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Britain Extends Influence
Britain draws up a plan to extend its influence over all of Iran, which would effectively make it a British protectorate. The agreement rouses fierce opposition in Iran's Parliament, however, and it is never ratified. -
The Coup
Iranian Prime Minister Muhammad Mussadeq is overthrown in a coup orchestrated by American and British intelligence agencies. Mohammad Reza Pahlavi is reinstated as the Shah of Iran. -
Shah of Iran
US-backed Shah of Iran forced to leave the country after widespread demonstrations and strikes. -
Hostage Crisis
Iranian students storm the United States embassy in Tehran and hold scores of hostages, most for 444 days. The United States cuts all diplomatic relations with Iran and imposes economic sanctions -
Rescue Fail
The United States stages a doomed attempt to rescue the American hostages in Iran. Eight U.S. servicemen die. -
Iran-Contra
The public learns of an American effort to sell arms to Iran as a way of raising funds for anti-Communist fighters (known as Contras) in Nicaragua. -
Shot Down
The USS Vincennes mistakenly shoots down an Iran Air flight over the Persian Gulf killing 290 people. -
Dual Containment
The United States implements a policy toward Iran and Iraq known as "dual containment" in an effort to isolate both countries and contain their regional ambitions. -
Earthquake
An earthquake kills 50,000 people in the Iranian city of Bam. The United States provides direct aid to victims. -
US and Iran Talk...Finally
For the first time in 27 years, officials of Iran and the United States meet face-to-face for Memorial Day talks.
