The movement gained momentum in 1963 when nationwide protests erupted after Shah’s regime imprisoned Ayatollah Seyyed Ruhollah Khomeini, a well-known critic who had denounced the king's concessions to the US and his friendship with Israel.
The regime responded with brutal crackdown, that only fueled the flames of uprising.
A year later, Ayatollah Khomeini was expelled in an attempt to curb his growing influence. However, this only elevated the grand cleric’s stature.
From exile in Iraq, and later in France, he continued to guide the revolution, voicing his ideas through audio messages and statements.
The revolution’s breaking point came on January 9, 1978, when the holy city of Qom witnessed protests against an article by a state-run newspaper vilifying Ayatollah Khomeini.
Security forces opened fire, killing scores of demonstrators. The massacre triggered a relentless cycle of mourning, protests, and violent repression.
Yet, each crackdown only intensified public discontent fueling further protests.
Forty days later, rallies were held in Tabriz to commemorate 100 protesters killed in Qom. In September that year, security force shot peaceful protesters in Tehran’s Jaleh Square in what's known as “Black Friday.”
These massacres failed to crush the revolution. The people were not going to stop. Facing a growing army mutiny and recurring mass demonstrations, the Shah and his family left the country in January 1979.
The return of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini to Iran in 1979 marks a decisive moment in the country’s history.
After 15 years in exile, his homecoming signaled the impending collapse of the Pahlavi monarchy and the triumph of the Islamic Revolution. Within ten days, the Shah’s regime crumbled, ushering in a new era under Imam Khomeini’s leadership.
The Islamic Revolution of 1979 was the product of a centuries-long quest for democracy and freedom in Iran.
On February 1, 1979, Ayatollah Khomeini returned to Iran, defying serious threats to his life.
Back home after 15 years in exile, the popular cleric was greeted by millions in one of the largest public gatherings in history.
Just ten days later, on February 11, the armed forces declared neutrality, sealing the fate of the Shah's regime.
The 25,00-year monarchical rule was officially ended, and Iran entered a new era under the leadership of Imam Khomeini.