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February 1979: Ayatollah Khomeini Returns To Iran From Exile

The return of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini to Iran on February 1, 1979, marked a turning point in Iranian history. Millions of followers turned out in Tehran to greet Khomeini as he arrived from Paris, where he had spent 14 years in exile as an outlawed cleric.

Iran's ruler at the time, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, had fled the country two weeks before Khomeini came back. In March, Khomeini led the drafting of a constitution for the renamed Islamic Republic of Iran.

He was officially installed as supreme leader after a referendum in November 1979.
Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Iran's exiled religious leader, speaks on January 25, 1979, at a news conference following morning prayers in Paris. Through an interpreter, he told international journalists that he was postponing his return to Tehran because of the Iranian Army's closure of the airports.
1 Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Iran's exiled religious leader, speaks on January 25, 1979, at a news conference following morning prayers in Paris. Through an interpreter, he told international journalists that he was postponing his return to Tehran because of the Iranian Army's closure of the airports.
Khomeini leaves his residence in suburban Neauphle-le-Chateau for an evening prayer, just hours before leaving for Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris on January 31, 1979. 
2 Khomeini leaves his residence in suburban Neauphle-le-Chateau for an evening prayer, just hours before leaving for Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris on January 31, 1979. 
Khomeini talks briefly with reporters at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, January 31, 1979, minutes before boarding a chartered airplane which was to fly him back to Iran after 14 years exile. His grandson is seen at his side. 
3 Khomeini talks briefly with reporters at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, January 31, 1979, minutes before boarding a chartered airplane which was to fly him back to Iran after 14 years exile. His grandson is seen at his side. 
Khomeini sits inside the chartered airplane which was to fly him back to Iran.
4 Khomeini sits inside the chartered airplane which was to fly him back to Iran.
Khomeini leaving the jet in Tehran on February 1, 1979. Some 120 journalists accompanied him on the flight from Paris.
5 Khomeini leaving the jet in Tehran on February 1, 1979. Some 120 journalists accompanied him on the flight from Paris.
Khomeini has a heavy escort as he tries to leave the airport for his ride through Tehran to Behesht-e Zahra cemetery.
6 Khomeini has a heavy escort as he tries to leave the airport for his ride through Tehran to Behesht-e Zahra cemetery.
Khomeini is thronged by his supporters at Tehran's airport.  
7 Khomeini is thronged by his supporters at Tehran's airport.
 
Supporters lined the streets for Khomeini's motorcade to Behesht-e Zahra cemetery.
8 Supporters lined the streets for Khomeini's motorcade to Behesht-e Zahra cemetery.
Khomeini gives his speech at the Behesht-e Zahra cemetery after his return from exile.
9 Khomeini gives his speech at the Behesht-e Zahra cemetery after his return from exile.
A crowd listens to Khomeini address them at Behesht-e Zahra cemetery. An estimated five million people gathered in Tehran to show support.
10 A crowd listens to Khomeini address them at Behesht-e Zahra cemetery. An estimated five million people gathered in Tehran to show support.
Khomeini waves to followers as he appears on the balcony of his headquarters in Tehran on February 2, 1979.
11 Khomeini waves to followers as he appears on the balcony of his headquarters in Tehran on February 2, 1979.
Khomeini addresses crowds with his son Ahmad on February 4, 1979. 
12 Khomeini addresses crowds with his son Ahmad on February 4, 1979. 
Mehdi Bazargan, newly named Prime Minister of a provisional government in Iran, right, speaks with Khomeini on February 5, 1979.
13 Mehdi Bazargan, newly named Prime Minister of a provisional government in Iran, right, speaks with Khomeini on February 5, 1979.
Khomeini holds a news conference in Tehran on February 5, 1979. 
14 Khomeini holds a news conference in Tehran on February 5, 1979. 
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