Use of the word "allow" seems prejorative. The "students" in Iran overran the US Embassy which was guarded by a few Marines. Wasn't much Carter could do. If you'll look at a map, you'll see that Tehran is a heck of a long way from anywhere we might stage an assualt for either defense or offense.

Carter, like all leaders of all countries, rely on International law (which the "students" ignored) to protect their embassies. An embassy is considered sovereign territory and as such should not be violated by the host nation.

Don