Iraqi invasion confronts Iran with a Soviet-armed neighbour

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.

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.

The USSR announced the expulsion of three Iranian diplomats after Tehran’s earlier expulsion of Soviet personnel, deepening bilateral tensions.

Iran announced plans to renew gas sales to the USSR after an interruption in deliveries.