London Iran Embassy Siege

# The London Iranian Embassy Siege: Six Days That Shook Britain

On April 30, 1980, a seemingly ordinary Wednesday morning in London was shattered by an audacious act of terror. Six armed men stormed the Iranian Embassy on Prince's Gate in South Kensington, taking 26 people hostage and plunging the heart of the capital into a gripping, six-day standoff. This event, known as the London Iranian Embassy Siege, would not only test the resolve of the British government but also catapult a secretive elite force onto the world stage, forever changing the landscape of counter-terrorism.

The incident captivated a nation, with millions glued to their televisions as the drama unfolded. It was a stark reminder of the global political tensions of the era, brought directly to the streets of London. The siege became a defining moment for many, especially those who remember the harrowing live broadcasts and the dramatic conclusion that etched itself into UK culture.

Table of Contents:

• Oil Of Iran
• Map Of Israel Iran
• Iran Turkey
• Did Isreal Attack Iran
• Iranan Sexy

• The Unfolding Crisis: April 30, 1980
  • Who Were the Hostage-Takers?
  • PC Trevor Lock: The Lone Guard
• Six Grueling Days: Negotiations and Tensions
  • The Demands and the Standoff
  • Escalation: The Killing of Hostages
• Operation Nimrod: The SAS Storms the Embassy
  • "Who Dares Wins": The SAS's Moment
• The Dramatic Climax: Flames, Gunfire, and Rescue
• Aftermath and Legacy: A Nation Transformed
• PC Trevor Lock: A Hero Remembered
• The Diplomatic Repercussions and Compensation
• Lessons Learned: Counter-Terrorism in the UK

The Unfolding Crisis: April 30, 1980

The morning of Wednesday, April 30, 1980, began like any other in the affluent South Kensington area of London. However, at precisely 11:30 AM, the tranquility was shattered when six armed members of the Democratic Revolutionary Front for the Liberation of Arabistan (DRFLA) stormed the Iranian Embassy at 16 Prince's Gate. This audacious daylight assault, carried out in the full glare of potential media scrutiny, immediately signaled a crisis of significant proportions. Armed with machine guns, grenades, and explosives, the gunmen quickly subdued the embassy staff and visitors, taking 26 people hostage. The initial chaos was immense, as the attackers moved swiftly through the building, asserting their control. The world watched, horrified, as news of the unfolding London Iranian Embassy Siege began to spread.

Who Were the Hostage-Takers?

The group responsible for the attack, the Democratic Revolutionary Front for the Liberation of Arabistan (DRFLA), was a militant organization advocating for the autonomy of Khuzestan, an oil-rich province in southwestern Iran. They viewed the newly established Iranian revolutionary government as oppressive and sought to draw international attention to their cause, demanding the release of 91 Arab prisoners held in Iran. Their actions at the Iranian Embassy in London were a desperate attempt to force their demands onto the global stage. The choice of the Iranian Embassy as their target was deliberate, symbolizing their opposition to the Iranian regime and their desire to disrupt its diplomatic presence abroad.

PC Trevor Lock: The Lone Guard

At the time of the takeover, there was just one member of the Met’s Diplomatic Protection Group (DPG) guarding the embassy: PC Trevor Lock. His only weapon was a revolver, a stark contrast to the automatic weapons wielded by the six gunmen. Overpowered by the armed Iranians, PC Lock found himself in an impossible situation. Instead of retreating, he was taken hostage along with the embassy staff and visitors. His presence inside the embassy would prove crucial, offering a unique perspective from within the hostage situation and later playing a vital role in the events that unfolded. PC Lock's courage and composure under extreme duress would later become a testament to the dedication of the police force.

Six Grueling Days: Negotiations and Tensions

The initial hours of the London Iranian Embassy Siege were marked by confusion and a frantic scramble by British authorities to establish communication with the hostage-takers. The police quickly cordoned off the area around Prince's Gate, transforming the quiet diplomatic street into a high-stakes command center. Negotiators from Scotland Yard began the delicate process of communicating with the gunmen, attempting to de-escalate the situation and secure the release of the hostages.

The Demands and the Standoff

The gunmen, led by their leader, Oan Ali Mohammed, quickly issued their demands: the release of 91 Arab prisoners held in Iran and safe passage out of the UK. They set a deadline, threatening to kill hostages if their demands were not met. The British government, under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, adopted a firm stance, refusing to yield to the terrorists' demands for safe passage, a policy that would define their approach throughout the crisis. This refusal to negotiate on key terms led to a tense standoff, with the lives of 26 hostages hanging in the balance. Over the next few days, a few hostages were released, often as a gesture of goodwill or to convey the seriousness of the situation to the outside world. However, the core demands remained unmet, and the tension inside and outside the embassy grew palpably.

Escalation: The Killing of Hostages

As the siege dragged on, frustration mounted among the hostage-takers. The initial deadline passed without their demands being met, leading to a dangerous escalation. On May 5, 1980, the sixth day of the siege, the terrorists made good on their threats. They killed a hostage, Abbas Lavasani, the embassy's chief press officer, and threw his body outside the embassy building. This brutal act marked a critical turning point. It signaled that negotiations had failed and that the lives of the remaining hostages were in immediate and grave danger. The killing of a hostage dramatically changed the dynamics of the crisis, pushing the British authorities towards a more decisive, forceful resolution. The grim discovery of the body galvanized the command structure, making it clear that a direct intervention was now unavoidable.

Operation Nimrod: The SAS Storms the Embassy

The murder of Abbas Lavasani removed any lingering doubt about the necessity of a military intervention. With the lives of the remaining hostages at extreme risk, the British government gave the green light for Operation Nimrod, the codename for the Special Air Service (SAS) assault. The UK's elite special forces unit, the SAS, had been on standby since the beginning of the siege, meticulously planning and rehearsing for this very scenario. Their preparations had been extensive, involving detailed reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, and mock assaults on a replica of the embassy building.

"Who Dares Wins": The SAS's Moment

The breaking of a terrorist siege in the heart of London in 1980 catapulted the normally secretive SAS onto the world stage. For decades, the regiment had operated in the shadows, its existence and operations largely unknown to the general public. The audacious daylight assault, carried out in the full glare of media scrutiny, made the regiment and its motto, 'Who Dares Wins,' an indelible part of UK culture. This was their moment to demonstrate their unparalleled expertise in counter-terrorism. The SAS soldiers, known for their rigorous training and exceptional bravery, were tasked with an incredibly dangerous mission: to breach the embassy, neutralize the terrorists, and rescue the hostages with minimal casualties. Their reputation, built on years of covert operations, was now on the line in a very public spectacle.

The Dramatic Climax: Flames, Gunfire, and Rescue

The assault commenced at 7:23 PM on May 5, 1980. In an explosion of flames and gunfire, British commandos stormed the Iranian Embassy. The SAS troops, rappelling from the roof and breaching windows, entered the building simultaneously from multiple points. The element of surprise was critical, though the terrorists quickly reacted. Smoke grenades were deployed to disorient the gunmen and provide cover for the advancing troops. The scene inside was chaotic. The SAS operators, moving with precision and speed, engaged the terrorists in close-quarters combat. The sound of gunfire echoed through the building, interspersed with explosions and the shouts of the commandos. Within minutes, the operation was largely complete. Of the six gunmen, five were killed during the assault. One, Fowzi Nejad, was captured after attempting to blend in with the hostages. The bravery of PC Trevor Lock was evident during the assault. Having been held hostage for almost six grueling days, he reportedly assisted the SAS by pointing out the terrorists. PC Lock was freed along with 24 other hostages. Tragically, one more hostage, an embassy employee, was killed during the crossfire, bringing the total number of fatalities among the hostages to two. Despite the intensity of the assault, the SAS managed to rescue 19 people who had been held hostage for almost six grueling days, a remarkable feat under such extreme pressure. The images of the SAS emerging from the smoke-filled embassy, carrying hostages to safety, were broadcast globally, solidifying their legendary status.

Aftermath and Legacy: A Nation Transformed

The immediate aftermath of the London Iranian Embassy Siege was a mixture of relief, shock, and pride. Relief that the ordeal was over and so many lives had been saved; shock at the brutality of the terrorists; and immense pride in the professionalism and courage of the SAS. The success of Operation Nimrod had a profound impact on British public perception of its special forces. We oldies all remember the terrorist takeover of Iran’s London embassy at 16 Prince's Gate, and the dramatic ending became a touchstone moment in British history. The siege also highlighted the growing threat of international terrorism and underscored the need for highly specialized counter-terrorism units. It spurred further investment and training in these areas, solidifying the UK's reputation as a leader in counter-terrorism tactics. The incident became a case study for military and law enforcement agencies worldwide, influencing the development of similar elite units and hostage rescue protocols. The image of the SAS storming the embassy became an iconic symbol of decisive action against terror.

PC Trevor Lock: A Hero Remembered

PC Trevor Lock, the policeman who was taken hostage in the siege on the Iranian Embassy in London in 1980, became an enduring symbol of quiet heroism. His composure and bravery during his captivity, and his actions during the SAS raid, earned him widespread admiration. He was praised for keeping the hostages calm and for his invaluable assistance to the SAS. PC Lock continued his service with the Metropolitan Police, eventually retiring from the force. His story remained a powerful reminder of the human element within such high-stakes events. Sadly, PC Lock died aged 85, his daughter confirmed, leaving behind a legacy of courage and dedication. His passing brought renewed attention to his incredible ordeal and his steadfast character, ensuring that his role in the London Iranian Embassy Siege would not be forgotten.

The Diplomatic Repercussions and Compensation

The London Iranian Embassy Siege naturally had significant diplomatic repercussions. While Iran had supported the SAS raid, the physical damage to the embassy building was substantial. It took about 13 years for a mutual compensation package to be agreed upon between the British and Iranian governments. Under this agreement, the British government paid for the extensive damage done to the Iranian Embassy during the siege and the subsequent SAS assault. In a reciprocal gesture, Iran repaired the British Embassy in Tehran, which had been damaged during the 1979 Iranian Revolution. This long negotiation process underscored the complex and often strained relationship between the two nations, even in the face of a shared experience of combating terrorism. The agreement finally settled a lingering diplomatic issue, allowing for a degree of normalization in their bilateral relations.

Lessons Learned: Counter-Terrorism in the UK

The London Iranian Embassy Siege was a crucible for modern counter-terrorism in the UK. It provided invaluable lessons that shaped the strategies and capabilities of British security forces for decades to come. The incident underscored the critical importance of a coordinated response between police, intelligence agencies, and military special forces. The seamless transition of authority from the Metropolitan Police to the military during the siege became a model for future crisis management. Furthermore, the siege highlighted the need for specialized training, equipment, and intelligence gathering in dealing with hostage situations. It led to enhanced funding and resources for the SAS and other counter-terrorism units, ensuring they remained at the forefront of global expertise. The media's role in live broadcasting the event also prompted discussions about responsible reporting during ongoing crises, balancing public information with operational security. The legacy of the London Iranian Embassy Siege continues to influence the UK's robust approach to national security, emphasizing preparedness, decisive action, and international cooperation in the face of evolving terrorist threats. Chris Cramer, who was a journalist covering the event, went on to become managing editor of CNN International, highlighting the significant media impact of the crisis.