The Iran hostage crisis began on November 4, 1979, when Iranian militants seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and took 52 Americans hostage. The crisis lasted 444 days and had a profound impact on Jimmy Carter’s presidency. Despite diplomatic and military efforts, including a failed rescue mission, the hostages remained captive until Carter left office. The crisis dominated news coverage, contributing to a perception of weakness and ineffectiveness in Carter’s administration. It significantly affected his re-election campaign, ultimately leading to his defeat by Ronald Reagan. The hostages were released on January 20, 1981, the day Reagan was inaugurated.