Season 3 · Episode 117

The Iranian Embassy Siege

21 February 2025·11:24

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Show Notes

In this episode of Crime Time, Inc., we journey back to April 1980 in London, where six armed men from the Democratic Revolutionary Front for the Liberation of Arabistan stormed the Iranian Embassy, taking 26 hostages. Hostage-taker leader Saleem, intelligent and articulate, exemplifies the complexity of the assailants demanding autonomy for Iran's Khuzestan province. The siege, lasting six days, saw intricate negotiations and intense preparation by the SAS. The situation escalated when Saleem killed a defiant hostage, triggering the SAS to launch Operation Nimrod. The raid involved precise, simultaneous assaults from all angles, showcasing the SAS's expertise. During the chaos, PC Trevor Locke, who had hidden his weapon, managed to subdue Saleem, preventing further bloodshed. Despite the hostages' fear, most were rescued, though tragically two were lost. The Iranian Embassy siege dramatically altered global counterterrorism approaches, highlighting the crucial role of specialized, well-prepared units in responding to terrorism. The episode underscores the bravery of individuals and the strategic gains in counterterrorism, offering a gripping narrative that resonates with the complexities of resilience and adaptation in facing threats. 00:00 Introduction to the Iranian Embassy Siege 00:48 Hostage Takers and Their Demands 01:58 PC Trevor Locke's Daring Actions 02:55 The SAS Prepares for Action 03:59 Operation Nimrod: The Raid Begins 08:45 The Aftermath and Impact on Counterterrorism 10:46 Conclusion and Reflections About Crime Time Inc. Season 5 of Crime Time Inc. broadens its reach across two sides of the Atlantic. This season features cases from Scotland and across the wider UK — rooted in real investigative experience — alongside deep dives into some of the most infamous murder cases in American history. Hosted by former detectives Simon and Tom, with experience in both the UK and the United States, including time working alongside the FBI, the show strips away sensationalism to explain how crime and justice really work. Two crime worlds. One podcast. New episodes released regularly throughout the season. Our Website: https://crimetimeinc.com/ If you like this show please leave a review. It really helps us. Please help us improve our Podcast by completing this survey. http://bit.ly/crimetimeinc-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.