In 2026, we hear a lot about 1979.
1979 was the year of the Islamic Revolution that overthrew the Shah dynasty, Iran’s last monarch. It marked the beginning of the 444-day Iranian hostage crisis, which severely crippled President Jimmy Carter’s final year in office. And, according to some Iran hawks, 1979 was the first shot in a 47-year-long war between America and the Ayatollah regime.
But, in 2026, there is scant mention of 1953, especially as it relates to President Trump’s Operation Epic Fury. That year arguably has as much – if not more – historical significance as 1979.
Why is that? Why is there a concerted effort to suppress such a pivotal moment not only in Iran’s history, but ours? Why are people omitting important historical context that could help us better understand the Middle East region and America’s relationship to it? Why the silence?