Beheshti succeeds him on the Revolutionary Council

Members sought different ways to combine elections, representative institutions and religious leadership.

The emerging constitution addressed public ownership, protection of the oppressed and rejection of foreign domination.

The prominent anti-Shah cleric, former political prisoner and advocate of popular councils died unexpectedly.

Large crowds honored a leader respected across religious, nationalist and left currents of the revolution.

Taleghani had emphasized shura, social justice and dialogue among competing political tendencies.

The completed text differed substantially from the provisional government's earlier proposal.

The leading jurist received extensive supervisory authority as guardian of the revolution's Islamic direction.

The draft included a president, parliament, referendums and councils alongside religious oversight.

The document rejected foreign control and declared support for the struggles of oppressed peoples.

Washington allowed the former monarch to enter despite repeated Iranian warnings and demands for accountability.