“Iran’s Long History of Attacks on America: From Hostage Crisis to EFP Strikes, a Timeline of Aggression”
Iran attacks history, US embassy bombings, American hostage crisis
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Iran has a long history of attacking the United States, with incidents dating back to the Iran hostage crisis in 1979, where 52 Americans were held captive for 444 days. Since then, Iran has been involved in various attacks against the US and its interests around the world.

Some of the notable attacks include the Beirut Embassy and Barracks bombings in 1983, where over 300 people, including 241 US service members, were killed. Iran-backed Hezbollah was responsible for these attacks, which marked a significant escalation in Iran’s campaign against the US.

In addition to the Beirut bombings, Iran has been involved in a series of kidnappings in Lebanon, targeting American citizens and other Westerners. These kidnappings were often used as bargaining chips in Iran’s political maneuvering with the US and other countries.

The Kuwait Embassy bombing in 1983 and the TWA Flight 847 hijacking in 1985 further underscore Iran’s willingness to use violence to achieve its political goals. In both instances, innocent civilians were targeted, leading to loss of life and widespread fear among Americans.

The Khobar Towers bombing in 1996, where 19 US service members were killed, and the use of Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFPs) against US patrols in Iraq also highlight Iran’s use of asymmetric warfare tactics against the US military.

These attacks have had a lasting impact on US-Iran relations, with tensions remaining high between the two countries. The US has imposed sanctions on Iran in response to its support for terrorism and its nuclear program, further exacerbating the already strained relationship.

In conclusion, Iran’s history of attacks against the US underscores the complex and volatile nature of international relations. As the US continues to navigate its relationship with Iran, it must remain vigilant in protecting its interests and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens both at home and abroad.

Here’s just SOME of Iran’s attacks against the United States of America:

Iran hostage crisis (444 days).
Beirut Embassy & Barracks Bombings.
Hezbollah kidnappings in Lebanon.
Kuwait Embassy Bombing.
TWA Flight 847 Hijacking.
Khobar Towers Bombing.
EFP Attacks on U.S. Patrols.…

— Markwayne Mullin (@SenMullin) June 22, 2025

The relationship between Iran and the United States has been tumultuous, marked by a series of attacks that have left a lasting impact on both nations. From the infamous Iran hostage crisis to the Beirut Embassy and Barracks Bombings, Iran has been involved in various acts of aggression against the US over the years.

### Iran Hostage Crisis (444 days)
One of the most well-known incidents in the history of US-Iran relations is the Iran hostage crisis, which lasted for a staggering 444 days. In November 1979, a group of Iranian students stormed the US Embassy in Tehran, taking 52 American diplomats and citizens hostage. The crisis came as a shock to the world and strained diplomatic ties between the two nations. The hostages were finally released in January 1981, after months of negotiations.

### Beirut Embassy & Barracks Bombings
Another dark chapter in the history of Iran’s attacks against the US is the Beirut Embassy and Barracks Bombings. In April 1983, a suicide bomber attacked the US Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, killing 63 people, including 17 Americans. Just six months later, a separate bombing targeted the US Marine Barracks in Beirut, claiming the lives of 241 American service members. These attacks were carried out by Hezbollah, a militant group with ties to Iran.

### Hezbollah Kidnappings in Lebanon
Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shiite militant group backed by Iran, has been responsible for numerous kidnappings of Americans in Lebanon. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Hezbollah abducted several US citizens, including journalists, diplomats, and aid workers. These kidnappings were part of Hezbollah’s campaign against Western influence in the region and were often used as leverage in negotiations with the US government.

### Kuwait Embassy Bombing
In 1983, a Kuwaiti Shiite militant group with links to Iran carried out a bombing at the US Embassy in Kuwait City. The attack resulted in the death of five people and left many others injured. The bombing was seen as a retaliation against US support for Iraq during the Iran-Iraq war and further strained relations between Iran and the US.

### TWA Flight 847 Hijacking
In June 1985, TWA Flight 847 was hijacked by Hezbollah militants shortly after taking off from Athens, Greece. The hijackers demanded the release of Shiite prisoners held by Israel and Kuwait, leading to a tense standoff that lasted for 17 days. The hijacking ended with the murder of one American passenger, Navy diver Robert Stethem, and highlighted the growing threat of terrorism in the region.

### Khobar Towers Bombing
In June 1996, a truck bomb exploded outside the Khobar Towers military housing complex in Saudi Arabia, where US Air Force personnel were stationed. The attack, which was carried out by Hezbollah operatives with support from Iran, killed 19 American service members and wounded hundreds more. The Khobar Towers bombing was one of the deadliest acts of terrorism against US forces in the region.

### EFP Attacks on U.S. Patrols
During the Iraq War, Iran-backed militias, such as the Mahdi Army and the Badr Organization, were responsible for numerous attacks on US patrols using Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFPs). These sophisticated roadside bombs were designed to penetrate armored vehicles, causing significant casualties among American troops. The use of EFPs by Iranian-backed groups further escalated tensions between Iran and the US during the conflict.

In conclusion, the history of Iran’s attacks against the United States is a complex and troubling one, marked by violence, hostage-taking, and terrorism. These incidents have had far-reaching consequences for both nations and have shaped their relations for decades. It is essential to understand the context and motives behind these attacks to work towards a more peaceful and stable future for the region.