1979 Iranian-American War?

I have some questions about an Iran-American war starting over the Iranian hostage crisis.

How the crisis could escalate into war between the US & Iran?

Would Saddam or the US's NATO allies enter the conflict to assist the US?

What supporters would Iran have & how much help?

Who would win such a war & what post war changes would happen?

Thanks in advance to anyone with info.
 
If the Americans guarding the embassy taken over panicked when the protestors broken in and opened fire they might also be put on trial and then either imprisoned or shot by the Iranians upon being found guilty. If this happens, the US bombs destroying the Iranian navy, air and land defenses until the release of the hostages is secured. After being attacked the Iranian people stand behind their new government and fight until a US invasion or rescue force tries to liberate the hostages.

I don't think NATO would get involved in an invasion because it's an American affair, but Saddam might because he wishes to take advantage of the situation and secure Iranian ports for himself. The Americans would win an air and sea war easily, but if they decide to invade the occupation will be long and hard and they will ultimately be forced to withdrawal in humiliation. There would be some sort of ceasefire after all of Iran's military infrastructure is destroyed and US demands for the Ayatollah and his government to leave Iran are met.

I doubt the Ayatollah leaves and Iran has to recover from this invasion. Iraq takes advantage of the situation and becomes a significant regional military power. If the Americans win a pure air and sea war there will be renewed confidence in their military and President. If they enter into a ground war it will be something like Vietnam syndrome all over again and the US doesn't interfere in foreign conflicts as much anymore.

I double they fight in the Gulf War or do too much around the world as a result. A ground occupation would bet between the size of Vietnam and Iraq and not popular with the American people.
 
I'm sure the Soviet Union would be glad to provide Iran with the weapons they need to defend themselves from American Imperialism, as per their treaty obligations. And Soviet "Advisors" to operate them.
 
with Saddam entering the war against Iran would that butterfly or at least delay the gulf war & would the US support any Iraqi annexations?
 
Maybe the USA would be smart and let Saddam supply the ground forces. This would help us out and not let us look bad if our "Ally" does something horrible and we warn them not to.
 
with Saddam entering the war against Iran would that butterfly or at least delay the gulf war & would the US support any Iraqi annexations?
If Saddam was given holdings in Khuzestan, I think he'd lose interest in Kuwait or at least be very easily dissuaded from any aggression.
 
I'm sure the Soviet Union would be glad to provide Iran with the weapons they need to defend themselves from American Imperialism, as per their treaty obligations. And Soviet "Advisors" to operate them.

Would Soviets really be willing to aid a fundamentalist Iran, running guns to a theocracy kind of undermines atheistic communism. Wouldn't be the first time in the Cold War that someone went against their own ideology to screw over the other guy though. Just wonder how the Politburo will reconcile the hypocrisy.
 
For a warm water port, the Politiburo would be willing to look the other way irt Islamic Fundamentalism, I'd think.

Of course, they may not want to get directly involved in a Iran-U.S. war, because of the escalation issue.
 

Robert

Banned
1976 - Reagan delays decision on picking Vice President instead of choosing liberal Republican Senator Richard Schweiker of Pennsylvania. He retains conservative support, defeats President Ford for the Nomination, then defeats Carter in November in a narrow election.

1977 - Reagan manages to cut taxes and begins a military build up in spite of Democratic opposition.

1978 - The economy improves enough that Republicans gain control of congress. Radicals attempt to overthrow the Shah of Iran. Seeing him as an anti-communist bulwark, Reagan supports Shah over State Department objections.

1979 - U.S. Embassy attacked by radicals who seize control of Tehran. Shah loyalist control southern half of country. U.S. forces invited in,
 
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