Khomeini's Legacy: How He Fundamentally Changed Iran

Prof. Waino Jacobi PhD 19 Jun 2025

The 1979 Iranian Revolution, led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, marked a seismic shift in the nation's trajectory, ending millennia of monarchy and establishing the Islamic Republic. This profound transformation fundamentally reshaped Iran's political, social, and cultural landscape, leaving an indelible mark that continues to influence the country today. Understanding how did Khomeini change Iran requires a deep dive into his rise to power, his ideological vision, and the sweeping reforms implemented under his leadership.

Before Khomeini, Iran, once part of the vast Persian Empire, was a much more secular, hybrid, and tolerant nation. However, his active opposition to the Shah, his theories of Islamic governance, and his networking while in exile helped foster the Islamic Republic in 1979, earning him the position of Iran’s leader until his death in 1989. His influence was so immense that it's impossible to discuss modern Iran without acknowledging the monumental changes he orchestrated.

Table of Contents

The Architect of Revolution: Khomeini's Rise
- Early Opposition and Exile
Biography: Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini
From Monarchy to Islamic Republic: The 1979 Revolution
Khomeini's Vision: Theocratic Governance
Cultural and Social Transformation Under Khomeini
- The Suppression of Western Influence
Iran's New Foreign Policy: Regional and Global Impact
- The Hostage Crisis and Anti-Western Stance
Economic and Political Restructuring
The Legacy of Khomeini: A Nation Transformed
- An Enduring Theocratic State
Post-Khomeini Iran: A Glimmer of Change?
Conclusion: A Revolution Redefined

The Architect of Revolution: Khomeini's Rise

Ruhollah Khomeini was an influential Iranian political and religious leader who played a critical role in shaping the modern history of Iran. His life journey spanned from a quiet upbringing in rural Iran to becoming the architect of the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which ended millennia of monarchy in the country and established the Islamic Republic. Khomeini was undoubtedly significant to the revolution, a figure whose charisma and unwavering conviction resonated deeply with a populace yearning for change.

His political prominence first emerged in 1963 when he led opposition to the Shah and his program of reforms known as the “White Revolution.” These reforms aimed to modernize Iran, including breaking up landholdings owned by some Shi’a clergy, allowing women to vote, and introducing other secularizing measures. Khomeini, a staunch Shi’i cleric, saw these changes as an attack on Islam and traditional Iranian values. He declared that the Shah had embarked on the destruction of Islam in Iran and publicly denounced the Shah as a wretched miserable man.

Early Opposition and Exile

In June 1963, Khomeini made a speech suggesting that if the Shah did not change the political direction of Iran, the populace would be happy to see him leave the country. This fiery rhetoric led to his arrest on June 5, 1963. Following Khomeini's arrest, three days of major riots erupted throughout Iran, with Khomeini supporters claiming 15,000 were killed by police fire. This incident underscored his growing popular support and the intensity of anti-Shah sentiment.

Khomeini was released after eight months of house arrest but continued his agitation, condemning Iran's close cooperation with Israel and its capitulations, or extension of diplomatic immunity, to American government personnel in Iran. One too many fiery speeches admonishing the royal family forced him into exile in 1964. This period of exile, spent mostly in Iraq and later France, did not diminish his influence; rather, it allowed him to consolidate his network and refine his theories of Islamic governance, which would later form the bedrock of the Islamic Republic.

During his exile, Khomeini called for strikes, refusal to pay tax, boycotts, and even martyrdom for the Islam religion, effectively mobilizing a broad base of opposition. The death of Khomeini’s son in 1977, which was blamed on the SAVAK (the Shah's secret police), further increased Khomeini’s popularization, turning him into a martyr-like figure in the eyes of many Iranians. Organizations opposed to the government also cropped up in Iran, which encouraged open resistance, laying the groundwork for the impending revolution. While the people began to call Khomeini Imam, or prophet, Iran was gripped by a fever—a madness—that grew more acute with every passing day (Farmanfarmaian 466). This fervent devotion highlights how did Khomeini change Iran by galvanizing the masses with a potent blend of religious and political fervor.

Biography: Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini was a pivotal figure in 20th-century history, whose actions irrevocably altered the course of Iran. His life and leadership are central to understanding the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Attribute	Detail
Full Name	Sayyid Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini
Born	September 24, 1902
Birthplace	Khomeyn, Markazi Province, Qajar Iran
Died	June 3, 1989 (aged 86)
Cause of Death	Heart attack
Nationality	Iranian
Religious Affiliation	Shia Islam (Twelver)
Religious Title	Grand Ayatollah
Political Role	Supreme Leader of Iran (1979–1989)
Key Event	Leader of the 1979 Iranian Revolution
Ideology	Wilayat al-Faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist)
Notable Works	Hokumat-e Islami: Velayat-e Faqih (Islamic Government: Guardianship of the Jurist)

From Monarchy to Islamic Republic: The 1979 Revolution

Iran’s transformation from empire to the Islamic Republic began in Khomeini’s hometown of Qom in the 1960s, culminating in the dramatic events of 1979. During the revolution, major events unfolded rapidly, fueled by widespread discontent and Khomeini's unwavering leadership. This enabled Khomeini to return to Iran to a tumultuous welcome, signifying the immense public support he commanded.

The Shah fled the country in January 1979, paving the way for Khomeini's return. While he did not support Bakhtiar, the Shah's choice of prime minister, his choice of prime minister was Mehdi Bazargan, the leader of the Freedom Movement of Iran, a nationalist political party. However, just like Bakhtiar, Bazargan wasn’t ready to support Khomeini’s theocratic alternative to democracy. He was a staunch supporter of an inclusive, democratic Iran that wanted to preserve some elements of a modern state. This tension highlighted Khomeini's singular focus on establishing an Islamic state, regardless of existing political structures or democratic inclinations.

On April 1, Khomeini declared Iran an Islamic Republic, a pivotal moment that cemented the revolution's outcome. This declaration fundamentally answered the question of how did Khomeini change Iran, by replacing a millennia-old monarchy with a new, religiously-based political system. The religious identity of Iran, as an Islamic Republic, became the core of its political and strategic direction.

Khomeini's Vision: Theocratic Governance

Khomeini's theories of Islamic governance, particularly his concept of Wilayat al-Faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist), were central to the new political order. This doctrine posits that in the absence of the infallible Imam, a qualified Islamic jurist (like Khomeini himself) should assume leadership of the state to ensure adherence to Islamic law. This concept provided the intellectual framework for the revolution, uniting Islamists and even some Marxists under a common cause against the Shah. Shari’ati’s ideology, in particular, played a significant role in this intellectual unification.

Under this new system, religious leaders created official policy, effectively merging religious and political authority. This meant that the state's laws and policies would be derived from Islamic jurisprudence, fundamentally altering the legal and judicial systems of Iran. It quickly became clear that Iranians had overthrown one autocrat in favor of another, as Khomeini consolidated power and began to implement his vision of a religiously governed state. Khomeini declared Iran to be an Islamic Republic, and leftist, nationalist, and secular forces that had initially supported the revolution found themselves marginalized or suppressed.

The changes under Khomeini extended far beyond the political structure, deeply impacting the daily lives and cultural fabric of Iranian society. The revolution sought to purify Iran of what was perceived as corrupting Western influences and reassert Islamic values.

The Suppression of Western Influence

The militias and the clerics they supported swiftly suppressed Western cultural influence. This included banning Western music, films, and literature, enforcing strict dress codes, particularly for women, and altering educational curricula to align with Islamic principles. Free speech, which had been limited under the Shah, was now curtailed under the new religious authority, especially if it challenged the principles of the Islamic Republic. This cultural revolution was a deliberate effort to redefine Iranian identity away from its pre-revolutionary secular leanings and towards a strict interpretation of Islamic norms.

This transformation was not merely superficial; it aimed to instill a new moral and social order. Public spaces, media, and education were all reoriented to promote the values of the Islamic Republic. The enforcement of these changes was often carried out by revolutionary committees and later by formal institutions, demonstrating the systematic approach to cultural transformation. This profound societal shift is a key aspect of how did Khomeini change Iran.

Iran's New Foreign Policy: Regional and Global Impact

The Islamic Revolution under Khomeini also ushered in a radical shift in Iran's foreign policy, moving from an ally of the West to a staunch opponent, particularly of the United States and Israel. The religious identity of Iran, as an Islamic Republic, is at the core of its political and strategic belligerence towards Israel, a stark contrast to the Shah's more pragmatic approach.

The Hostage Crisis and Anti-Western Stance

A defining moment in Iran's new foreign policy was the seizure of hostages at the U.S. Embassy in November 1979 by a group of Iranian protesters. This crisis, which lasted 444 days, solidified Iran's anti-Western stance and its image as a revolutionary state willing to challenge global powers. Khomeini endorsed the hostage-taking, viewing the U.S. as the "Great Satan" and an enemy of the revolution. This event had long-lasting repercussions on Iran-U.S. relations and shaped Iran's international posture for decades.

The new foreign policy also emphasized support for Islamic liberation movements worldwide, leading to proxy conflicts and strained relations with various regional and international actors. The question of "is Israel calling for regime change in Iran" today has roots in the ideological confrontation initiated by Khomeini, where the Islamic Republic positioned itself as a leading force against what it perceived as Western and Zionist hegemony. But the West’s track record of regime change in the country long predates the 1979 revolution led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, indicating a complex history of external interference that contributed to the revolutionary fervor.

Economic and Political Restructuring

The economic changes under Khomeini were largely a consequence of the political and ideological shifts. The nationalization of industries, banks, and major businesses became a hallmark of the new economic policy, aiming to reduce foreign influence and redistribute wealth. While the revolution promised economic justice, the subsequent Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988) placed immense strain on the economy, diverting resources and hindering development.

Politically, the establishment of the Islamic Republic meant a complete overhaul of governance. The constitution of 1979, and its revision in 1989, enshrined the principle of Wilayat al-Faqih, establishing the Supreme Leader as the ultimate authority, above elected officials. This unique system combined elements of a republic (with elected president and parliament) with a clerical oversight structure, ensuring that all laws and policies adhered to Islamic principles. This dual structure of governance, with the Supreme Leader holding ultimate power, is a fundamental aspect of how did Khomeini change Iran's political landscape. It created a system where religious legitimacy trumped popular sovereignty, leading to ongoing debates about democracy and religious rule within Iran.

The Legacy of Khomeini: A Nation Transformed

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s impact on Iran is monumental and multifaceted. He not only overthrew a monarchy that had ruled for centuries but also instilled a new ideological foundation that continues to define the nation. His active opposition to the Shah, his theories of Islamic governance, and his networking while in exile helped foster the Islamic Republic in 1979 and earn him the position of Iran’s leader until his death in 1989.

The revolution he led transformed Iran into a state where religious identity is paramount. The shift from a secularizing monarchy to an Islamic Republic meant profound changes in law, education, social norms, and foreign policy. The suppression of Western cultural influence, the enforcement of Islamic dress codes, and the reorientation of the justice system towards Sharia law were all direct consequences of his vision. This complete societal overhaul demonstrates the pervasive influence of Khomeini and how did Khomeini change Iran from its very core.

An Enduring Theocratic State

The enduring legacy of Khomeini is the establishment of a unique theocratic system that has proven remarkably resilient. While it has faced internal dissent and external pressures, the framework he laid down remains largely intact. The concept of the Supreme Leader, the Guardian Council, and the Revolutionary Guard are all institutions that owe their existence and power to Khomeini's revolutionary vision. This institutionalization of religious authority ensures that the principles of the Islamic Revolution continue to guide Iran's governance and societal direction.

Post-Khomeini Iran: A Glimmer of Change?

Fortunately, Khomeini died at the beginning of the ‘90s, in June 1989, and Iran began to change its political stance with the coming of a hopefully more moderate president, Mohammad Khatami, in 1997. His death marked the end of an era of absolute revolutionary fervor and ushered in a period where various factions within the Islamic Republic began to debate the future direction of the country.

While the core principles of the Islamic Republic remained, subsequent leaders and political movements have navigated the complexities of governance, economic development, and international relations with varying degrees of pragmatism. The post-Khomeini era has seen periods of reformist pushes and conservative backlashes, reflecting the ongoing internal struggle over the interpretation and implementation of Khomeini's legacy. This dynamic illustrates that while Khomeini fundamentally changed Iran, the nation continues to evolve within the framework he established.

Conclusion: A Revolution Redefined

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's leadership irrevocably altered Iran, transforming it from a monarchy with secular aspirations into a unique Islamic Republic. His vision, fueled by deep religious conviction and strategic political maneuvering, led to a complete overhaul of the nation's political, social, and cultural fabric. From condemning the Shah's reforms and enduring exile to mobilizing millions and declaring an Islamic state, Khomeini's journey reshaped Iran's destiny.

The changes he spearheaded, including the establishment of theocratic governance, the suppression of Western influences, and a confrontational foreign policy, continue to define modern Iran. Understanding how did Khomeini change Iran is crucial for comprehending the country's current trajectory, its internal dynamics, and its role on the global stage. While the post-Khomeini era has seen attempts at moderation, the foundational changes he enacted remain the bedrock of the Islamic Republic.

What are your thoughts on Khomeini's enduring legacy? Share your perspectives in the comments below, and don't forget to explore our other articles on the history and politics of the Middle East.

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Khomeini's Legacy: How He Fundamentally Changed Iran