Archive · 17 Jan 2026
Ayatollah Khomeini Returns to Iran After Exile
Ayatollah Khomeini, a religious leader, came back to Iran after being away for 14 years.
He was not allowed to stay in Iran before because he didn't agree with the king's rules.
When he returned, many people were happy and came to see him.
He gave a speech saying he would be in charge and make a new government.
This was a big change for Iran and started a new way of ruling the country.
Ayatollah Khomeini returned to Iran on February 1, 1979, after 14 years in exile.
His return followed the Shah's departure and led to the establishment of an Islamic government.
Khomeini's flight from France to Tehran drew global media attention, with reporters and photographers on board.
Massive crowds, estimated up to five million, greeted Khomeini in Tehran, with some reports of chaos and confusion.
In his first speech, Khomeini declared his authority and began transforming Iran into a religious state.
- Who
- Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, a politically active Shi'ite cleric
- What
- Return to Iran after 14 years of exile
- When
- February 1, 1979
- Where
- Tehran, Iran
- Why
- To establish a fundamentalist Islamic government and consolidate his authority
- Date of Return
- February 1, 1979
- Duration of Exile
- 14 years
- Age of Khomeini
- 78 years
- Estimated Crowd Size
- Up to 5 million
- Mode of Transport
- Chartered Air France Boeing 797
- First Speech Location
- Nearby cemetery