Fresh Air: How The 1979 Revolution Transformed Iran Hosted by NPR's Terry Gross and Tonya Mosley
Introduction In the August 4, 2025 episode of Fresh Air, host Dave Davies engages in an in-depth conversation with veteran journalist Scott Anderson about his latest book, King of the Iranian Revolution: A Story of Hubris, Delusion, and Catastrophic Miscalculation. Anderson provides a gripping narrative of the 1979 Iranian Revolution, exploring how it shifted Iran from a U.S. ally under the Shah to an Islamic Republic antagonistic toward the United States.
Background on the Shah of Iran Anderson begins by painting a vivid picture of Iran before the revolution, under the rule of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The Shah sought to modernize Iran's economy and social structure while maintaining strict political control.
"He spent a long time early in his reign, from '41 to probably the mid-60s, first of all, really trying to cozy up to the Americans." (04:59)
Despite implementing progressive reforms—such as granting women the right to vote and initiating ambitious land reforms—the Shah's authoritarian regime fostered significant political repression. However, unlike some other Middle Eastern dictatorships, his government often opted to buy loyalty rather than brutally suppress dissent.
Economic Disparities and Social Tensions The Shah's ambitious economic plans led to considerable oil wealth, which starkly contrasted with the widespread poverty, especially outside Tehran.
"There was a tremendous disparity between the haves and the have nots." (07:47)
Rapid urbanization saw a flood of uneducated young men moving into cities, leading to social unrest as traditional values clashed with the cosmopolitan lifestyle promoted by the Shah.
Emergence and Role of Ayatollah Khomeini A pivotal figure in the revolution was Ayatollah Khomeini, a conservative cleric who became the symbol of resistance against the Shah's secular policies. Anderson recounts a personal anecdote involving George Braswell, an American evangelist in Iran, who inadvertently encountered Khomeini's revolutionary messages:
"George... met with the dean of the School of Religion at Tehran University... one of his graduate students... played a tape where the person on the tape was saying, we have to start organizing for the revolution... that voice was Ayatollah Khomeini." (07:58)
Khomeini's exile did not diminish his influence; instead, his image as an incorruptible leader grew, especially in contrast to other clerics who were seen as too closely tied to the Shah's regime.
U.S. Policy and Missteps Anderson criticizes the U.S. State Department and intelligence community for their shallow understanding of Iran, leading to disastrous policy decisions. He narrates the case of Mike Matrenko, the American consul in Tabriz, who accurately reported signs of impending revolution but was ignored by his superiors.
"The CIA was spying on the southern Soviet Union... they never were doing any sort of domestic intelligence gathering." (13:32)
This ignorance was epitomized when a trove of Khomeini's sermons, captured by U.S. intelligence, was never reviewed or acted upon, leaving policymakers blind to the severity of the situation.
The Catalyst: Shah's Medical Visit to the U.S. A critical miscalculation occurred when President Carter allowed the Shah to enter the United States for medical treatment, despite repeated warnings from embassy officials about potential repercussions.
"What are you guys gonna tell me to do when they attack our embassy and take our people there hostage?" (32:28)
This decision directly led to the hostage crisis, as militant factions seized the U.S. embassy, taking American diplomats hostage for over 400 days. The timing of the Shah's illness and subsequent entry into the U.S. was perceived by Iranian revolutionaries as a betrayal, fueling anti-American sentiment.
Aftermath and Legacy The revolution's success led to the establishment of an Islamic Republic, which not only severed ties with the U.S. but also fostered regions of Islamic extremism like Hezbollah. Anderson draws connections between the revolution and later U.S. missteps in the Middle East, including the invasion of Iraq and ongoing conflicts in Syria.
"If the Shah had taken a Saddam Hussein or an Assad approach... he might have lasted a bit longer." (35:05)
He emphasizes that the revolution was not inevitable; rather, it was the result of a series of missteps by both the Shah and American policymakers.
Prospects for Change in Modern Iran Addressing the current state of Iran, Anderson notes that while the regime remains repressive, there are small openings for change. However, foreign interventions, such as bombings by Israel and the U.S., have reinforced nationalistic sentiments, making substantial reforms more challenging.
"There’s an element of freedom. There are elections... They have been quite clever in giving people just enough so that things don't blow up a little bit." (36:53)
Conclusion Scott Anderson's King of the Iranian Revolution offers a nuanced exploration of the factors leading to one of the 20th century's most significant geopolitical upheavals. By highlighting the interplay of internal dynamics and external miscalculations, Anderson provides valuable insights into how the 1979 revolution reshaped not only Iran but also the broader Middle Eastern landscape, with lasting implications for U.S. foreign policy.
Notable Quotes
- "He spent a long time early in his reign... really trying to cozy up to the Americans." – Scott Anderson (04:59)
- "There was a tremendous disparity between the haves and the have nots." – Scott Anderson (07:47)
- "What are you guys gonna tell me to do when they attack our embassy and take our people there hostage?" – President Carter (32:28)
Timestamp Reference:
- [04:59] – Shah's Early Reign and Relationship with the U.S.
- [07:47] – Economic Disparities in Iran
- [07:58] – Introduction to Khomeini through George Braswell
- [13:32] – U.S. Intelligence Failures
- [32:28] – Carter's Decision on the Shah's Medical Visit
- [35:05] – Potential Alternative Strategies for the Shah
- [36:53] – Current State and Prospects for Change in Iran