Jimmy Carter on Iran

Jimmy Carter's core position on Iran during his presidency was centered on managing the Iran Hostage Crisis following the 1979 revolution that overthrew the Shah. He viewed the seizure of the U.S. embassy and the 66 Americans held hostage as an unprecedented violation of international law, an act of terrorism, and blackmail, from which he pursued a peaceful resolution while resisting yielding to demands for the Shah's extradition. Despite initial efforts to maintain stability by welcoming the exiled Shah for cancer treatment, which later sparked mass protests, Carter's administration pursued diplomatic and, ultimately, military options, including the failed Operation Eagle Claw.

The context of Carter's engagement involved a prior close alliance with the Shah, whom he had called an "island of stability," which soured as the US pressured the Shah for reforms. The crisis severely paralyzed his administration, became a daily news focus, and is cited as a major factor in his loss in the 1980 election. The hostages were finally released minutes after Ronald Reagan's inauguration in January 1981, following negotiations mediated by Algeria which resulted in the Algiers Accords. Post-presidency, Carter has commented on the historical depiction of these events, such as the film Argo, noting inaccuracies.