Khomeini appoints Mehdi Bazargan prime minister

The return of well-known prisoners reminded the public of SAVAK, military trials and the suppression of organized opposition.

After more than fourteen years in exile, Khomeini landed at Mehrabad Airport and was welcomed by immense crowds.

The public reception demonstrated the scale of revolutionary mobilization and Khomeini's central symbolic authority.

At the graves of those killed in the struggle, he honored the martyrs and rejected the legitimacy of the Bakhtiar government.

Revolutionary leadership moved from exile to Tehran while the royal government retained offices but rapidly lost popular authority.

Bazargan's appointment joined the Islamic leadership with a veteran nationalist and supporter of Mossadegh.

Bakhtiar still headed the royal cabinet, while the revolutionary movement recognized Bazargan's provisional government.

The provisional administration was expected to hold a referendum, prepare constitutional arrangements and restore basic government services.

Homafaran personnel declared support for Khomeini, revealing fractures inside the armed forces.

Fighting at the air-force base turned military division into open armed confrontation.