Soviet intervention in Afghanistan threatens the thaw

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.

Islamist students seized the US embassy in Tehran. The confrontation with Washington altered Iran’s international position; Tudeh welcomed the seizure as an anti-imperialist victory.

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

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.

Iraq launched its full-scale invasion of Iran. Iraq’s military relationship with the USSR became a central concern for Tehran during the war.

Iranian security forces arrested Tudeh leader Nur-al-Din Kianuri in the first wave of a crackdown on the Soviet-linked party.