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.