The Siahkal guerrilla attack takes place

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.

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.

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

The Shah hosted foreign rulers at lavish ceremonies marking 2,500 years of monarchy while many Iranians faced poverty and political repression.

Revolutionary critics contrasted the expensive celebration with rural deprivation, inequality and dependence on foreign powers.

The Shah’s government executed leading members of the organization after military trials, deepening the movement’s culture of martyrdom.

The executions weakened the organization but spread its synthesis of Islam, social justice and anti-imperialism among radical youth.