Final answer:
The Iranian hostage crisis originated from the U.S. support of the Shah of Iran and the 1953 coup, exacerbated by allowing the deposed Shah into the U.S. for medical care in 1979, leading to the embassy seizure and the 444-day hostage situation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The roots of the Iranian hostage crisis can be traced back to the relationship between the U.S. and the shah of Iran. The United States' involvement in the 1953 coup, which solidified the shah's power, coupled with U.S. support during his reign led to escalating tensions. These tensions exploded when the shah was admitted to the United States for medical treatment following his ousting, leading to the storming of the U.S. embassy in Tehran and the subsequent hostage crisis.
President Jimmy Carter's decision to provide asylum to the shah, who was overthrown in the Iranian Revolution of 1979, was seen as a continuation of American intervention in Iranian affairs. The hostage-takers demanded the extradition of the shah to Iran for trial and an apology from the United States for its role in the 1953 coup. The crisis lasted for 444 days and remained a pivotal issue throughout Carter's presidency, impacting his foreign policy decisions and the 1980 election outcome.
Despite attempts at negotiation and a failed rescue mission, the hostages were not released until the inauguration of Ronald Reagan, marking the end of the ordeal.