key term - Ayatollah Khomeini

Definition

Ayatollah Khomeini was a prominent Iranian religious leader and politician who became the Supreme Leader of Iran following the Iranian Revolution of 1979. He was a key figure in overthrowing the Pahlavi monarchy and establishing an Islamic Republic, profoundly impacting U.S.-Iran relations and global politics during the late 20th century.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Khomeini returned to Iran from exile in France in February 1979, just before the collapse of the Shah's regime, rallying popular support for the revolution.
2. He established the concept of Velayat-e Faqih, which granted religious leaders authority over political matters, fundamentally shaping Iran's governance.
3. Khomeini's regime implemented strict Islamic laws and social reforms, which included the enforcement of dress codes for women and restrictions on Western cultural influences.
4. The U.S. Embassy hostage crisis occurred shortly after Khomeini came to power, significantly souring relations between Iran and the United States and leading to economic sanctions.
5. Khomeini's leadership fostered a sense of nationalism in Iran, as many viewed his role as pivotal in resisting foreign influence and establishing an independent Islamic state.

Review Questions

• How did Ayatollah Khomeini's return to Iran influence the Iranian Revolution and subsequent political changes?
  • Ayatollah Khomeini's return to Iran from exile was a turning point for the Iranian Revolution. His charismatic leadership galvanized opposition against the Shah's regime, unifying various factions under a common goal of establishing an Islamic state. His presence inspired widespread protests and ultimately led to the overthrow of the monarchy, setting the stage for major political changes that included the establishment of a theocratic government.
• Discuss how Khomeini’s concept of Velayat-e Faqih impacted governance in Iran after the revolution.
  • Khomeini’s concept of Velayat-e Faqih introduced a unique form of governance where religious leaders held substantial political power. This doctrine positioned Khomeini himself as the Supreme Leader, giving him ultimate authority over all branches of government. This shift towards a theocratic system transformed Iranian society and law, intertwining religious principles with political decision-making and leading to significant restrictions on personal freedoms.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of Ayatollah Khomeini's leadership on U.S.-Iran relations following the Iranian Revolution.
  • Ayatollah Khomeini’s leadership had profound long-term consequences on U.S.-Iran relations, initiating a legacy of mistrust and hostility that persists today. The hostage crisis cemented American perceptions of Iran as an adversary, leading to decades of diplomatic isolation and sanctions against Iran. Khomeini’s anti-Western rhetoric and policies further fueled tensions, influencing U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and contributing to ongoing geopolitical conflicts involving Iran.

Related terms

Iranian Revolution: A series of events that led to the overthrow of the Pahlavi monarchy in Iran, resulting in the establishment of an Islamic Republic under Khomeini's leadership.

Islamic Republic: The political system established in Iran after the revolution, characterized by a theocratic government where religious leaders hold significant power.

Hostage Crisis: A diplomatic standoff from 1979 to 1981, when 52 American diplomats and citizens were held hostage at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, leading to a significant deterioration in U.S.-Iran relations.