US Embassy takeover marked Iran’s ‘Zero Hour’
By Ali
Kakadezfuli
Managing director
The 1979 seizure of the US Embassy in Iran ushered in a “zero hour,” profoundly reshaping Iran’s political structure. Some analysts argue that this event should not have occurred and believe that, had it not happened, today’s Iran—especially in economic terms—would be significantly better off, with its people enjoying greater prosperity. However, America’s involvement in other countries’ affairs makes such optimism difficult to buy with certainty. Nonetheless, even if we accept these analyses, they fall short as a “sufficient analysis.” Now, 45 years after the event, it’s crucial to consider its broad impacts. In this essay, without refuting or engaging with other analyses, I tend to introduce a new perspective suggesting that the embassy takeover was a response to the historical need for “independence.”
A new political architecture rooted in independence
This event should not merely be seen as a protest against foreign intervention at that time. Rather, it served as a historic opportunity for redefining Iran’s national and political identity. Especially in the context of designing a new government structure, this event highlighted the critical value of “independence.” Iran’s history shows that the desire for independence has been a fundamental driving force in shaping its national identity and politics, with roots that extend beyond the formation of the Islamic Republic.
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