Chapter 12
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 012
Chapter Title: Conditions of the Coup. 7 - The Enemy's Zeal Outshines God's.
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Late October 1979.
Ever since the news broke of the Shah's arrival in the United States, the area in front of the US embassy had been overrun by protesters torching effigies resembling President Carter and burning American flags.
And lately, intelligence from secret informants indicated that Ayatollah Khomeini's faction was mobilizing revolutionary forces to intensify the demonstrations.
"The situation is growing dire. It seems they're even drawing up concrete plans to storm the place."
By "they," he means Khomeini's side.
And "storming" refers to...
Around this time, the event they carried out was none other than the Iran hostage crisis at the US embassy.
It was the pivotal incident that utterly shattered relations between Iran and the United States, steering the nation into chaos.
Since Call of Destiny featured a campaign to rescue hostages from an embassy, I knew the details quite well.
So my response came out nonchalant, as if it were no big deal.
"Yeah, I figured. That's exactly why we arranged for Father to enter the country."
Hassan nodded, but his expression remained grim.
If the revolutionaries, embedded among the protesters on Khomeini's orders, actually assaulted the embassy, it could escalate into a massive bloodbath—or worse, spark a military clash with the US.
That was why Hassan's face was etched with worry.
I looked at him and asked,
"Are you concerned?"
He hesitated for a moment before voicing his inner thoughts.
"If the embassy guards open fire, it could lead to mass casualties. Or even trigger a direct military confrontation with America."
"Right. Exactly. So you're still hoping I'll accelerate the coup?"
The moment Hassan first heard that intel, he'd rushed to me.
—Khomeini's side is inciting bloodshed. Wouldn't it be best to rise up now and crush them before it's too late?
But I'd refused.
In fact, I'd issued the opposite order.
—Keep all lines silent and bide our time.
Loyal Hassan hadn't argued, but unease still lingered in his heart.
Easing a vassal's worries is a virtue of a wise ruler.
"Hassan."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"If we launched the coup right now, could we succeed?"
At the word "coup," Hassan's voice mixed anticipation and tension as he replied,
"We haven't fully seized the military yet, but with our current preparations, I believe we have a solid chance of victory."
"Yes, I think so too. We'd pull off the coup somehow. But what happens after that?"
He pondered my question but couldn't answer easily.
"Here's my prediction. Care to hear it?"
"I am all ears."
"After the coup, our nation will split in two."
Hassan's face stiffened instantly.
"There are still plenty of people who follow the revolutionaries and view the royal family as enemies. The nation would fracture between our supporters and theirs, dragging us into a protracted civil war."
Hassan nodded without a word.
"Even if we luckily crushed them and seized control again, the blood and hatred we'd spilled would haunt us for years. A divided nation is always easy prey for the superpowers."
Hassan's expression darkened.
"America and the Soviet Union would meddle in us once more, just like they did with Father. They'd shake us down for their interests, making impossible demands we couldn't easily refuse. If we didn't comply, they'd back the opposition and stage another coup anytime."
Modern Arab and Middle Eastern history is nothing but a cycle of coups.
True sovereignty doesn't exist in Iran right now—and even if the world changes, weak nations will never have it consistently.
Father, Shah Reza Pahlavi II, had only gained power thanks to the CIA-led White Revolution.
I took a sip of the tea on the table and looked up at Hassan.
"Hassan. I'm not plotting a coup just to be America's puppet, dancing to their tune."
Understanding dawned on him, and he bowed his head.
"Wise words, Your Highness."
"I told you before, didn't I? I'll become a monarch revered from below. One who builds a strong foundation immune to foreign influence, creating a prosperous nation for our people."
"I remember."
"To achieve that, we must endure some growing pains."
Hassan dropped to his knees and prostrated himself.
"I was rash. Forgive me."
"It's fine. I want you to speak your mind freely, without holding back—like you just did. It helps me organize my thoughts too."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
"This incident will deliver a massive shock to America. And that shock will plant fear in them—that a force capable of directly striking the US might seize control of Iran."
"In that case, they won't let go of your hand so easily, Your Highness."
"Exactly. I'll become their only lifeline. That way, after the coup, no matter what I do, they won't dare release their grip."
Hassan, still bowed low on the floor, pressed his forehead to the carpet.
"As you foresee, Your Highness. It shall be so."
"There will be greater tests of patience ahead. But we must endure. True completion of the coup means forging power so unshakeable that no one can touch us afterward."
1979. November 4th.
The protesters encircling the US embassy suddenly scaled the walls.
Thousands hurled stones and charged inside wielding clubs and rifles.
The panicked US ambassador issued urgent orders to the Marine guards.
—Fall back and hold the line. Under no circumstances open fire.
The Marines delayed firing and retreated deeper into the embassy.
In the meantime, the surging crowd flooded the grounds and breached the building.
Each time protesters advanced, the Marines fell back—a pattern repeated several times.
And in just a few hours...
With nowhere left to retreat, the embassy staff and Marine guards were captured by the onrushing mob.
Thus, the unprecedented crisis unfolded: over 50 staff members, including the ambassador, taken hostage.
The embassy hostage incident—unheard of worldwide—spread across the globe in an instant.
And it sent shockwaves through America far surpassing the oil crisis.
The Oval Office, on the west side of the White House.
Carter administration staffers gathered for an emergency meeting with the President.
—An armed takeover of the embassy? Unacceptable!
—Exactly! It's tantamount to a declaration of war. An embassy is sovereign US territory—like Pearl Harbor all over again.
—We can't overreact. There are hostages.
—Hostages or not, they're terrorists. No more talks. Deploy the military.
—The military? Are you saying we start a war?!
—So we just sit here?!
—No war. Rescue the hostages first.
—Rescue isn't all. We have to do something! The embassy's occupied! We can't set this precedent!
—That's why we should've blocked Pahlavi II's entry from the start!
—Why drag up the past now?!
—I warned you this would happen! The Iranian revolutionaries wouldn't stand idly by.
—Whose side are you on? The terrorists'?!
—This isn't about sides!
As mutual accusations escalated, President Carter—rubbing his temple—halted the debate.
"Enough. I get it. Just stop."
His single word cut the heated argument short.
"Regardless, we need to rescue those American citizens somehow."
—Yes, sir.
"State Department, try talking to them."
—Understood, Mr. President.
"But we can't just wait on negotiations. Army, Navy, Air Force, CIA—exhaust every option. Mobilize anything that can get those staff out."
—Yes, sir.
—We'll prepare a briefing.
Contrary to President Carter's hopes for a diplomatic resolution, the US embassy hostage crisis in Iran rapidly chilled relations between the two nations.
America's every diplomatic overture was futile against Khomeini's uncompromising stance.
The hostage negotiations dragged on without progress, wasting time.
With reelection looming, a desperate Carter—amid plummeting approval—finally made his decision.
—I approve Operation Eagle Claw.
America's elite rescue team from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines began covert preparations for a massive extraction op inside Iran.