History
The Iranian Revolution Explained
A concise overview of the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which transformed Iran from a monarchy into an Islamic republic and reshaped global politics.
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What is it?
The Iranian Revolution, also known as the Islamic Revolution, was a series of events that led to the overthrow of the Pahlavi dynasty under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Spanning from January 1978 to February 1979, the revolution was a populist and nationalist movement that replaced a pro-Western monarchy with an anti-Western theocracy. It was led by the exiled cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who returned to Iran to assume leadership after the Shah fled the country.
Why is it trending?
The Iranian Revolution remains a pivotal event in modern history, and its consequences continue to shape global geopolitics. It established a government that has had a strained relationship with Western countries for decades, leading to ongoing diplomatic tensions, sanctions, and proxy conflicts in the Middle East. Furthermore, recent and ongoing protests within Iran, particularly those led by women and youth against the current regime, often draw comparisons to the revolutionary spirit of 1979, bringing the event's legacy and unfulfilled promises back into the international spotlight.
How does it affect people?
For Iranians, the revolution brought a complete societal transformation. The new theocratic government, based on Khomeini's interpretation of Islamic law, replaced secular policies. This led to significant changes in daily life, including mandatory hijab for women and the suppression of Western cultural influence. While literacy and some health metrics improved, the regime also became known for political repression and human rights abuses, leading many to flee into exile. Internationally, the revolution triggered the 1979 oil crisis, the Iran hostage crisis, and the lengthy Iran-Iraq War, and its influence is still felt in regional conflicts today.