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Timeline of the Iranian Revolution Events

Dec 3, 2024

The Iranian Revolution: A Timeline of Events

Overview

  • 1979 Iranian Revolution changed global geopolitics.
  • Pahlavi dynasty fell, Islamic Republic rose.
  • Timeline highlights key events leading to the revolution's success.

1977: Prelude to Revolution

  • January - July: Open letters criticizing Shah's power.
  • October: Poetry festival criticizing government, organized in Tehran.
  • November 15-16: Protests during Shah's visit to Washington.
  • December 31: President Carter calls Iran an "island of stability."

1978: Escalation

  • January: Ettelaat newspaper defames Ayatollah Khomeini.
  • January 9: Qom bazaar closes, protests begin.
  • February: Mourning ceremonies lead to more protests.
  • March - May: Cycle of protests and violence spreads.
  • June 7: SAVAK head replaced, 300 clerics released.
  • August 19: Cinema Rex fire in Abadan.
  • September 8: Black Friday - massacre in Jaleh Square.
  • October: Khomeini deported to France, gains media attention.
  • December: Massive protests demand Shah's removal.

1979: Revolution Unfolds

  • January 16: Shah leaves Iran; appoints Shapour Bakhtiar as PM.
  • February 1: Khomeini returns to Iran.
  • February 4: Mehdi Bazargan appointed as interim PM.
  • February 11: Armed forces declare neutrality; Shah's government collapses.

Provisional Government

  • February 14: U.S. Embassy attacked, staff initially held.
  • March 8: Women's Day protests against mandatory veiling.
  • March 30-31: Referendum favors Islamic Republic.
  • May 5: Formation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
  • October 14: Constitution drafted, velayat-e faqih established.

The Hostage Crisis

  • November 4: U.S. Embassy seized, personnel taken hostage.
  • November 6: Provisional government resigns.
  • November 14: U.S. freezes Iranian assets.
  • December 2-3: New constitution approved.

1980-1981: Aftermath

  • April 7, 1980: U.S. severs diplomatic ties.
  • April 25: Failed hostage rescue mission.
  • September 22, 1980: Iraq invades Iran.
  • January 20, 1981: Hostages released following Algiers Accords.

Key Outcomes

  • Establishment of Islamic Republic and Khomeini's leadership.
  • U.S.-Iran relations deteriorated significantly.
  • The revolution remains a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern history.