Velayat-e faqih is embedded in the constitution

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 leadership change strengthened the influence of the Islamic Republican Party in state-building.

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

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.

Many supporters feared that asylum for the Shah could precede another foreign-backed attempt to reverse the revolution.

Revolutionary groups called for trial of the former monarch and restitution of wealth they said had been taken from Iran.