In 1979, a watershed moment in Middle Eastern history unfolded as followers of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini seized power in Iran, marking the end of the Pahlavi monarchy and the establishment of an Islamic Republic. The revolution was fueled by widespread discontent against Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi's regime, which was criticized for its autocratic rule, Westernization, and the suppression of political dissent. The revolution gained momentum in January 1978, when protests erupted across major cities, fueled by economic troubles, social inequalities, and political repression. Khomeini, who had been exiled for his opposition to the Shah, became the symbolic leader of the movement. His messages of justice, anti-imperialism, and Islamic governance resonated with a diverse coalition of students, leftists, Islamists, and intellectuals who sought radical change. On February 1, 1979, amidst growing unrest and a collapsing regime, Khomeini returned to Iran from exile, greeted by jubilant crowds. Over the following weeks, the Shah fled the country, and revolutionary forces consolidated their grip on power. By February 11, the monarchy was officially overthrown, leading to the establishment of the Islamic Republic after a subsequent referendum. The revolution profoundly transformed Iran’s socio-political landscape. Khomeini's vision of an Islamic state culminated in the implementation of strict Sharia law and the suppression of dissent, leading to the persecution of political opponents and religious minorities. The new regime positioned itself staunchly against Western influence, particularly that of the United States, resulting in a complex and often adversarial relationship that endures to this day. The Iranian Revolution not only reshaped Iran but also had lasting implications for geopolitics in the region and beyond, setting the stage for future movements and conflicts within the Islamic world.