Summary
"Argo: How the CIA and Hollywood Pulled Off the Most Audacious Rescue in History" unveils the gripping, true story of a daring CIA operation to rescue six American diplomats during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis. Authored by Antonio J. Mendez, the CIA operative who masterminded the plan, and Matt Baglio, the book dives deep into the collaboration between the CIA and Hollywood to create a fictional film production as a cover for the rescue mission.
The narrative begins by setting the stage with the political turmoil in Iran following the departure of the Shah and the subsequent attack on the U.S. embassy in Tehran. As militants seize control and take American hostages, six diplomats manage to escape and find refuge in the Canadian embassy. With the situation growing increasingly perilous, the CIA is tasked with finding a way to extract the stranded Americans without triggering further escalations or endangering the remaining hostages.
Mendez, a seasoned exfiltration expert, devises an audacious plan to create a fake Hollywood film production, scout locations in Iran, and smuggle the six diplomats out of the country under the guise of a Canadian film crew. The book details the intricate planning, the collaboration with Hollywood makeup artist Jerome Calloway, and the creation of a believable cover story, complete with a fictional movie script, production company, and promotional materials.
As Mendez and his team navigate the treacherous landscape of revolutionary Iran, they encounter numerous obstacles and close calls, relying on their wits, tradecraft, and the assistance of Canadian diplomats to maintain their cover and evade detection. The book vividly portrays the tension, uncertainty, and risks involved in the operation, as well as the courage and resilience of the six Americans who placed their lives in the hands of the CIA.
"Argo" is a thrilling account of espionage, deception, and international intrigue, offering a behind-the-scenes look at a remarkable moment in history when the worlds of intelligence and entertainment collided to achieve an extraordinary feat of rescue. Beyond the excitement and suspense, the book also explores the complexities of U.S.-Iran relations, the challenges of operating in hostile environments, and the human toll of political crises.