Security forces fire on demonstrators

Khomeini linked the monarchy to American and Israeli influence, presenting political resistance as both national and religious duty.

Large demonstrations used Shi‘i symbols of sacrifice and resistance to express opposition to the Shah.

Commandos seized Khomeini in Qom and transferred him to prison in Tehran after his Ashura speech.

News of Khomeini’s arrest triggered mass protests in Tehran, Qom, Varamin, Shiraz and other locations.

Merchants, workers and religious networks closed shops and joined demonstrations, showing the political power of bazaar-mosque organization.

Villagers and religious supporters from Varamin moved toward the capital and were confronted by security forces.

Women carried news, joined street demonstrations and sustained family and neighbourhood networks during the uprising.

Demonstrations persisted after the initial shootings while the government imposed tighter military control.

Supporters later described the uprising as the beginning of the movement that culminated in February 1979.

After months of imprisonment and house arrest, Khomeini returned to Qom and resumed public opposition.