The armed forces declare neutrality

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.

The last royal prime minister went into hiding as ministries, barracks and broadcasting facilities passed to revolutionary forces.

The fall of the Pahlavi state ended the monarchy and is commemorated in Iran as the victory of the Islamic Revolution.

Committees took responsibility for security, food distribution and administration during the collapse of the old state.

The Palestinian leader became the first prominent foreign guest after the revolution's victory.

The visit symbolized a foreign policy shift from alliance with Israel under the Shah toward support for Palestinian liberation.