‘Argo’ Fact Vs. Fiction: The CIA Weighs In
Last week marked the 35th anniversary of the start of the Iran hostage crisis, perhaps best known to some moviegoers as “the thing that happens inArgo.” But while learning history by watching Hollywood thrillers may be enjoyable, it’s not really the best way to get an accurate account of events. So the CIA has taken the occasion to fact-checkBen Affleck’s 2013 Best Picture winner via Twitter.
Some of their reveals may not surprise you (shocker: the Hollywood version is more dramatic) but overall it’s interesting to see how reality stacks up against fiction. Hit the jump to find out “what’s ‘reel’ vs. ‘real,'” as the CIA puts it.
For one thing, it was never really just Tony Mendez against the world.
Reel#Argo: Only one CIA officer goes to Tehran to help exfiltrate the six American diplomats.pic.twitter.com/iFEcrBzlyb
— CIA (@CIA)June 28, 2025
Real#Argo: Two CIA officers with notable forgery and exfiltration skills used their talents & knowledge to get the six out of Iran safely.
Nor did the CIA pull the plug on the operation at the last minute.
Reel#Argo: The mission is called off the night before they are scheduled to depart.pic.twitter.com/j4h0at57Sq
Real#Argo: Carter gave approval prior to the CIA team flying to Tehran, Iran. The details were approved by policymakers in Ottawa and DC.
Real#Argo: The night before the exfiltration the team received final approval; last line in that approval: “See you later, exfiltrator.”
(You also don’t get a sense of how adorable the CIA’s sense of humor is, because no one inArgosays things like “See you later, exfiltrator.")
That scene where Mendez and the diplomats head out to “scout locations”? Never happened.
Reel#Argo: The CIA officer and the six diplomats go into town to scout locations.pic.twitter.com/2gx2sHjPBO
Real#Argo: They never went to the marketplace to scout a location. The six hid in the Canadian’s homes for 79 days.pic.twitter.com/szTgt9stvb
Nor did most of the problems depicted in the nail-biting climax of the film.
Reel#Argo: Airline tickets are not waiting at the counter and have to be rechecked before the tickets are authorized and confirmed.
Real#Argo: The Canadians had already purchased the tickets for the Americans. There were no issues at the counter nor the checkpoints.
Reel#Argo: The Americans are detained at the airport by security guards & a call is made back to “Studio Six” to verify their identity.
Real#Argo: It didn’t happen. An early flight was picked so airline officials would be sleepy & Revolutionary Guards would still be in bed.
Real#Argo: There was an hour long mechanical delay, other than that the escape could not have gone better.#nochasepic.twitter.com/a0TnVeBgBt
However, Argo did get one big moment right.
Reel#Argo: The plane clears Iranian air space and the Americans cheer and celebrate.
Real#Argo: That happened; there was even a round of celebratory Bloody Marys.#ThankYouCanada
Well, for the most part. I don’t remember any Bloody Marys inArgo, though I’m sure you’ll set me straight if I’m wrong.
And most importantly…
Real#Argo: All involved in the operation were innovative, brave, & creative. Thank you@BenAffleckfor making a film that reflects this.
Real#ARGO: An exciting movie that it kept us on the edge of our seats. Letting@BenAffleckfilm here? Best bad idea we’ve had.#ThanksBen!
There are a few more minor details you can read about at theCIA Twitter account, or you can get the full firsthand account from Mendez himself on theCIA website.Between this,Mark Zuckerberg’s criticism of The Social Network, andNeil DeGrasse Tyson’s nitpicks about Interstellar, the real lesson is clear: Don’t believe everything you see in the movies.
