The Iranian Revolution (also known as the Islamic Revolution,[1][2][3][4][5][6] Persian: انقلاب اسلامی, Inqiláb-i-Islámí) was the revolution that transformed Iran from a monarchy under Sháh Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, to an Islamic republic under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the revolution and founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran.[7]
Although some might argue that the revolution is still ongoing, its time span can be said to have begun in January 1978 with the first major demonstrations,[8] and concluded with the approval of the new theocratic Constitution — whereby Khomeini became Supreme Leader of the country — in December 1979. In between, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi left the country for exile in January 1979 after strikes and demonstrations paralyzed the country, and on February 1, 1979 Ayatollah Khomeini returned to Tehran to a greeting of several million Iranians.[9] The final collapse of the Pahlavi dynasty occurred shortly after on February 11 when Iran's military declared itself "neutral" after guerrillas and rebel troops overwhelmed troops loyal to the Shah in armed street fighting. Iran officially became an Islamic Republic on April 1, 1979 when Iranians overwhelmingly approved a national referendum to make it so.[10]
Revolutionary Guard[edit]
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), or Revolutionary Guard, is the most powerful branch of the armed forces of Iran. Established in April 1979 by Ayatollah Khomeini to support the Revolution, it is accountable only to the Supreme Leader and is separate from Iran's regular armed forces. The Revolutionary Guard includes an army, a navy, an air force, and an intelligence service.[11]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ↑ Islamic Revolution, Iran Chamber.
- ↑ Islamic Revolution of Iran, MS Encarta.
- ↑ The Islamic Revolution, Internews.
- ↑ Iranian Revolution.
- ↑ Iran Profile, PDF.
- ↑ The Shah and the Ayatollah: Iranian Mythology and Islamic Revolution (Hardcover), ISBN 0-275-97858-3, by Fereydoun Hoveyda, brother of Amir Abbas Hoveyda.
- ↑ Encyclopædia Britannica.
- ↑ The Iranian Revolution.
- ↑ Ruhollah Khomeini, Encyclopedia Britannica.
- ↑ Iran Islamic Republic, Encyclopedia Britannica.
- ↑ "Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) | History, Growth, & Sanctions | Britannica". www.britannica.com. 19 March 2025. Retrieved 22 March 2025.
