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The Shah is Exiled
With political tensions rising. The Shah and his family are forced into exile. -
Hostage Crisis
Students seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. The hostage crisis lasted 444 days. On Nov. 12, Washington cut off oil imports from Iran and ordered a freeze on an estimated $6 billion of Iranian assets and official bank deposits in the United States. -
Diplomatic Relation cut-off
The United States cut off diplomatic relations with Iran. -
Iran-Iraq War
Start of Iran-Iraq war which lasts for eight years. -
Operation Eagle Claw
The United States attempted a rescue mission of the American hostages during Operation Eagle Claw. The mission failed due to a sandstorm and eight American servicemen were killed. -
Iran-Contra affair
After the US and Soviet Union halted arms supplies, the US attempted to win the release of hostages in Lebanon by offering secret arms deals -
Cease-fire
Iran accepts a ceasefire agreement with Iraq following negotiations in Geneva under the aegis of the UN. -
US Imposes Sanctions
US imposes oil and trade sanctions over Iran seeking to acquire nuclear arms and hostility to the Middle East process. -
The Presidential Election
Mohammad Khatami wins the presidential election with 70% of the vote, beating the conservative ruling elite -
President Khatami re-elected.
President Khatami is back for a 2nd term -
Bush against Iraq
President George Bush describes Iraq as an "axis of evil".The speech causes outrage in Iran and is condemned by reformists and conservatives alike. -
UN tries to impose sanctions
UN Security Council votes to impose sanctions on Iran's trade in sensitive nuclear materials and technology. Iran condemns the resolution -
More Sanctions by the USA.
USA announces sweeping new sanctions against Iran, the toughest since it first imposed sanctions almost 30 years ago. -
Missile Tests
The country test-fires a series of medium- and longer-range missiles that put Israel and US bases in the Gulf within potential striking range. -
EU boycotts European oil
European Union boycott of Iranian oil exports comes into effect and the Iranian currency frops in value
