On the Heels of Iran's Controversial Election, National Geographic Channel Offers an In-Depth Look Inside the Nuclear-Seeking Islamic Republic and its Volatile Relationship With the West

On the Heels of Iran's Controversial Election, National Geographic Channel Offers an In-Depth Look Inside the Nuclear-Seeking Islamic Republic and its Volatile Relationship With the West

Three Years in the Making, Landmark Television Event Presents the Behind-the-Scenes Story of Decades-Old Misunderstandings and Mistrust -- As Told by Key Officials on Both Sides Iran and The West Premieres Monday, June 22, 2009, at 9 p.m. ET/PT

WASHINGTON, June 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For decades, the Western world has watched as Iran generated alarming headlines -- the advent of the first Islamic Republic; the seizure of U.S. diplomats in Tehran; the support of terrorist groups; the inflammatory rhetoric of President Ahmadinejad; and now, the disputed election results and violent protests. Meanwhile, Iran's relationship with the West has plummeted deeper into political turmoil and uncertainty, with a war of words between Tehran and Washington over everything from Iraq to nuclear weapons to economic sanctions.

In the wake of Iran's presidential election, National Geographic Channel presents the two-hour premiere of Iran and The West on Monday, June 22, at 9 PM ET/PT. Called "documentary-making at its best" by The Economist, the landmark special sheds light on this complex relationship and takes viewers inside the top-secret meetings and public declarations that shaped the last three decades. What were the forces at play that led to the current volatile state of affairs? How did this nuclear-seeking Middle East nation evolve into a strong supporter of Islamic terrorists in the region? And why is Iran so crucial to Western interests and world stability today?

Using first-person testimonials and perspectives on Iran's turbulent relationship with the West and what may lie ahead, the special includes fascinating historical footage and more than 40 rare, thought-provoking interviews. Viewers will hear directly from the key officials on both sides, including former Iranian Presidents Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and Mohammad Khatami; former U.S. President Jimmy Carter; former Vice President Walter Mondale; former Secretaries of State George Shultz, Warren Christopher, Madeleine Albright and Colin Powell; plus other high-level officials and notable experts.

Three years in the making, Iran and The West travels back 30 years to explore how Iran's proverbial fist first became clenched by Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, a charismatic Muslim leader instrumental in ousting America's ally, the shah of Iran in 1979 during the Islamic Revolution -- a pivotal event that many say crippled the Carter White House, and inspired a new, uncompromising strand of Islam.

For the first time on television, President Carter describes in unprecedented detail the final hours of the hostage crisis -- and of his presidency -- as Iran had intentionally sought to insult him by orchestrating the timing of the hostages' release to occur just moments after President Reagan was sworn into office.

Viewers will also hear the other side of that story from the leader of the student protestors, Ibrahim Asgharzadeh, who occupied the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. Contrary to popular belief, he confirms that Iran's future president, a young revolutionary named Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, refused to be involved.

In the following years, relations between Iran and The West are marked by outright hostility and failed attempts at rapprochement -- a contentious tussle described in gripping detail by U.S. and Iranian officials, including Presidents Rafsanjani and Khatami.

Then in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, we witness a rare moment when the United States and Iran worked together to topple the Taliban. But tensions rise again over the Iraqi conflict, as U.S. military officials accuse elements of Iran's Revolutionary Guard of supplying Shiite militants in Iraq with powerful roadside bombs used against U.S. forces.

Finally, we examine Iran's crucial role in the Muslim world today, the deeply rooted tensions over nuclearproliferation and the importance of its presidential elections to global political and economic stability.

For more information on Iran and The West, visit natgeotv.com/iranandthewest.

Iran and The West is produced for the National Geographic Channel by Brook Lapping Productions.

Source: National Geographic Channel

CONTACT: Chris Albert, +1-202-912-6526, CAlbert@natgeochannel.com,
Russell Howard, +1-202-912-6652, RHoward@natgeochannel.com, or Photos: Lauren
Jones, +1-202-912-6708, ljones@ngs.org, all of National Geographic Channel

Web Site: http://www.natgeotv.com/iranandthewest

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