Hooshang Amirahmadi

American Iranian Council

For over a quarter of century, the US and Iran have been hostile toward each other. The Problem began with the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran and the subsequent taking of Americans hostage in Tehran. Even before the Revolution, many Iranians were bitter toward the US for helping British to overthrow their democratically elected Prime Minster Mohammad Mosadeq in 1953, and to support the dictator Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, whom the Revolution overthrow.  That bitterness turned into fierce anti-Americanism during the Revolution and resulted in the young Islamic radicals to storm the American Embassy. Although the hostages were released unharmed after 444 days in captivity, the episode created a ripple effect that continues today. From two friends and partners, the US and Iran became two enemies, harming and demonizing each other ever since.