The Day Algiers secured the release of American Hostages held in Iran

The Day Algiers Secured the Release of American Hostages Held in Iran

On January 19, 1981, an agreement was reached between Tehran and Washington through Algerian mediation: the next day, the last 52 American hostages held at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran since November 4, 1979, were released. This coincided with the inauguration of Ronald Reagan as President of the United States.

The chief negotiator on the American side was Deputy Secretary of State Warren Christopher, while Algeria was represented by its Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohamed Seddik Benyahia.

The outgoing President Jimmy Carter stated at the time. "I would like to publicly express my gratitude to the Algerians for the extraordinary work they accomplished, acting with fairness and precision between us and the Iranian leaders"