Air Force technicians side with the revolution

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

Bazargan was asked to form a provisional government and organize the transition to a new republic.

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.

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

Revolutionaries and neighborhood groups moved toward the base, built barricades and sought weapons.

The conflict showed that the command structure could no longer rely on unquestioned obedience from all ranks.

The royal government attempted to confine residents indoors and regain control through martial-law powers.

The instruction turned mass presence in the streets into a decisive test of revolutionary authority.