1979 Iranian Revolution

The 1979 Iranian Revolution was a popular uprising that led to the overthrow of Iran's monarchy, ruled by Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Many Iranians were dissatisfied with the Shah's authoritarian rule, Westernization policies, and economic issues, leading to widespread protests. The revolution was largely led by religious clerics, notably Ayatollah Khomeini, who appealed to both religious and secular groups. After months of unrest, the Shah fled, and Iran was declared an Islamic Republic, fundamentally changing its political and social structure. This event significantly influenced the Middle East and U.S.-Iran relations, establishing a theocratic regime in Iran.