Embassy seizure changes Iran’s Cold War setting

Iran and the USSR signed an agreement on cooperation to prevent the hijacking of civilian aircraft, adding a security instrument to their bilateral relationship.

Soviet pilot Valentin Zosimov flew an An-2 aircraft into Iran, prompting Moscow to demand the return of the pilot and plane and confronting Tehran with an asylum dispute.

Brezhnev wrote to Carter opposing outside interference in Iran and warning that military intervention in the neighbouring country would affect Soviet security interests.

A statement published in Pravda warned that foreign interference, especially military intervention in Iran, would affect Soviet security interests.

The monarchy’s remaining authority collapsed in Iran. Soviet diplomacy now faced a revolutionary leadership seeking independence from both Cold War blocs.

The Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 457 demanding the release of US embassy personnel, with the USSR participating in the unanimous vote.

Large-scale Soviet airborne deployments began in Afghanistan. The intervention near Iran’s eastern frontier became a major source of tension with Tehran.

Security Council resolution 462 convened an emergency General Assembly session after disagreement among permanent members blocked action over Afghanistan.

The USSR vetoed a Security Council draft proposing economic sanctions against Iran over the hostage crisis, preventing its adoption.

Iran voted for General Assembly resolution ES-6/2, which deplored armed intervention in Afghanistan and called for withdrawal of foreign troops.