Najaf becomes a centre for revolutionary messages

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.

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

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

The lectures linked opposition to imperialism and despotism with the construction of an Islamic state responsible for justice.

The lectures were later published and circulated clandestinely, giving supporters a more systematic political programme.

Armed leftist militants attacked a gendarmerie post, signalling a new phase of revolutionary opposition to the Shah beyond clerical networks.

Although militarily defeated, the action became a symbol for students and intellectuals who believed peaceful political activity had been closed.