Why the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran Still Matters in 2025
On February 11, 2025, Iran marks the 46th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, an event that reshaped the Middle East, redrew global alliances, and set Iran on a collision course with the West. While the revolution overthrew the Pahlavi monarchy and established the Islamic Republic, its long-lasting consequences continue to shape global politics, military conflicts, and economic power struggles.
The revolution’s impact remains highly relevant today:
- Iran’s proxy wars in Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen fuel ongoing conflicts and tensions with Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S.
- Iran’s nuclear ambitions remain a major global crisis, with fears of military confrontation.
- The Iran-Russia-China alliance strengthens as Iran defies Western sanctions and joins BRICS, shifting global power balances.
- Protests like “Woman, Life, Freedom” challenge Iran’s leadership, echoing the fight for freedom that began in 1979.
Beyond geopolitics, the revolution also reshaped millions of lives on a deeply personal level. The turmoil of 1979 forced thousands of Iranians into exile, including those who opposed the new regime.
One such story is told in Shadows of Tehran, based on a true survival story it accounts of an Iranian rebel who lived through the revolution’s chaos, escaping Iran and ultimately joining the U.S. Special Forces.
His journey reflects the human cost of the revolution—how identities were shattered, allegiances tested, and lives forever changed in the battle between oppression and freedom.
How Did the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran Transform Iran's Political Landscape?
The Iranian revolution led to the overthrow of the Pahlavi monarchy and the establishment of the Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Khomeini.
This shift replaced a pro-Western autocracy with a theocratic regime, significantly altering Iran’s governance and its role in global politics.
The transformation from monarchy to theocracy was swift and brutal, leaving many Iranians with a difficult choice—submit, resist, or escape.
In Nick Berg’s story, we see this choice play out through the eyes of an Iranian rebel who defied the new regime, eventually joining U.S. Special Operations. His journey reflects the life-or-death decisions that many faced after 1979.
This shift replaced a pro-Western autocracy with a theocratic regime, significantly altering Iran’s governance and its role in global politics.
What Are the Recent Signs of Public Dissent in Iran?
In February 2025, numerous “No Entry” signs across Tehran, Karaj, and Hamadan were modified with green lines replacing the standard white ones.
While the organizers remain unidentified, these acts are interpreted as symbolic protests against the regime, reflecting ongoing public dissent.
This act of defiance follows a long history of public symbolism in Iran’s protests:
- In 2016, Tehran’s street near the Saudi embassy was renamed “Nimr Baqir al-Nimr Street” as a form of protest.
- In 2009, protesters silently marched down Enghelab Street during the Green Movement, using the street’s name as a statement against the regime.
- In 2023, digital activists renamed Tehran’s Valiasr Street back to “Pahlavi Street” on Google Maps, rejecting the revolution’s legacy.
These historical acts of defiance show that Iranians continue to resist state control—whether through physical protests, digital activism, or symbolic public modifications.
How Is Iran Responding to Growing Internal Dissent?
Iran’s leadership is currently grappling with widespread public dissent, economic instability, and rising opposition movements.
In response, the government has intensified repressive measures to maintain control, cracking down on protests, enforcing harsher laws, and increasing surveillance.
Casualties of the 'Woman, Life, Freedom' Movement (by Gender and Age)
Why Has Iran Intensified Executions, Especially Against Women?
In 2024, Iran executed at least 31 women, the highest number recorded in 17 years, surpassing 22 executions in 2023. Many of these women were convicted of murder or drug-related crimes, often tied to desperate situations in abusive marriages. The regime uses the death penalty as a tool of fear and political control, disproportionately targeting minority and low-income women. This sharp rise in executions reflects an intensified government crackdown following the “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests.
How Is Iran Enforcing Hijab Laws in 2024?
The Iranian government has escalated efforts to enforce strict dress codes. In April 2024, authorities launched the “Nour” program, intensifying morality patrols to crack down on hijab non-compliance. This includes:
- Banning unveiled women from leaving the country
- Fining women via mobile apps for not wearing the hijab in vehicles
- Shutting down businesses that do not enforce hijab rules
By June 2024, 7,000 police troops were deployed to beaches to enforce compliance. This move demonstrates the regime’s increasing desperation to control public behavior despite widespread resistance.
Is the "Woman, Life, Freedom" Movement Still Active?
Despite harsh crackdowns, the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement continues to challenge the Iranian government, gaining international attention and keeping pressure on the regime.
What began as protests in 2022 after Mahsa Amini’s death has evolved into a nationwide uprising advocating for women’s rights, personal freedoms, political reform, democracy, and an end to religious authoritarianism.
In response, Iranian authorities have attempted to silence activists through intimidation, imprisonment, and executions, but resistance persists both within Iran and among the global Iranian diaspora.
What’s Next for Iran as It Marks 46 Years Since the Islamic Revolution?
As Iran approaches the 46th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, its leadership faces a critical decision: continue suppressing opposition through executions, crackdowns, and stricter laws, or address growing unrest by loosening restrictions and engaging in reforms.
The nation is grappling with significant internal challenges, including economic hardships and increasing global scrutiny, which contribute to an uncertain future for the Islamic Republic.
Read the Time article ‘Humiliated Abroad, Iran Is Also Enfeebled at Home‘ by Kay Armin Serjoie. He is an Iranian journalist who has reported from Tehran for TIME, AFP and the Washington Post. He is now based in Europe.
What Is the International Community's Perspective on Iran's Current Situation?
The international community remains concerned about Iran’s internal repression, human rights violations, and its adversarial stance on the global stage.
Recent analyses suggest that Iran’s leadership is in a fragile position, with opposition groups advocating for democratic reforms and greater civil liberties.
With growing protests, economic struggles, and Iran’s deepening ties with Russia and China, the West continues to debate sanctions, diplomacy, or military action as responses to Iran’s aggressive foreign policies.
- Iranian Dissidents Demand Overthrow of Rulers: Thousands of Iranian dissidents rallied in Paris, supported by Ukrainians, demanding the overthrow of Iran's government. The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), a Paris-based group banned in Iran, organized the protest amid heightened expectations from President Trump's 'maximum pressure' campaign on Iran.
- Iran Reformists Urge Concessions to Reconnect with the West: Iran reformists are advocating for the country to make financial transparency concessions to reconnect with the global economic system and signal a willingness to renegotiate its relationship with the West, especially regarding its nuclear program. Tehran is considering steps to comply with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to be removed from its blacklist.
- Iran Executes at Least 31 Women in 2024: In 2024, Iran executed at least 31 women according to a report by Iran Human Rights, the highest number the organization has recorded in the last 17 years, surpassing the 22 executed in 2023. This increase in the use of the death penalty reflects a severe crackdown following the 'Woman, Life, Freedom' protests.
- Iran's Strengthening Ties with Russia and China: Iran is deepening its economic and military ties with Russia and China, partly to counter U.S. pressure. This includes exporting UAVs and missiles to bolster Russian military operations in Ukraine and selling oil to China.
- International Concerns Over Iran's Human Rights Record The international community remains concerned about Iran's internal repression and human rights violations. Recent analyses suggest that Iran's leadership is in a fragile position, with opposition groups advocating for democratic reforms and greater civil liberties.
How Did the Islamic Revolution Shape Iran’s Political Landscape and Individual Lives?
The Islamic Revolution in Iran established a governance model that intertwines religion with state affairs, shaping Iran’s domestic policies, military strategies, and international relations.
This theocratic rule remains deeply embedded in Iran’s leadership, as 2025 marks 46 years since the revolution reshaped the country and its people.
For many, this shift was not just political—it was life-altering. Nick Berg’s Shadows of Tehran brings this reality to life through the journey of an Iranian rebel who resisted the new regime, witnessing firsthand the brutal crackdown on dissent, women’s rights restrictions, and the suffocating grip of religious rule.
His story mirrors the struggle of countless Iranians forced to choose between submission, resistance, or escape—a choice still faced by many today.
One of the most enduring consequences of the revolution has been its impact on women’s rights. From mandatory hijab laws to legal and social restrictions, women became symbols of the regime’s control.
Decades later, movements like “Woman, Life, Freedom” continue to challenge these policies, proving that the fight for freedom—whether in 1979 or in 2025—is far from over.
How Did the 1979 Islamic Revolution Reshape Women’s Rights, and Why Is the "Woman, Life, Freedom" Movement So Important Today?
The Islamic Revolution in Iran of 1979 drastically reshaped women’s rights in Iran, enforcing mandatory veiling, restricting freedoms, and suppressing dissent.
Before the revolution, Iranian women had legal protections, greater freedoms, and access to professional careers, but the new government-mandated hijabs, restricted divorce and custody rights, and criminalized non-compliance with Islamic dress codes.
In 2022, these restrictions ignited a new wave of protests under the banner “Woman, Life, Freedom”, following the death of Mahsa Amini at the hands of Iran’s morality police.
By 2025, the movement continues, as women resist the same oppressive forces that took hold 46 years ago. From the streets of Tehran to global social media campaigns, Iranian women remain at the forefront of a fight for freedom, gender equality, and civil rights.
As Iran reflects on its revolutionary past, its future remains uncertain, shaped by the ongoing struggle for human rights, reform, and political change.
The 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran: A Brief Overview
How Did Ayatollah Khomeini Establish the Islamic Republic of Iran?
On February 1, 1979, Ayatollah Khomeini returned to Iran after 15 years in exile, greeted by millions of supporters. Within days, he consolidated power, dismantling the remnants of the Shah’s government.
In April 1979, a national referendum established the Islamic Republic of Iran, replacing the monarchy with a theocratic system where clerical leaders held ultimate authority.
Khomeini’s vision was a state governed by Islamic law, led by a Supreme Leader (Velayat-e Faqih).
This new government structure blended religious leadership with political control, ensuring that Islamic clerics would dominate every aspect of governance.
With the Shah’s loyalists either executed, imprisoned, or exiled, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was created to safeguard the revolution and eliminate opposition.
Khomeini’s rule ushered in major social and political changes, including compulsory veiling for women, purging of Western influence, and severe restrictions on dissent.
What Were the Immediate Consequences of the 1979 Islamic Revolution?
1. U.S. Embassy Hostage Crisis (November 1979 – January 1981)
One of the most defining events after the revolution was the U.S. embassy hostage crisis. In November 1979, Iranian students stormed the American embassy in Tehran, taking 52 U.S. diplomats hostage for 444 days.
The takeover was a response to the U.S. granting asylum to the Shah, which revolutionaries saw as American interference in Iran’s affairs.
The crisis severed U.S.-Iran relations, led to economic sanctions, and shaped Iran’s anti-American stance for decades.
The phrase “Death to America” became a staple in Iranian political rhetoric, reflecting deep hostility towards Western influence.
2. Mass Executions and Political Purges
Immediately after taking power, Khomeini ordered mass purges of the Shah’s allies, military officers, and political opponents.
Thousands were executed without trial, including top officials of the former regime. Revolutionary courts targeted leftist groups, royalists, and even moderate clerics who disagreed with Khomeini’s rule.
The new Islamic government enforced strict religious laws, banned Western culture, and targeted intellectuals and activists who opposed the theocratic state.
The opposition was crushed, and the Islamic Republic tightened its grip over Iran’s institutions.
Among the first victims of the Islamic Republic’s rise to power were Iranian women. The revolution abolished women’s legal rights, replacing them with strict Islamic laws that dictated dress codes, marriage rights, and political participation.
These restrictions would later fuel one of Iran’s largest feminist uprisings—the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement—which erupted decades later in 2022 and remains a defining force in 2025.
3. Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988): The Bloodiest Consequence of the Revolution
Shortly after the revolution, Iraq’s leader, Saddam Hussein, saw Iran as weak and vulnerable, launching a full-scale invasion in September 1980.
The Iran-Iraq War became one of the longest and deadliest conflicts of the 20th century, lasting eight years and costing over a million lives.
The war cemented Iran’s revolutionary identity, fueling nationalism and support for the Islamic Republic.
It also expanded Iran’s military influence, leading to the rise of proxy forces like Hezbollah and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which still wields power in Iran today.
How Does the 1979 Islamic Revolution Still Shape Iran in 2025?
The legacy of the revolution continues to define Iran’s political landscape today:
- U.S.-Iran tensions remain high, with ongoing sanctions, nuclear negotiations, and military confrontations.
- Iran’s support for proxy groups like Hezbollah and Hamas continues, influencing regional conflicts in Gaza, Yemen, and Syria.
- The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) remains a dominant force, both politically and militarily.
- Public dissatisfaction is growing, with protests against economic hardships, political repression, and internet censorship.
- Iran’s leadership struggles between hardliners and reformists, raising questions about the future of the Islamic Republic.
As Iran commemorates the 46th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, its impact on modern geopolitics, international relations, and internal affairs remains profound.
The Islamic Revolution’s Impact on Iran’s Foreign Policy
How Did the 1979 Islamic Revolution Shape Iran's Anti-Western Foreign Policy?
The 1979 Islamic Revolution fundamentally transformed Iran’s foreign policy, embedding a pronounced anti-Western stance epitomized by slogans like “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.”
This ideological shift was rooted in the revolution’s rejection of Western influence and opposition to U.S. support for the deposed Shah.
Consequently, Iran severed its alliance with the United States, leading to decades of adversarial relations.
The hostility between Iran and the West—especially the U.S.—defined foreign policy for decades.
For those who opposed the regime, like Nick Berg, this meant living as an enemy of the state.
As Iran cut ties with the U.S. and crushed internal opposition, rebels and defectors became hunted men, forced to flee or fight back.
What Role Did the Islamic Revolution Play in Shaping Iran's Nuclear Ambitions?
The revolution instilled a sense of sovereignty and resistance to foreign intervention, which has influenced Iran’s pursuit of nuclear technology.
Iran asserts that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, concerns have arisen among Western nations and Israel regarding potential weaponization. This has led to prolonged tensions, sanctions, and diplomatic efforts to curtail Iran’s nuclear activities.
In summary, the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran not only redefined Iran’s internal governance but also had lasting effects on its foreign policy, regional alliances, and international relations.
How Did Iran's Revolution Lead to the Rise of Proxy Groups in the Middle East?
Following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran positioned itself as a key player in the regional power struggle by supporting proxy groups across the Middle East.
By funding and arming militant organizations, Iran expanded its influence beyond its borders while avoiding direct military confrontations with more powerful adversaries.
This strategy became a cornerstone of Iranian foreign policy, allowing the regime to challenge Western interests, counter Israeli influence, and weaken rival Arab states, particularly Saudi Arabia.
Among the most notable groups backed by Iran are Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Palestinian territories. Hezbollah, founded in the early 1980s with Iranian support, has become a major political and military force in Lebanon, regularly engaging in hostilities with Israel.
Similarly, Iran’s backing of Hamas has strengthened Palestinian resistance efforts, fueling ongoing conflicts in Gaza and the West Bank.
These alliances have reshaped regional dynamics, intensifying hostilities between Iran and Israel, complicating peace efforts, and drawing global attention to Iran’s role in Middle Eastern conflicts.
Modern Conflicts Shaped by the Revolution (How the 1979 Revolution Still Drives Global Tensions in 2025)
How Does Iran's Support for Hamas Influence the Conflict in Gaza?
Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran has been a steadfast supporter of Hamas, providing financial aid, military training, and weaponry.
This backing has enabled Hamas to maintain its operations against Israel, contributing to ongoing tensions in the region.
Recently, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei met with top Hamas officials in Tehran, reaffirming Iran’s commitment to the Palestinian cause.
Iran’s ongoing support for proxy wars is not just a modern strategy—it began in the aftermath of the revolution.
Shadows of Tehran reveals the personal impact of Iran’s military expansion, as Ricardo faces enemies within and outside Iran. From his early days fighting the regime to later encounters with Iran-backed militias, his story mirrors the ongoing battle for power in the Middle East.
What Are the Key Elements of the Iran-Israel Shadow War?
The covert conflict between Iran and Israel encompasses cyberattacks, drone strikes, and targeted assassinations.
Israel has reportedly conducted numerous operations against Iranian interests, including the assassination of key figures and cyber operations targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
In response, Iran has engaged in cyber warfare and supported proxy attacks against Israeli targets.
How Does Iran's Influence in Yemen Affect Maritime Security in the Red Sea?
Iran’s support for the Houthi movement in Yemen has transformed the group into a major regional disruptor, particularly in the Red Sea, a key global trade corridor.
The Houthis, originally a domestic insurgent group, have expanded their reach beyond Yemen’s borders, carrying out attacks on commercial vessels, oil tankers, and military ships navigating through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
These assaults on international shipping routes have alarmed global powers, as the Red Sea is critical for energy exports and global commerce, connecting the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
Iran has played a pivotal role in strengthening the Houthis, providing them with advanced weaponry, drones, ballistic missiles, and military training.
This backing has allowed the group to launch sophisticated attacks that challenge U.S., Israeli, and Saudi interests in the region. The escalation of Houthi maritime strikes, often carried out using Iranian-made drones and missiles, has increased the risk of a wider conflict involving global naval forces.
As tensions rise, the strategic balance in the Red Sea continues to shift, with Iran using the Houthis as a proxy force to project power, disrupt rival economies, and challenge Western influence in the region.
What Are the Current Dynamics Between Iran and Saudi Arabia?
The rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia is rooted in a historical Shia-Sunni power struggle.
While recent diplomatic efforts have aimed at de-escalation, tensions persist due to conflicting interests in regional conflicts and ideological differences.
Both nations continue to vie for influence in the Middle East, impacting the stability of the region.
In summary, the 1979 Islamic Revolution continues to shape Iran’s foreign policy and its involvement in regional conflicts, influencing global tensions as of 2025.
The Islamic Revolution’s Impact on Global Politics in 2025
How Has Iran's Foreign Policy Shifted Toward Eastern Powers in Response to Western Sanctions?
In the wake of stringent Western sanctions, particularly from the United States, Iran has increasingly aligned itself with Eastern powers such as Russia and China.
This strategic pivot aims to mitigate the economic and political pressures imposed by the West. Notably, in January 2025, Iran and Russia signed a 20-year strategic partnership agreement to bolster bilateral cooperation.
Similarly, Iran has deepened its ties with China, collaborating on various economic and infrastructure projects under China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
This trilateral relationship among Iran, Russia, and China reflects a shared interest in countering Western influence and reshaping the global order.
Can Iran's Economy Withstand U.S. Sanctions, or Is It Adapting Through Alternative Trade Networks?
Despite facing extensive U.S. sanctions targeting its oil exports and financial sectors, Iran has sought to adapt by engaging in alternative trade networks.
The country’s accession to the BRICS group—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has opened new avenues for economic collaboration.
BRICS, Iran aims to enhance trade with emerging economies, potentially reducing its reliance on Western markets.
However, challenges persist, including internal economic mismanagement and inflation, which continue to strain Iran’s economy.
- 2015: Iran’s oil exports were at 2.3 million barrels per day (bpd) before sanctions intensified.
- 2018: Under Trump’s "Maximum Pressure" campaign, U.S. sanctions sharply reduced exports to 1.0 million bpd.
- 2020: Additional sanctions further lowered exports to 0.3 million bpd.
- 2023: Iran’s oil trade with China expanded, helping exports recover to 1.3 million bpd.
- 2025: Despite ongoing sanctions, Iran’s oil exports have reached 1.7 million bpd, largely due to clandestine sales to China and other buyers.
How Is Iran's Membership in BRICS Reshaping the Global Balance of Power?
Iran’s inclusion in BRICS signifies a strategic move to strengthen its economic and military alliances beyond traditional Western spheres.
By collaborating with BRICS nations, Iran seeks to leverage collective resources and markets to counterbalance Western dominance.
This membership not only provides Iran with economic opportunities but also enhances its geopolitical influence, contributing to a more multipolar global order.
In summary, the 1979 Islamic Revolution set Iran on a path of resistance against Western hegemony.
As of 2025, this legacy manifests in Iran’s strategic alliances with Eastern powers, efforts to circumvent sanctions through alternative trade networks, and active participation in international coalitions like BRICS, all of which are reshaping global politics.
The Future of Iran: Will the Revolution’s Legacy Endure or Evolve?
How Are Iran's Youth Movements and Economic Challenges Impacting the Regime?
Iran’s youthful population, with approximately 60% under the age of 30, is increasingly vocal against economic hardships, political repression, and social restrictions.
Tech-savvy and interconnected, these young Iranians utilize social media platforms to organize protests and disseminate information, challenging the regime’s narratives.
The tragic death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, for instance, ignited widespread demonstrations, highlighting the generational divide and the youth’s demand for change.
- Organizing Protests: Young Iranians have organized protests, including night demonstrations featuring revolutionary music and anti-regime graffiti.
- Social Media Activism: Tech-savvy youth utilize platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to disseminate information, raise awareness, and mobilize supporters, often circumventing state censorship through VPNs.
- Civil Disobedience: Acts of defiance include women removing their hijabs in public, as seen in the 2022 protests following Mahsa Amini's death, and students refusing to attend gender-segregated classes.
- Hacktivism: Cyber groups have targeted government websites and state-run media, disrupting official communications and exposing governmental misconduct.
- Street Art & Graffiti: Protesters deface government buildings with anti-regime posters and graffiti, expressing dissent and rallying support.
- Global Awareness Campaigns: Collaborating with the Iranian diaspora, young activists have organized international rallies, such as the 2025 Paris demonstration, to garner global support and pressure the regime.
- University Protests: Students have organized sit-ins and marches, protesting against government policies and mandatory dress codes, exemplified by the 2018 Tehran University demonstrations.
- Defying Internet Censorship: By using proxies, VPNs, and decentralized platforms, young Iranians evade online restrictions to communicate and organize.
- Underground Journalism: Citizen journalists report human rights abuses through independent blogs and leaked footage, providing alternative narratives to state-controlled media.
Will Iran's Political Landscape Shift Toward Hardliners or Reformists?
Iran’s political arena is characterized by a tug-of-war between hardliners, who advocate for strict adherence to revolutionary principles, and reformists, who seek moderation and engagement with the global community.
The election of reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian in 2024 signaled a potential shift toward moderation.
However, his administration faces significant challenges from conservative factions resistant to change. The internal power struggle continues, with the outcome influencing Iran’s future trajectory.
How Is Technology Influencing Iran's Sociopolitical Dynamics?
Digital platforms have become pivotal in Iran’s sociopolitical landscape. While the government employs digital surveillance and AI-driven propaganda to maintain control, activists leverage these technologies to mobilize support and raise awareness.
This digital tug-of-war underscores the evolving nature of dissent and control in Iran, with technology serving as both a tool for repression and a means of resistance.
What Might the Next Decade Hold for Iran and the Global Community?
As Iran approaches the half-century mark since the Islamic Revolution, it stands at a crossroads. The interplay between a restless youth population, internal political struggles, and the pervasive influence of technology will shape its future.
The international community watches closely, as Iran’s domestic developments have profound implications for regional stability and global politics.
Iran’s future is at a crossroads—will it remain bound by the legacy of 1979, or will a new revolution reshape the nation once again?
The “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement represents the most significant challenge to Iran’s theocratic rule in decades. As more Iranian women defy mandatory veiling, protest restrictions, and demand equal rights, their struggle symbolizes a larger battle for freedom—one that could alter the course of Iranian history.
Shadows of Tehran is not just a story about survival—it’s about a country at a crossroads.
As Iran faces growing unrest, the question remains: will the next generation break free from the revolution’s legacy, or will history repeat itself?
For those who lived through it, like the protagonist of Shadows of Tehran, the battle never truly ended.
