Khomeini and the 1979 Iranian Revolution

The 1979 Iranian Revolution was a transformative event that led to the overthrow of Iran's monarchy under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and the establishment of an Islamic Republic led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Khomeini, a Shia cleric, became the figurehead and leader of the revolution, reshaping Iran's political, social, and religious landscape.

Key Background

Discontent with the Shah's Regime:

The Shah was perceived by many Iranians as being overly aligned with Western powers, especially the United States, which provided him with strong political and military support.

His efforts to modernize and secularize Iran through reforms (like the White Revolution) alienated large segments of society, including the religious establishment and the working class.

Economic inequality, political repression (particularly by the secret police, SAVAK), and perceived cultural decadence fueled discontent across various sectors of Iranian society.

Ayatollah Khomeini's Rise:

Khomeini had long been a vocal critic of the Shah’s regime, denouncing its Westernization policies and its infringement on Islamic values.

He was exiled in 1964 due to his opposition but continued to mobilize resistance from abroad, gaining a massive following through his writings and sermons, which were smuggled into Iran.

Khomeini advocated for an Islamic government based on the principle of Velayat-e Faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist), where religious leaders would guide the political system.

The Revolution

Widespread Protests:

By late 1978, protests against the Shah had grown widespread, encompassing various social groups: intellectuals, students, workers, and the clergy.

The demonstrations were initially focused on economic grievances but quickly took on a revolutionary character, with calls for the Shah’s ouster and Khomeini’s return.

Shah’s Departure:

On January 16, 1979, the Shah left Iran, ostensibly for medical treatment but never to return.

Khomeini returned triumphantly to Iran on February 1, 1979, after 14 years in exile. His return was greeted by millions, solidifying his status as the leader of the revolution.

Islamic Republic:

Following the Shah's departure, Khomeini and his supporters quickly dismantled the monarchy. A referendum was held in April 1979, in which the majority of Iranians voted to establish an Islamic Republic.

Khomeini became the Supreme Leader, wielding ultimate religious and political authority.

Aftermath

Theocratic Rule:

The revolution replaced a secular monarchy with a theocratic state. The new government was based on Islamic principles and law, with clerics occupying key positions of power.

Political parties that were not aligned with the revolution were marginalized or eliminated, including leftist groups and other opposition movements that had participated in the revolution.

Hostage Crisis:

In November 1979, Iranian students stormed the U.S. embassy in Tehran and took 52 American hostages, leading to a 444-day crisis. This marked a complete break in U.S.-Iran relations and signaled Iran’s new anti-Western, anti-American stance.

Legacy:

The revolution profoundly changed the Middle East. It inspired Islamic movements across the region and established Iran as a theocratic state that has influenced geopolitics ever since, particularly in its confrontations with Western powers and its support for Shia movements throughout the Muslim world.

Khomeini’s ideology continues to shape Iran’s internal policies and foreign relations, especially its stance toward the U.S. and Israel.

The 1979 Iranian Revolution was not just a national event but a significant shift that reverberated across the globe, with Khomeini emerging as a symbol of Islamic resurgence against perceived Western imperialism.