Iran Islamic Revolution (1979) §

• Popular uprising against autocratic rule of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi
  • Widespread discontent with Shah’s oppressive regime
  • Socio-economic inequality
  • Opposition to Western influence in Iran
• Led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini
  • Mobilization of diverse groups
    • Religious leaders
    • Intellectuals
    • Students
    • Urban poor
  • Utilized mass protests, strikes, and civil disobedience
• Shah forced to flee
  • Mass protests paralyzed the country
  • Shah’s loss of support and control
• Establishment of an Islamic republic
  • Ayatollah Khomeini declared as Supreme Leader
  • Implementation of Islamic law
  • Purging of opposition
  • Challenge to Western dominance
• Aftermath
  • Consolidation of power under Khomeini’s rule
  • Repression of dissent and political opposition
  • Social and cultural transformation based on Islamic principles
  • Economic challenges and sanctions
• International Response
  • Concerns over human rights violations
  • Shift in Iran’s foreign policy and regional influence
  • Hostage crisis at the US embassy in Tehran
  • Imposition of economic sanctions by the United States
  • Impact on Middle Eastern geopolitics
  • Ongoing tensions with Western countries