Khomeini is arrested and exiled

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.

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

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.

In Najaf he set out the argument that qualified Islamic jurists should exercise political guardianship rather than accept monarchy.