1. Economic Concerns: While the Shah’s regime attempted modernization and economic growth, benefits were not evenly spread. Income disparity and inflation became prominent problems.
2. Political Repression: The Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, ran an authoritarian regime with little tolerance for dissent. His secret police, the SAVAK, was notorious for torturing and executing opposition figures.
3. Western Influence: There was widespread resentment against the Shah’s “White Revolution,” which was perceived as a westernizing, secular modernization campaign that marginalized Islam in public life. Furthermore, the 1953 coup d’état, supported by the UK and US, which reinstated the Shah after he had been deposed, intensified anti-Western sentiments.
4. Religious Opposition: Religious leaders, especially those from the Shia majority, opposed the Shah’s reforms. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini became an influential critic, arguing the Shah was violating Islamic principles.
5. Intellectual and Leftist Opposition: Many intellectuals and leftist groups sought a more democratic system and were highly critical of the monarchy.
6. Economic Mismanagement: Despite vast oil wealth, many of the regime’s economic policies were seen as favoring the elite and exacerbating issues like unemployment.
7. Societal Changes: Rapid urbanization and modernization led to cultural shocks. Traditional social structures and values were challenged, leading to a rift between modern and traditional segments of society.

Outcome of the Revolution

1. Establishment of the Islamic Republic: In April 1979, following a national referendum, Iran became an Islamic republic. The country’s monarchy, which had been in place for centuries, was officially dissolved.
2. Supreme Leader: The post of Supreme Leader was established as the highest authority in the land. Ayatollah Khomeini became the first Supreme Leader, holding vast powers over all branches of government, the military, media, and judiciary.
3. Constitution: A new constitution was adopted, emphasizing the principles of Shi’a Islamic jurisprudence as the guiding basis for the state and its laws.
4. Strained Western Relations: The revolution led to the severing of ties with many Western countries, most notably the U.S., especially after the 1979 U.S. Embassy hostage crisis.
5. Cultural and Social Changes: Policies to Islamicize the nation took root. Western and secular influences were curbed, dress codes were enforced, and religious teachings became central in education and public life.
6. Economic Shifts: Industries were nationalized, and the economy shifted to align more closely with Islamic principles, impacting banking, trade, and other sectors.
7. War with Iraq: In 1980, Iraq, seeing an opportunity with a weakened Iranian military post-revolution, invaded Iran, leading to the devastating eight-year-long Iran-Iraq War.
8. Isolation: The revolution led to Iran’s increased isolation, both self-imposed and from international sanctions, especially from Western countries.
9. Internal Repression: Just as the Shah had suppressed opposition, the new regime also clamped down on dissent, marginalizing or eliminating political groups that had been part of the revolution but did not align with the theocratic state’s vision.