Residents mobilize to defend the airmen

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.

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.

Armed groups and residents captured state facilities as units of the security apparatus surrendered or withdrew.

Neighborhood resistance and military defections made enforcement of royal orders increasingly impossible.