The Iranian Hostage Crisis By Bteam30 Nov 4, 1979 The U.S. embassy was seized by Iranian militants The hostages are then held for 444 days Period: Nov 4, 1979 to Jan 20, 1981 The Iranian Hostage Crisis Nov 20, 1979 13 hostages were released Jan 28, 1980 Canadian Caper 6 US diplomats who had evaded capture were extracted from Tehran Mar 24, 1980 Operation Eagle Claw, a failed rescue attempt Jul 27, 1980 Death of the Shah Aug 12, 1980 Mohammad-Ali Rajai is appointed Iranian Prime Minister Sep 22, 1980 Iraqi invasion of Iran. Nov 4, 1980 United States presidential election is won by Ronald Reagan Jan 20, 1981 The hostages are released after 444 days of captivity