How Did Khomeini Get Back To Iran? A Pivotal Return

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27 Jul, 2025

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The story of Ruhollah Khomeini's return to Iran is, quite simply, a moment that changed the world. It marks a dramatic turning point in modern history, one that continues to shape events in the Middle East and beyond. People often wonder about the specific details of this remarkable journey, a journey that brought a religious leader from years of exile back to his homeland. This return wasn't just a trip; it was, in a way, the culmination of a massive popular movement that had been building for some time.

For years, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini had been living away from Iran, first in Turkey, then in Iraq, and finally in France. His teachings and messages, however, found their way back to the people, fueling a widespread dissatisfaction with the ruling government. The Shah's rule, very often seen as oppressive and too closely tied to Western powers, faced growing opposition from many different groups within the country.

The events leading up to his return unfolded with incredible speed, a truly remarkable series of occurrences. The sheer force of the popular uprising made it impossible for the existing government to maintain its hold. So, as a matter of fact, the stage was set for Khomeini's highly anticipated comeback, a moment many Iranians had waited for with great hope and expectation.

Ruhollah Khomeini: A Brief Biography
Personal Details of Ruhollah Khomeini
The Years of Exile: A Time of Preparation
The Unfolding Revolution: A Nation in Motion
The Shah Departs: A Power Vacuum Forms
The Journey Home: A Historic Flight
Arrival in Tehran: A Sea of People
The Aftermath: New Beginnings
Frequently Asked Questions About Khomeini's Return
Looking Back: A Lasting Impact

Ruhollah Khomeini: A Brief Biography

Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini was a significant religious leader and political figure in Iran. He was born in the town of Khomeyn, which is in central Iran. His family had a long history of religious scholarship. From a young age, he showed a deep interest in Islamic studies and began his education in religious schools, so it's almost like he was destined for this path.

He progressed through various levels of religious learning, eventually becoming an Ayatollah, a very high rank in Shia Islam. His teachings focused on Islamic law, ethics, and philosophy. Over time, he became known for his strong views on social justice and the role of religion in government. He believed that the Shah's rule was unjust and not in line with Islamic principles, which was a very bold stance to take at the time.

Khomeini started to speak out against the Shah's government in the 1960s. He criticized the Shah's reform programs, which he saw as Westernizing Iran and weakening Islamic traditions. These criticisms led to his arrest and, eventually, his forced departure from Iran. He spent many years in exile, but his influence back home continued to grow, even from afar. He truly became a symbol of resistance for many people.

Personal Details of Ruhollah Khomeini

Full Name	Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini
Born	September 24, 1902
Birthplace	Khomeyn, Persia (now Iran)
Died	June 3, 1989
Place of Death	Tehran, Iran
Nationality	Iranian
Religious Affiliation	Shia Islam
Occupation	Cleric, Marja' (religious authority), Political Leader

The Years of Exile: A Time of Preparation

Khomeini's exile began in 1964. He was first sent to Turkey, then to Najaf, Iraq, a holy city for Shia Muslims. During his time in Najaf, he continued to teach and write. He developed his political theories, which included the idea of Velayat-e Faqih, or the Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist. This concept proposed that religious scholars should have a central role in governing the state, a very radical idea for its time.

From Iraq, his messages, often recorded on cassette tapes, were smuggled into Iran. These tapes spread his ideas and criticisms of the Shah's government widely among the population. People would listen to them in secret gatherings. The government tried to stop this, but it was a very difficult task to do so, as the tapes were small and easy to hide. So, in a way, technology helped spread his influence.

In 1978, due to pressure from the Shah's government, Khomeini was forced to leave Iraq. He then moved to Neauphle-le-Château, a village near Paris, France. This move, ironically, gave him even greater access to international media. From France, he could speak to the world, and his voice became louder and clearer. This period in France was, in some respects, a final preparation for his eventual return.

The Unfolding Revolution: A Nation in Motion

Back in Iran, the discontent grew stronger throughout 1978. Strikes, protests, and demonstrations became more frequent and larger in scale. Millions of people took to the streets across the country. The Shah's government tried to put down these protests with force, but it only made the situation worse. The people's resolve seemed to grow with each passing day.

The protests were not just about economic issues or political freedoms. They also had a strong religious and cultural component. Many Iranians felt that their traditional values were under attack by the Shah's modernization efforts. They saw Khomeini as a spiritual guide who could lead them to a better, more just society. It was, arguably, a spiritual awakening for many.

The scale of the movement became truly immense. The army, which was supposed to support the Shah, started to show signs of disloyalty. Some soldiers refused to fire on protestors, and others even joined the demonstrations. This breakdown of military support was a crucial factor in the revolution's success. It showed that the Shah's power was slipping away, very quickly indeed.

The Shah Departs: A Power Vacuum Forms

By early 1979, the situation for the Shah became unsustainable. His government was losing control of the country. International support for him was also weakening. Facing overwhelming opposition and a collapsing state, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi made the decision to leave Iran. He departed on January 16, 1979, ostensibly for a "vacation," but it was clear to everyone that he would not be coming back.

The Shah's departure created a power vacuum in Iran. A provisional government was put in place, but it lacked real authority or public support. The people on the streets wanted a complete change, not just a new face in charge. They wanted Khomeini to return and lead them. His absence had, in some respects, made his presence even more powerful.

This period between the Shah's departure and Khomeini's return was a time of great uncertainty but also immense hope for many. People felt a sense of victory, but they also knew that the future was still unwritten. The air was thick with anticipation. The nation held its breath, waiting for the return of its exiled leader, a moment that would fundamentally alter its course.

The Journey Home: A Historic Flight

With the Shah gone and the provisional government struggling, the path was clear for Khomeini's return. He had been planning this for some time, waiting for the right moment. On February 1, 1979, Ayatollah Khomeini boarded an Air France Boeing 747 in Paris. The flight carried him and a group of journalists, supporters, and family members. It was a journey that captured the attention of the entire world.

The flight itself was relatively short, but it represented the end of a 15-year exile. News of his impending arrival spread like wildfire across Iran. Millions of people prepared to welcome him. Roads leading to Tehran's Mehrabad International Airport were packed with people, all eager to catch a glimpse of the man they considered their true leader. This was, truly, a moment of immense national emotion.

There were concerns about the safety of the flight and the security upon his arrival. The provisional government was nervous about the scale of the reception and what it might mean for their authority. However, the popular will was too strong to be stopped. The plane landed safely, marking the end of one chapter and the very beginning of another for Iran.

Arrival in Tehran: A Sea of People

When Khomeini's plane touched down at Mehrabad Airport on February 1, 1979, the scene was extraordinary. Millions of people had gathered to greet him, stretching for miles from the airport to Behesht-e Zahra cemetery, where he was to give his first public address. It was, basically, an unprecedented display of public support. The crowds were so vast that his car could barely move through them.

He was driven through the streets of Tehran in a motorcade, but the sheer number of people made progress very slow. Many climbed onto rooftops and trees just to see him. The atmosphere was one of intense excitement, joy, and hope. People cried, cheered, and threw flowers. It was, in some respects, a festival of liberation for them.

At Behesht-e Zahra, a cemetery holding many who had died during the revolution, Khomeini delivered a powerful speech. He declared the provisional government illegitimate and announced his intention to form a new government. This speech solidified his position as the leader of the revolution and signaled the final end of the old order. It was a very clear statement of intent.

The Aftermath: New Beginnings

Khomeini's return quickly led to the collapse of the provisional government. Within days, the military declared its neutrality, effectively ending the Shah's rule for good. The revolution had triumphed. A new government was formed, and a referendum was held in April 1979, where Iranians voted overwhelmingly to establish an Islamic Republic. This marked a profound shift in the country's political system.

The establishment of the Islamic Republic brought about many changes in Iran. New laws were introduced based on Islamic principles. The country's foreign policy also underwent a major transformation, becoming fiercely independent and anti-Western. The return of Khomeini truly set Iran on a new course, one that continues to define its identity and actions on the global stage. It was, in a way, a complete reset for the nation.

The events of 1979, sparked by Khomeini's return, continue to be studied and debated by historians and political analysts around the world. The impact of his return was not just felt within Iran's borders; it sent ripples across the Middle East and beyond. To learn more about the broader history of the Iranian Revolution on our site, you can visit that page. You can also explore other significant historical moments that shaped the region.

Frequently Asked Questions About Khomeini's Return

When did Ayatollah Khomeini return to Iran?

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returned to Iran on February 1, 1979. This date is widely remembered and celebrated in Iran as a very important day. His return followed many years of living in exile, first in Turkey, then Iraq, and finally in France. It was a highly anticipated event for many people.

What happened when Khomeini returned to Iran?

Upon his return, millions of Iranians gathered to welcome him at Mehrabad Airport and along the route to Behesht-e Zahra cemetery in Tehran. He delivered a powerful speech, declaring the existing provisional government illegitimate. His return led quickly to the full collapse of the Shah's government and the establishment of the Islamic Republic. It was, basically, a peaceful takeover of power, supported by a massive public outpouring.

Why was Khomeini exiled from Iran?

Khomeini was exiled from Iran in 1964 because of his strong opposition to the Shah's policies. He criticized the Shah's modernization programs, which he viewed as undermining Islamic values and traditions. His outspoken criticisms led to his arrest and subsequent forced departure from the country. His religious authority and popular support made him a very significant threat to the Shah's rule, so the government wanted him gone.

Looking Back: A Lasting Impact

The return of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini to Iran in 1979 was more than just a person coming home. It was, truly, a moment that encapsulated a revolution. It showed the immense power of popular will and the desire for change. The events that followed reshaped Iran's political, social, and cultural fabric in ways that are still evident today. This period in history serves as a powerful example of how a leader, even from afar, can inspire a nation to act. The impact of that day, February 1, 1979, continues to resonate through the years, very clearly marking a new chapter for Iran and the wider world.

For more detailed information on the Iranian Revolution and its key figures, you might consider looking at historical archives and academic works. A good starting point could be resources like the Encyclopaedia Britannica's entry on the Iranian Revolution, which provides a comprehensive overview of the events. This return was, in some respects, a culmination of many different forces coming together.