Soviet veto blocks proposed sanctions on Iran

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.

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.

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.

A further wave of arrests targeted Tudeh members and supporters in Tehran and the provinces, intensifying the repression of the party.

Iran declared Tudeh illegal and announced the expulsion of 18 Soviet diplomats, alleging interference in domestic affairs.