Islamic Revolution

The 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran overthrew the Pahlavi dynasty and established an Islamic Republic led by Ayatollah Khomeini. This event transformed Iran's political and social landscape, replacing a pro-Western monarchy with a theocratic regime. The revolution is newsworthy now because current widespread protests within Iran are being compared to the unrest that preceded the 1979 revolution. These recent protests, sparked by economic conditions and other grievances, have been met with a government crackdown, resulting in reported deaths and internet blackouts. The government has issued its first official death toll, though activists fear the actual number is much higher. The son of the former monarch, Reza Pahlavi, is calling for intervention and positioning himself as a potential leader, while reports suggest meetings between Trump administration envoys and Pahlavi. This highlights the ongoing relevance of the 1979 revolution as a point of comparison and potential catalyst for further change in Iran.