The constitution receives overwhelming official approval

Khomeini called for women and African-American captives to be freed unless accused of espionage.

Supporters presented the releases as solidarity with groups subjected to discrimination in the United States.

The limited release did not resolve the confrontation over the Shah, frozen assets and past U.S. intervention.

Daily mobilization around the embassy reinforced a political language of anti-imperialism and vigilance.

The two-day referendum asked citizens to approve the constitution drafted by the Assembly of Experts.

Nationalists, left organizations, Kurdish groups and some clerical supporters objected to the powers of velayat-e faqih or the political process.

Within one year Iran had overthrown monarchy, voted for a republic and ratified a new constitutional order.