Iran marks 1979 u s embassy takeover

Iran is marking the 43rd anniversary of the 1979 US embassy takeover, which was a pivotal event in the country's history.

On November 4, 1979, a group of Iranian students, supported by the Islamic Revolution's leader Ayatollah Khomeini, stormed the US embassy in Tehran, taking 52 American diplomats and citizens hostage. The takeover was in response to the US government's decision to allow the former Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, to enter the United States for medical treatment, despite the fact that he had fled Iran in 1979 after being overthrown in the Islamic Revolution.

The hostage crisis lasted for 444 days, until January 20, 1981, when the remaining hostages were released after the inauguration of US President Ronald Reagan. The crisis damaged relations between the US and Iran, and it remains a sensitive topic in both countries to this day.

Iran's government has marked the anniversary of the embassy takeover with various events and ceremonies, including a ceremony at the former US embassy, which is now the "Den of Espionage" museum. The museum features exhibits and artifacts related to the US government's alleged interference in Iran's internal affairs and the 1979 revolution.

In recent years, the anniversary of the embassy takeover has been marked by increased tensions between the US and Iran, particularly over issues such as nuclear proliferation and regional security. The US has imposed sanctions on Iran, and Iran has responded by seizing oil tankers and shooting down a US drone.

Despite the tensions, Iran's government has continued to mark the anniversary of the embassy takeover as a symbol of resistance against foreign interference and a celebration of the country's Islamic Revolution.