Summary
Overview
This episode examines the failed 1980 US military operation to rescue American hostages in Tehran, and how it doomed Jimmy Carter's presidency. The Iranian hostage crisis became a defining moment in US-Iran relations, culminating in a disastrous rescue attempt that ended with dead servicemen and burned wreckage in the Iranian desert, while Ronald Reagan's Hollywood optimism won the White House as the hostages were finally released.
Carter's Final Decision and Delta Force Preparation
On April 16, 1980, President Jimmy Carter met with Colonel Charlie Beckwith, founder of Delta Force, to approve the most daring rescue operation in American history. Despite knowing the plan could fail, Carter impressed Beckwith with his directness and courage, telling him that any failure would be the president's fault alone, not the soldiers'. Beckwith and his men prepared at an Egyptian airbase, holding a prayer service before departure where they sang 'God Bless America' in a scene reminiscent of Hollywood films.
- Carter met with Colonel Charlie Beckwith on April 16, 1980, to approve Operation Eagle Claw, the plan to rescue 52 American hostages from Tehran
- Carter told Beckwith that if the operation failed, the fault would be his, not the soldiers'
- Carter requested that if any Americans were killed, their bodies be brought back if possible without jeopardizing other lives
- Colonel Charlie Beckwith had founded Delta Force in 1977, modeled after the British SAS, specializing in counter-terrorism operations
- Delta Force had never been tested in combat before the Iran mission, having just finished their first major exercise when the embassy was seized
" I want you before you leave for Iran to assemble all of your force and when you think it's appropriate give them a message from me. Tell them that in the event this operation fails for whatever reason, the fault will not be theirs, it will be mine. "
" If you've gone over my record, you know I'm that kind of man. "
The Iranian Revolution's Grip and America's Dilemma
By early 1980, the hostage crisis had become a test of Carter's presidency, with his approval ratings plummeting as negotiations stalled. The Americans struggled to understand who actually held power in Iran's chaotic revolutionary government, while Ayatollah Khomeini had no intention of releasing the hostages, using them to cement his control and humiliate the United States. The crisis was compounded by recession at home and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, as Carter tried to balance restraint with the growing calls for military action.
- The 52 American hostages had been held since November 4, 1979, with Khomeini using the crisis to consolidate power despite initially not knowing about the embassy takeover
- Carter's approval rating dropped from 50% at the turn of 1980 to the 30s by March as the hostage situation dragged on without resolution
- National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski warned Carter early on that he might have to choose between the hostages and the nation's honor
- The Americans hoped to negotiate with Foreign Minister Sadegh Ghotbzadeh, who wanted to end the crisis but was undermined by hardliners
- Carter's Chief of Staff Hamilton Jordan traveled to Paris in disguise with a CIA-provided wig and false mustache to secretly meet Iranian officials
" We fight against America until death. We shall not stop fighting until we defeat it. "
" One day we may have to choose between the hostages and our nation's honour in the world. "
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