The attackers demanded the return of the shah, admitted to the United States for medical treatment. Khomeini backed the occupation; Bazargan’s government resigned in the following days.
The crisis brought sanctions and asset freezes, followed by the severing of diplomatic relations on 7 April 1980. It established a lasting confrontation between Washington and Iran’s new rulers. The final 52 hostages would be released on 20 January 1981 after 444 days in captivity.