The Mission That Doomed Jimmy Carter: The Iranian Revolution | EP 4

The podcast delves into the failed 1980 attempt to rescue American hostages in Tehran and its impact on Jimmy Carter's presidency. It highlights Carter's initial restraint, influenced by advisors like Zbigniew Brzezinski, versus the later decision to undertake the risky "Operation Eagle Claw" led by Colonel Charlie Beckwith. The discussion covers the mission's multiple failures, from unexpected sandstorms to a fatal collision at Desert One, and the political fallout, including Cyrus Vance's resignation. The hosts explore the conspiracy theory that Reagan's campaign secretly negotiated with Iran to delay the hostages' release, ultimately concluding that Khomeini's animosity towards Carter likely drove the timing. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of the Iranian Revolution, including its role in shaping American perceptions of the Middle East and the rise of Islamic fundamentalism.