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Operation Eagle Claw, failed mission by the U.S. military in April 1980 to rescue Americans who were held during the Iran hostage crisis. The mission highlighted deficiencies within the U.S. military command structure and led to the creation of the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM).
Special-operations forces have become U.S. policymakers' go-to choice for contingencies around the world.
Special-operations forces have become U.S. policymakers' go-to choice for contingencies around the world.
A US Navy helicopter flies over the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq war, October 1987. Francoise De Mulder/Roger Viollet via Getty Images US Special
From 1987 to 1989, US special-operation units deployed to the Persian Gulf for Operation Prime Chance.