Six things you didn't know about the Iran hostage crisis
Photos: 1979 Iran hostage crisis
Thirty-six years ago, militant students supporting Iran's Islamic Revolution stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and took scores of hostages. Ultimately, 52 Americans were held for 444 days. Click through the gallery to see how the crisis unfolded.
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Photos: 1979 Iran hostage crisis
In 1978, Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi's authoritarian rule sparks demonstrations and riots in Iran. Government buildings and shops were looted, furniture was set ablaze and documents were thrown into the streets.
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Photos: 1979 Iran hostage crisis
The Shah shakes hands with a minister of the new civilian government in Tehran on January 6, 1979. Ten days later, he fled the country and headed to Egypt.
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Photos: 1979 Iran hostage crisis
Demonstrators celebrating the Shah's departure flood the streets of Tehran on January 17, 1979.
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Photos: 1979 Iran hostage crisis
After 14 years in exile, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returns to lead Iran on February 1, 1979.
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Photos: 1979 Iran hostage crisis
Iranian students climb over t