparked debates about freedom of expression and ethnic tensions in Turkey.
Continue ReadingFirst Ski and Kite Trek to Antarctic Pole
A four-man team named N2i undertook an unprecedented journey using only skis and kites to achieve a remarkable 1,093-mile trek to the Antarctic pole of inaccessibility. They accomplished this feat without any mechanical assistance, marking the first successful expedition to this remote location since 1965. The team braved the harsh Antarctic conditions and demonstrated exceptional endurance, showcasing the possibilities of human-powered exploration in one of the planet's most challenging environments.
Continue Reading