Tehran: Iranian demonstrators gathered outside former US Embassy here to mark anniversary of 1979 hostage crisis that has for decades shaped relations between Washington and Tehran.

Hostage crisis began in November 1979 following Islamic revolution led by Iran’s late supreme leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini which ousted Western-backed Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi.

Students loyal to Khomeini stormed Embassy building and held 52 staff hostage for 444 days while demanding that Washington hand over Iran’s recently toppled shah, who was being treated in United States for cancer.

Washington officially broke off relations with Tehran in 1980, midway through crisis and they have been frozen ever since.

“Death to Israel, Death to America!” chanted crowds of Iranians outside building, which is currently museum known as ‘Den of Spies’ and covered with striking anti-American murals. Others burnt Israeli and US flags.

Iranians have held rallies annually since 1979. Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed harsh response against Israel and US to attacks on Iran and its allies.

“Enemies, both USA and Zionist regime, should know that they will definitely receive tooth-breaking response to what they are doing against Iran, Iranian nation and resistance front,” Khamenei said in speech to students in Tehran.

Sunday’s event took place days ahead of US elections pitting Republican Donald Trump against Democrat Kamala Harris.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 04 2024

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