Concessions fail to halt revolutionary momentum

The regime and opposition blamed one another; uncertainty over responsibility became part of the political struggle.

Many revolution supporters believed the authorities were responsible or complicit, further weakening the monarchy's legitimacy.

The government changed leadership as protests and the Cinema Rex disaster deepened the national crisis.

The new prime minister presented himself as able to restore dialogue with religious leaders and the opposition.

The government reversed a controversial royal measure in an effort to signal respect for Islamic sensibilities.

Hundreds of thousands joined a peaceful procession that displayed the opposition's breadth and discipline.

Chants linked immediate political demands with recognition of Khomeini's leadership from exile.

The Eid procession transformed a religious gathering into a national demonstration against royal rule.

Women joined families, students and neighborhood groups, showing that the movement reached far beyond clerical institutions.

The announcement came too late for many demonstrators already moving toward Jaleh Square.