Iranian Revolution — 1978–1979 revolution that overthrew the Iranian monarchy
The 1979 Iranian Revolution ended the Pahlavi monarchy and established an Islamic republic, reshaping regional geopolitics and Iran's global relationships.
Key Facts
- Shah's departure date
- 16 January 1979
- Khomeini's return date
- 1 February 1979
- Monarchy fell
- 11 February 1979
- Islamic Republic referendum approval
- 98%
- Cinema Rex fire deaths
- ~400 people
- Khomeini declared supreme leader
- December 1979
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Decades of discontent accumulated under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, whose White Revolution of 1963 alienated clergy and rural sectors, while his regime was widely seen as corrupt, repressive, and subservient to U.S. and British interests. The 1953 CIA-MI6-backed coup that had reinstated him deepened resentment. Anti-government demonstrations began in October 1977, broadening into a mass uprising involving communists, socialists, and Islamists.
Between late 1978 and early 1979, a broad-based revolution paralyzed Iran. The Shah left for exile on 16 January 1979, and exiled cleric Ruhollah Khomeini returned to a massive welcome on 1 February. By 11 February, loyalist forces were overwhelmed and the monarchy collapsed. A March 1979 referendum in which 98% voted in favor formally established the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Iran's centuries-old monarchy was permanently abolished and replaced by an Islamic republic governed under the principle of Velayat-e Faqih, with Khomeini as supreme leader. The new government adopted an anti-Western stance, declared the destruction of Israel a core objective, and began supporting Shia militant groups across the Middle East, fundamentally altering regional power dynamics and producing a large Iranian diaspora.