Khomeini's return ended 14 years of exile and directly triggered the collapse of the Pahlavi monarchy within 10 days, completing the Iranian Revolution.
Key Facts
- Date of return
- 1 February 1979
- Years in exile
- 14 years
- Days to revolution's success
- 10 days
- Shah deposed
- 11 February 1979
- Celebration name in Iran
- Fajr decade
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Ruhollah Khomeini had been a prominent opponent of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and was forced into exile for 14 years. Growing popular discontent with the Shah's rule and widespread revolutionary sentiment created conditions for Khomeini's return as the symbolic and political leader of the opposition movement.
On 1 February 1979, Khomeini flew back to Iran and was greeted by crowds numbering in the millions. His arrival directly challenged the provisional government of Shapour Bakhtiar, which had been installed by the Shah in a last attempt to preserve the monarchy against the revolutionary tide.
Within 10 days of Khomeini's return, the revolution succeeded and the Pahlavi monarchy was overthrown on 11 February 1979. Khomeini became Supreme Leader of Iran under a new constitution establishing the Islamic Republic, holding that position until his death. The period is now commemorated annually in Iran as the Fajr decade.