At the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran, on November 4, 1979, 66 Americans are taken hostage and held captive for 444 days. The U.S. makes several unsuccessful attempts to secure the release of the hostages, including, imposing harsh economic sanctions, breaking diplomatic relations with Iran, and planning a military rescue mission. Finally, in January 1981, Algerian diplomats mediate an agreement between the U.S. and Iran, securing the freedom of the hostages.