The Siege: The Remarkable Story of the Greatest SAS Hostage Drama - Ben Macintyre

The Siege by bestselling historian Ben Macintyre tells the electrifying true story of the 1980 Iranian Embassy siege in London—a moment that captivated the world and redefined modern counterterrorism.

On April 30, 1980, six armed gunmen stormed the Iranian embassy on Princes Gate, taking 26 hostages. For six tense days, the standoff unfolded live on television, as the British public watched negotiators struggle to find a peaceful resolution. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Britain’s secretive elite force, the SAS, prepared for one of the most daring rescue missions in history—Operation Nimrod.

Drawing on unpublished materials, exclusive interviews, and first-hand accounts from hostages, negotiators, intelligence officers, and SAS operatives, Macintyre delivers a vivid, minute-by-minute reconstruction of the event. The book captures the courage, chaos, and strategy that turned a crisis into a defining national moment—and exposed the SAS to the world for the first time.

Main Themes of the Book

• Terrorism and counterterrorism
• Heroism and sacrifice under pressure
• Government response and military precision
• Media, politics, and public perception
• The birth of the modern SAS legend

Why You Should Read This Book by Ben Macintyre

• Written by Ben Macintyre, the acclaimed historian behind Agent Zigzag and The Spy and the Traitor.
• Provides the first full account of the 1980 Iranian Embassy siege.
• Features exclusive interviews with SAS operatives and witnesses.
• Reads like a thriller—fast-paced, factual, and deeply human.
• Ideal for fans of military history, espionage, and true events that shaped modern Britain.

The Siege is a powerful, meticulously researched account of courage, strategy, and national identity under fire. Ben Macintyre transforms one of Britain’s most dramatic modern crises into an unforgettable story of human resolve and historical consequence. A must-read for anyone fascinated by real-life heroism and the secret world of the SAS.