Anti-imperialism becomes central to Khomeini’s message

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.

Revolutionary supporters treated the immunity law as proof that the monarchy placed foreign personnel above Iranian law.

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.

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.

From the Iraqi centre of Shi‘i learning, he rebuilt teaching and political communication with Iran.

Students and visitors carried statements, books and recorded sermons from Khomeini’s circle into Iran.