Military defections accelerate the monarchy's collapse

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.

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

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.

Senior commanders announced that the military would not continue defending the royal government, removing its final institutional support.