Mass Protests Begin
Widespread protests against the Shah's regime began, fueled by economic hardships, political repression, and a desire for greater religious freedom. These protests set the stage for the eventual revolution.
1978
1979
Overthrow of the Shah
On January 16, 1979, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi fled Iran, leading to the collapse of the Pahlavi dynasty. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returned from exile and assumed leadership.
1979
Establishment of the Islamic Republic
Following a national referendum, the Islamic Republic of Iran was officially established on April 1, 1979, with Ayatollah Khomeini as its Supreme Leader.
1979
U.S. Embassy Hostage Crisis
On November 4, 1979, Iranian militants seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, taking 52 American hostages. This crisis lasted 444 days and significantly impacted U.S.-Iran relations.
1980
Iran-Iraq War Begins
In September 1980, Iraq invaded Iran, marking the beginning of a brutal eight-year conflict that resulted in significant loss of life and economic damage for both countries.
1988
End of Iran-Iraq War
The Iran-Iraq War ended in August 1988 with a United Nations-brokered ceasefire. The war left deep scars on Iran's infrastructure and population.
1989
Death of Ayatollah Khomeini
Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, passed away on June 3, 1989. He was succeeded by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as Supreme Leader.
1997
Election of Mohammad Khatami
Mohammad Khatami was elected President of Iran in a landslide victory, ushering in a period of reform and attempts to improve relations with the West.
2002
Axis of Evil Speech
In January 2002, U.S. President George W. Bush labeled Iran as part of an "Axis of Evil," escalating tensions between the two countries.
2005
Election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was elected President of Iran, marking a return to more conservative policies and increased tension with Western nations over Iran's nuclear program.
2009
Green Movement Protests
Following the disputed re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, massive protests, known as the Green Movement, erupted across Iran, demanding political reform and greater freedoms.
2013
Election of Hassan Rouhani
Hassan Rouhani was elected President of Iran, promising to improve the economy and engage in diplomatic efforts to resolve the nuclear issue.
2015
Iran Nuclear Deal
In July 2015, Iran reached an agreement with world powers, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), to limit its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.
2018
U.S. Withdrawal from JCPOA
In May 2018, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of the United States from the JCPOA, leading to the re-imposition of sanctions on Iran.
2020
Assassination of Qasem Soleimani
On January 3, 2020, Iranian General Qasem Soleimani was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad, escalating tensions between Iran and the United States.
2021
Election of Ebrahim Raisi
Ebrahim Raisi was elected President of Iran in June 2021, signaling a potential shift towards more hardline policies.
2023
Nuclear Negotiations Resume
In 2023, efforts to revive the JCPOA resumed, with ongoing negotiations between Iran and world powers aimed at resolving the nuclear dispute.
