Ali Shariati dies in exile

From Najaf, he declared compulsory party membership illegitimate and urged Iranians not to cooperate with the one-party state.

Khomeini argued that forced membership violated both Islamic duty and the nation’s right to oppose tyranny.

Authorities announced that Bijan Jazani and eight others were shot while escaping; opponents believed SAVAK executed them deliberately.

The deaths became evidence for revolutionary movements that political prisoners could not obtain justice under the monarchy.

All candidates belonged to Rastakhiz, demonstrating the absence of meaningful electoral competition.

His interpretation of Shi‘ism as a struggle against oppression connected educated youth with anti-imperialist and social-justice politics.

Khomeini’s eldest son and close assistant died suddenly. Supporters widely suspected foul play, while the precise cause remained contested.

Mourning ceremonies across Iran allowed clerics, bazaaris, nationalists and religious activists to speak Khomeini’s name publicly and rebuild networks.

The memorial cycle helped transform scattered discontent into a movement that could use religious gatherings to evade state restrictions.

During a Tehran visit, Jimmy Carter celebrated the Shah’s leadership. Revolutionary supporters later cited the speech as evidence that Washington ignored repression to preserve an allied monarchy.