Capitulation becomes a symbol of lost sovereignty

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.

His return demonstrated that detention had increased rather than eliminated his authority among religious and bazaar networks.

Legislation extended legal immunities to American military personnel and advisers. Opponents called it capitulation because Iranian courts lost jurisdiction.

In a major speech, he declared the measure a humiliation of Iran and accused the Shah’s government of subordinating the country to the United States.

The speech connected Islamic independence, national dignity and resistance to American influence.

Security forces seized him in Qom and deported him to Turkey, attempting to separate the opposition leader from his Iranian networks.

Exile ended Khomeini’s direct presence in Iran but gave his opposition a powerful narrative of sacrifice and resistance.

He began exile under restrictions in Bursa, continuing religious study and communication with followers.