Iranian Revolution

A coup d'état was initiated on August 15, 1953, with the support of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Shia clergy to remove Prime Minister Mosaddegh from power in Iran. The Shah fled to Italy initially but returned after a successful second attempt on August 19.

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, a key figure in the Iranian Revolution, was exiled in 1964 after speaking out against the shah's reform program. His exile did not diminish his influence, as his speeches continued to inspire opposition to the regime.

During a visit to Washington, the Shah's welcome at the White House is interrupted by protests led by Iranian students, with police using tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.

The Iranian Revolution started, leading to the overthrow of the Shah and the return of the Ayatollah, marking a significant turning point in Iranian history.

On 9 January 1978, seminary students and other people demonstrated in the city of Qom, which was cracked down by the Shah's security forces who shot live ammunition to disperse the crowd when the peaceful demonstration turned violent. Between 5–300 demonstrators were reportedly killed in the protest, marking it as a bloody day in Qom.

On June 7, 1978, the Shah of Iran replaced General Nematollah Nassiri, the head of SAVAK, with a successor who ordered the release of 300 detained clerics.

On August 19, in Abadan, Iran, four arsonists set fire to the Cinema Rex movie theatre, resulting in the death of 422 people. The incident was initially blamed on the Shah and SAVAK, leading to widespread public outrage and protests.

On September 8, 1978, Shah of Iran declared martial law in response to protests against the Pahlavi dynasty. The military used tanks and helicopters to suppress largely peaceful demonstrators, resulting in the death of about 88 protesters. Opposition leaders exaggerated the death toll to 'tens of thousands.'

The University of Tehran protest on November 5th turned deadly after a fight broke out with armed soldiers, leading to a full-scale riot in Tehran. Rioters seized, looted, and burned Western symbols, government and police buildings, and foreign embassies.

Millions of Iranians participate in nationwide protests calling for the removal of the Shah and the return of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

Millions of Iranians participate in nationwide protests calling for the removal of the Shah and the return of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

On December 29, 1978, the Shah of Iran appointed Shapour Bakhtiar as prime minister. Bakhtiar, a long-time nationalist politician and critic of the Shah, was later confirmed by the parliament two weeks after his appointment.

The Iranian Revolution in 1979 led to the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran, marking the first attempt at an Islamic state in the modern era.

The 1979 Iranian Revolution introduced Islam as a form of modern governance, challenging international norms and exporting its zealous ideology. It led to a tumultuous period of revolutionary extremes, including conflicts with the West and neighboring countries like Iraq.

On January 12, 1979, Ayatollah Khomeini established the Revolutionary Council in Paris to oversee the transition of power in Iran.

Discontent with Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi's policies led to the Iranian Revolution, resulting in the shah leaving the country and Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini assuming control.

A series of events that culminated in the overthrow of the Pahlavi dynasty and the establishment of an Islamic republic in Iran, significantly impacting the geopolitics of the Middle East.

On February 4, 1979, the Shah of Iran and his family left Iran for Egypt under the guise of a 'vacation'. Before departing, the Shah entrusted the care of Iran to Prime Minister Bakhtiar.

Ayatollah Khomeini declared a provisional revolutionary government and appointed opposition leader Mehdi Bazargan as the prime minister, commanding Iranians to obey him as a religious duty.

Tensions escalated between the rival governments of Bakhtiar and Khomeini, leading to armed battles and the collapse of the monarchy. Pro-Khomeini forces rebelled against the government, causing chaos and instability.

The Iranian Revolution took place in 1979, leading to the overthrow of the Pahlavi dynasty and the establishment of an Islamic Republic in Iran. This event had significant implications for Iran, America, and the region.

On April 1, 1979, Ayatollah Khomeini officially declared Iran as an Islamic republic, marking a significant shift in the country's political system.

On April 7, 1979, the United States cut off diplomatic ties with Iran following the Islamic revolution and the hostage crisis at the American embassy in Tehran.

On May 5, 1979, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was established by a decree issued by Ayatollah Khomeini. This organization played a significant role in safeguarding the Islamic Revolution in Iran.

On November 4, 1979, student protestors took over the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, capturing its personnel as hostages.

Student protestors climbed over the gate of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran on November 6, 1979.

A US delegation led by former federal judge Ramsey Clark and William Miller arrives in Iran to negotiate the release of hostages. However, Ayatollah Khomeini refuses to meet with the delegation.

Millions of Iranians demonstrate nationwide demanding the ousting of the Shah and the return of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

Abolhassan Banisadr is elected as the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the first presidential election. His term faces challenges due to conflicts with officials of the Islamic Republic Party.

On April 7, 1980, the United States severs all diplomatic ties with Iran and enforces an economic embargo on the country. This action significantly impacts the relationship between the two nations.

On July 9, 1980, Iranian authorities discovered a coup plot and initiated a new purge of the military.

On July 27, 1980, Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi passed away in Cairo, Egypt.

The Iran hostage crisis ended with the signing of the Algiers Accords in Algeria on 19 January 1981. The hostages were formally released to United States custody the following day, just minutes after Ronald Reagan was sworn in as the new American president.

MEK exploded the headquarters of Islamic Republic Party, resulting in the killing of high-ranking officials including Mohammad Beheshti.

President Mohammad-Ali Rajai and his prime minister were assassinated.

The Interim government of the Islamic Republic was established after the assassination of Mohammad Ali Rajai and Mohammad Javad Bahonar.

Iranian parliament voted in favor of Mir-Hossein Mousavi as the prime minister, replacing the Interim Government.

Ayatollah Khomeini's death marked the end of the first phase of the Iranian Revolution. His leadership during the revolution and the subsequent tumultuous period had a significant impact on Iran's domestic and foreign policies.

Mohammad Khatami's presidency during the reformist era of Iran led to improvements in relations with the people and the outside world. It brought about a period of freer press, speech, and social restrictions, although legislative reforms faced challenges.

Mostafa Khomeini, the eldest son of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, dies at the age of 47 in Najaf, Iraq under unknown circumstances.

A summary of the key events and impacts of the Iranian Revolution. It provides insights into the historical context and significance of the revolution.