Direct bilateral Iran–United States relations between the two governments were severed following the Iranian Revolution in 1979, and the subsequent seizure of hostages at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran.

The last resident Ambassador, Ardeshir Zahedi, cultivated a reputation of opulence, with star-studded parties and dinners.

Famous figures who visited the embassy include Elizabeth Taylor, Andy Warhol, Barbara Walters, and Frank Sinatra.

This was documented in 2013 by Iranian-American artist Eric Parnes, the first person in over 34 years to photograph the interior of the embassy.

[2] The embassy complex continues to be de jure owned by the Government of Iran,[3][4] but it has not been used by the Iranian government since April 7, 1980, and its buildings and grounds are currently maintained and de facto controlled by the U.S. Department of State.