Speech given by Jimmy Carter in April 1980 about Iran Hostage Crisis
Late April of 1980 President Carter gave a speech regarding the failed rescue attempt of U.S hostages in the Iranian Hostage Crisis. The rescue operation was unsuccessful due to mechanical failure in the rescue helicopters. While on the ground in Iran, two rescue aircraft collided, resulting in a non-combat related explosion that took the lives of eight Americans. Carter assumes full responsibility for the approval of the mission and the accident. The failure of the rescue mission created more controversy and further darkened the gloom surrounding the crisis. Carter’s full assumption of the blame further turned public sentiment away from the President and his handling of the crisis.