Ettela'at publishes an attack on Khomeini

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.

Carter’s endorsement demonstrated the strategic relationship linking arms sales, oil and regional security to the monarchy.

Seminary networks in Qom treated the article as an attack on both Khomeini and the independence of the religious establishment.

The article spread rapidly among students and clerics, helping turn outrage into organized protest.

Instead of isolating Khomeini, the publication renewed public attention to his opposition to monarchy and foreign domination.

Thousands protested the Ettela'at article and defended Khomeini, transforming a press controversy into open opposition to the monarchy.

Police opened fire during the Qom protest. The disputed death toll became less important politically than the shared memory of martyrdom.