Everything Everywhere Daily: The Iranian Revolution

Host: Gary Arndt
Date: February 3, 2026

Overview

In this episode, Gary Arndt presents a concise yet sweeping history of the Iranian Revolution of 1979. He traces the deep roots of the revolution, exploring Iran's transformations throughout the 20th century, the pivotal moments leading up to the fall of the Shah, and the establishment of the Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Khomeini. Gary highlights the enduring impact of the revolution, framing it as one of the most significant events of the 20th century.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Foreign Influence and the Roots of Discontent

• Partitioning of Iran
  • In 1907, Britain and Russia divided Iran into spheres of influence, undermining its sovereignty and access to its resources.
  • This followed the 1906 Constitutional Revolution, which briefly established a parliament (Majlis) to limit monarchical power.
  • [03:15] “Britain and Russia divided Iran into spheres of influence, ending Persian control over its own natural resources.”
• Oil Discovery and Impact
  • The British discovery of oil in 1908 marked the beginning of extensive foreign economic control.
  • This set the stage for a persistent resentment over “violations of Persia’s sovereignty and resources.”

2. Rise and Rule of the Pahlavi Dynasty

• Transition from Qajar to Pahlavi
  • Following the devastation of WWI and occupation by foreign forces, the Qajar dynasty fell, and Reza Khan Pahlavi seized power (1925), initiating an authoritarian and modernization-focused regime.
  • In 1935, the country's name officially changed from Persia to Iran.
  • [05:22] “The Pahlavi dynasty changed Persia's name to Iran in 1935 … to help establish an independent nation free of colonial subjugation.”
• Westernization and Wealth Disparities
  • The Pahlavi Shahs prioritized modernization and forged closer ties with Western nations, especially in the oil sector, enriching the elite while fueling popular nationalist sentiments.

3. The Constitutional Struggle and Operation Ajax

• Mosaddegh’s Rise and Nationalization Efforts
  • In 1951, Mohammad Mosaddegh became Prime Minister and pushed for oil nationalization, gaining support from the “Bazaari” merchant class and threatening Western interests.
  • [09:00] “Mosaddegh's power and influence surged … His strongest allies were the Bizarists, a powerful class of merchants and traders in Iran.”
• CIA/MI6-Led Coup
  • In 1953, the U.S. and Britain orchestrated Operation Ajax to oust Mosaddegh, restoring the Shah’s power and suppressing democratic movements.
  • [11:13] “Along with the backing of the United States and Great Britain, the CIA and MI6 launched Operation Ajax … which was a plot to remove Mosaddegh and to re-establish the autocracy of the Shah.”

4. The Seeds of Revolution

• Return to Authoritarianism
  • Post-coup, the Shah ramped up modernization and foreign investment but failed to bridge inequality, allowing nationalism to fester.
  • White Revolution (1961-1963): Land reforms and modernization intended to placate opposition but alienated both traditionalists and merchants.
  • [16:44] “These reforms, known as the White Revolution, had far-reaching effects on the Iranian people.”

5. Ayatollah Khomeini and Religious Nationalism

• Khomeini’s Early Opposition and Arrest
  • Khomeini publicly denounced the Shah in 1963, was arrested, and subsequently became a unifying symbol for various opposition groups.
  • [14:02] “Khomeini was a charismatic Islamic cleric who transformed discontent with the Shah's government into a movement based on Islamic nationalism.”
• Exile and Growing Influence
  • Exiled but not silenced, Khomeini’s image and sermons increasingly appeared in Iran’s bazaars, amplifying his influence.
  • [19:00] "His exile only added to his growing fame. His picture began to appear in Iranian bazaars, a key sign of shifting popular opinion."

6. The Final Collapse

• Economic Crisis and Crackdown
  • By the mid-1970s, oil windfalls failed to benefit the general populace; food shortages, wealth inequality, and inflation fueled anger.
  • The Shah’s cancer diagnosis (1974) left a power vacuum.
  • [23:31] “The Shah was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer in 1974 and his health was starting to fail.”
• Khomeini’s Propaganda
  • Smuggled audio cassette sermons allowed Khomeini to bypass state media, inspiring larger uprisings.
  • The movement framed the struggle as a religious fight for Iran’s soul.
  • [25:31] “The Ayatollah began recording political sermons on audio cassettes… These cassettes were played in the bazaars and further accelerated the movement against the Shah.”
• 1978 Ashura Protests and the Shah’s Departure
  • December 1978 saw massive protests that paralyzed the country.
  • Early 1979: The Shah left Iran for medical treatment and never returned.

7. Establishment of the Islamic Republic

• Return of Khomeini & Monarchy’s End
  • Khomeini returned from exile on February 1, 1979; by February 11, his supporters had seized key institutions.
  • The military declared neutrality, sealing the revolution’s success.
• Referendum and the New Constitution
  • March 1979: Overwhelming vote for an Islamic Republic; Khomeini declared the new era on April 1, 1979.
  • Constitution centralized power around the Ayatollah under the concept of “guardianship of the Islamic jurist.”
  • [30:18] “On April 1, the Ayatollah declared the foundation of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Constitution of 1979 established a theocratic government based on the Ayatollah's concept of guardianship of the Islamic Jurist.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the depth of the revolution’s roots:
  “To understand the events of 1979, we have to go back to the beginning of the 20th century to examine the developments that led to the revolution.” [02:31]

• On Western interference:
  “Operation Ajax had spread unrest from the bazaars to the mosques throughout Iran and divided Mossadegh from the two most powerful forces in the country, the Bizarists and the Shiite clerics.” [12:50]

• Khomeini’s perspective:
  “We did not make the revolution for cheap melons, we made it for Islam.” [26:24]

• On the nature of revolutions:
  “The thing to remember in every revolution is that they're almost always against something, not for something. What replaces an unpopular system is often merely different, not necessarily better. The new power that replaces the old one may simply be better organized or more brutal than its competitors.” [32:08]

• On global significance:
  “In terms of global impact, for better or worse, the 1979 revolution ranks as one of the most significant events of the 20th century.” [32:34]

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------------| | 03:15 | Division of Iran and loss of sovereignty | | 05:22 | Establishment of the Pahlavi dynasty and name change | | 09:00 | Mosaddegh, oil nationalization, and Bazaari support | | 11:13 | Operation Ajax: The 1953 coup | | 16:44 | White Revolution and reforms | | 14:02 | Khomeini’s emergence as a leader | | 19:00 | Khomeini’s exile amplifies his fame | | 23:31 | Shah’s illness and waning authority | | 25:31 | Khomeini’s cassette campaign | | 26:24 | Khomeini’s quote on revolution’s aim | | 30:18 | Referendum and theocratic constitution | | 32:08 | Gary’s reflection on nature of revolutions | | 32:34 | Global significance of the revolution |

Episode Tone and Style

• Gary Arndt’s narration is direct, precise, and focused on delivering rich historical context with clear explanations.
• The storytelling is brisk but immersive, interspersed with memorable details and incisive reflections on the cyclical nature of power and revolution.

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a lucid exploration of Iran’s tumultuous evolution in the 20th century, illustrating how internal discontent and external interference converged to ignite the 1979 Revolution. It places the Iranian story in a global context and leaves listeners with a pointed reminder: revolutions are often reactions against rather than movements toward something, making their outcomes unpredictable and deeply consequential.