As I remember it, the mullahs released the hostages before Reagan took office. A few hours before he was scheduled to take the oath of office their plane took off. They were terrified of what would happen if they still had American prisoners with Ronald as Commander in Chief.
I do believe you are correct. The Mullahs knew the reign of horror that was coming if they didn't release our American citizens. It would be no pitiful desert operation under Carter.
President Ronald Reagan is a hero to me. He made some mistakes, especially accepting the House BS with NO more illegals if he accepted those already here. He go buffaloed by the Speaker (can't remember the name).
But who could deny his loyalty to the troops, especially with an 11.7% raise during his first days? Then the ballsy guy put a stake in the heart of the Soviet Union with more military spending and the so-called STAR WARS. The Soviets couldn't keep up and the Berlin Wall fell.
I spent many years on Navy ships being chased by Soviet subs just itching to send me down. We went to official General Quarters many times. He ended all that through his determination, strength, and other attributes.
President Trump has similar strength and characteristics. Think the historic Abraham Accords that normalized relations between Israel, UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. Before those nations Egypt and Jordan had already come to diplomatic relations years before.
I would be if Biteme hadn't stole the election, Saudi Arabia would have joined the Abraham Accords. They were talking about it in their own circles and royalty.