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Invasion
Britain and the Soviet Union invade western Iran to counter the threat of expanding Nazi influence. -
The Coup
The government of 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. -
Hostage crisis Begins
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 -
Failed rescue
The United States stages a doomed attempt to rescue the American hostages in Iran. Eight U.S. servicemen die. -
Freedom
1981
Freedom
The American hostages are released moments after Ronald Reagan succeeds Jimmy Carter as President of the United States. -
2 Way deal
US holds secret talks with Iran and makes weapons shipments, allegedly in exchange for Iranian assistance in releasing US hostages in Lebanon. With revelations that profits were illegally channelled to Nicaraguan rebels, this creates the biggest crisis of Ronald Reagan's US presidency. -
Its a Mistake?!
The American cruiser Vincennes mistakenly shoots down an Iranian airliner over the Persian Gulf, killing all 290 aboard. -
Accusations
The Clinton administration starts a campaign to isolate Iran, accusing it of supporting terrorism, seeking nuclear arms and trying to derail Middle East peace. -
New Laws
President Clinton signs a law that imposes sanctions on foreign companies investing heavily in "terrorist" Iran or Libya. -
New Hope
Mohammad Khatami, a moderate cleric, wins Iran's presidential election. Clinton calls the election hopeful, but insists that ties are not possible until Iran renounces terrorism, opposition to the Middle East peace effort and weapons of mass destruction. Clinton asks Khatami for help in solving the 1996 bombing of a Saudi building in which 19 American servicemen died and hundreds were wounded.
The Clinton administration renews an offer for talks "on the basis of equality and mutual respect." -
Axis of Evil
U.S. President George W. Bush refers to Iran as part of an "Axis of Evil." -
Necular Fears
US alleges Iran is attempting to build nuclear weapons. -
Optimistic views
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said relations with the US could be restored in the future. -
New Ways
Reports say the US is planning to establish a diplomatic presence in Tehran by opening an interests section in the capital, which would be its first diplomatic presence in the country for 30 years. -
Obama
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad offers congratulations to Barack Obama after his election as US president. During the election campaign, Mr Obama had offered talks with Iran without preconditions.