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^^^Actually the old conspiracy theory was that the Reagan campaign operatives communicated with Iran and asked them to hold the hostages until Reagan won the election (the infamous "October Surprise" theory). The first "keep 'em in there" conspiracy rumor was that Carter "wanted" the hostages held through the primary season to help him beat Ted Kennedy. The reality is that the negotiations were conducted through the Carter Administration (Warren Christopher was Sec. of State) with mediation by Algerian diplomats (thus, the release agreement was called the "Algiers Accords"). The accord was signed on Jan. 19, 1981, the day BEFORE Reagan was inaugurated. The hostages were, indeed, formally released just minutes after Reagan was sworn in. Carter, though, initially met them when they were flown out of Iran and into Europe for medical check-ups, etc. Reagan and Bush did the big formal welcome home when they got back here to the states, which is what most people remember.
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