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47 years since Iranian militants seized US Embassy in Tehran

Iranian students climb up the gates of the U.S. embassy in Tehran while some hold signs featuring Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Nov. 4, 1979. Credit: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons.
Iranian students climb up the gates of the U.S. embassy in Tehran while some hold signs featuring Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Nov. 4, 1979. Credit: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons.

Wednesday marks 47 years since Iranian militants stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran on Nov. 4, 1979, taking dozens of Americans hostage in a crisis that lasted 444 days.

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini endorsed the takeover the following day. Of the 66 Americans initially taken hostage, 52 remained in captivity until their release on Jan. 20, 1981.

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