<P> The Iran hostage crisis was a diplomatic standoff between Iran and the United States of America . Fifty - two American diplomats and citizens were held hostage for 444 days from November 4 , 1979 , to January 20 , 1981 , after a group of Iranian college students belonging to the Muslim Student Followers of the Imam 's Line , who supported the Iranian Revolution , took over the U.S. Embassy in Tehran . It stands as the longest hostage crisis in recorded history . </P>
<P> The Iran hostage crisis was a diplomatic standoff between Iran and the United States of America . Fifty - two American diplomats and citizens were held hostage for 444 days from November 4 , 1979 , to January 20 , 1981 , after a group of Iranian college students belonging to the Muslim Student Followers of the Imam 's Line , who supported the Iranian Revolution , took over the U.S. Embassy in Tehran . It stands as the longest hostage crisis in recorded history . </P>
who was taken hostage in iran in 1976
who was taken hostage in iran in 1976
Fifty - two American diplomats and citizens
Fifty - two American diplomats and citizens