Good article. Couple of points. One, the mullahs’ regime is brutal, has a strong terrorist element (regardless of reformist/moderate factions within it), and largely is unpopular in iran. Equally, the regime isn’t what it used to be in 1979, referring to 444 days & hostages for example. It has learned to adapt, in many ways, in order to survive. Though the foundation of the regime is anti-american & western. So, no matter what takes place politically behind closed doors it has to maintain its anti-american stance outwardly. Two, the regime has been in power for some 35 yrs. It’s a wonder no US admin has taken serious action to overthrow it.
Did someone make a promise for the release of the hostages?
It WAS very sudden if you remember.