Forty years ago, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini spearheaded an Islamic Revolution that deposed Iran's shah. The country's authoritarian monarchy was replaced by a repressive theocracy, and almost overnight, Iran was transformed from a crucial U.S. ally to bitter foe.
In Pictures: Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution
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Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini arrives in Tehran on February 1, 1979. Some 120 journalists accompanied him on the flight from Paris. Although Iran's U.S.-backed Shah had already fled the country, Khomeini's return from exile is often seen as the true start of Iran's Islamic revolution.
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Khomeini was heavily guarded as he tried to leave the airport for his ride through Tehran to visit Behesht-e Zahra cemetery.
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Supporters lined the streets for Khomeini's motorcade to Behesht-e Zahra cemetery.
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Khomeini delivers a speech at the Behesht-e Zahra cemetery after his return from exile.