The Iranian Revolution

The mass movement that overthrew the Shah and created the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Background

Under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Iran saw rapid modernisation, large oil income and close ties to the United States, but also censorship and the use of a powerful security service. Many people from the clergy, bazaar merchants, students and the left felt excluded and opposed his rule.

Course of events

Protests grew during 1978 and were met with force. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, in exile, became the figurehead of the opposition. The Shah left Iran in January 1979 and Khomeini returned on 1 February. A national referendum in March established an Islamic Republic.

Legacy

The revolution transformed Iran's politics and its relations with the world, including the hostage crisis at the American embassy in late 1979. The war with Iraq began in 1980 and lasted eight years.