WI The Iranian Hostage Crisis became a shooting war?

This might mean its own thread, but the Hostage Crisis almost became a war. Even though Mr. Peanut rejected bombing Iran's oil refineries or seizing Kharg Island via Marine amphib assault, as his administration wound down and the talks to free the hostages seemed to go nowhere, he warned the Iranians that they'd better come to a deal or face the wrath of Ronald Reagan, who had gone on record for stronger action, and calling the Iranians "barbarians and kidnappers." There were usually two carrier groups on station in the Arabian Sea until the release, and it was understood that Bahrain and Oman would allow USAF squadrons to base there if necessary. Had the hostages not been released when they were (20 Jan 81), Reagan likely would've issued some firm ultimatium, and the lead flies, the bombs fall, and things go from there.

Either carter decides to be bold, or the crisis is unresolved by Regan. What happens? Do the Iranians back down?
 

Germaniac

Donor
If the US does go into Iran it will soon become a proxy war between soviet union and us. With either socialism or the shah in power
 
hmm... I could see US forces being based in Iraq as well as US military equipment being supplied to the republican guard. If the war worked out for the US you might see the county under Saddam's control.
 
hmm... I could see US forces being based in Iraq as well as US military equipment being supplied to the republican guard. If the war worked out for the US you might see the county under Saddam's control.

Hardly. US became friends with Iraq only after Iranains moved into Iraq, until then Iraq was seen as Soviet ally.
 

General Zod

Banned
Hardly. US became friends with Iraq only after Iranains moved into Iraq, until then Iraq was seen as Soviet ally.

You might see a diplomatic reversal, if the USA decide to act decisively against fundamentalist Iran. Iraq might decide to switch to the USA side, if sufficient enticement is given (ie the USA garantee to support Iraqi claims on Shatt-El-Arab and Khuzistan). Iraq would be a precious proxy and base for the USA to stage an attack to Iran.
 
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