Iran Hostage Crisis By demitrakon 1951 Muhammad Mossadegh, announces plan to nationalize the country’s oil industry 1953 Iran government is deposed with a new government put in place under Mohammed Reza Shah Pahlavi Period: 1953 to 1979 Iran citizens build resentment for the Shah 1979 Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini come into power. 1979 The Shah enters the United States Nov 4, 1979 Embassy Takeover in Iran Period: Nov 4, 1979 to Jan 21, 1981 Hostages in captivity 1980 Eagle Claw Operation launched. 1980 Ronald Reagan wins Presidential Election. Jan 21, 1981 Hostages released and Reagan sworn into office