Why did Iranian protesters seize the U.S. embassy in Tehran in November 1979?

In November 1979, Iranian protesters seized the U.S. embassy in Tehran primarily to demand the extradition of the deposed Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, who had been admitted to the United States for medical treatment.123

This action was deeply rooted in the anti-Western and anti-imperialist sentiment that characterized the aftermath of the Iranian Revolution. By taking the embassy, supporters of Ruhollah Khomeini sought to demonstrate their revolutionary zeal and "anti-imperialist" credentials, which allowed them to consolidate power by suppressing left-wing and centrist political opponents who opposed the hostage-taking.12

The seizure also served as a direct challenge to the United States, reflecting long-standing hostility toward American influence in Iran, which had been closely tied to the previous Pahlavi monarchy. The hostage-takers demanded the shah's return to Iran for trial and the declaration of his assets as stolen property as conditions for the release of the hostages.123