Iran Video

History of Iran

The Iranian political system After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iranians approved in a referendum a new constitution for a hybrid political system which combines elements of democracy with unelected religious leadership.

Middle East - Timeline: US-Iran ties 1953 US and British intelligence services engineer a coup in which Iranian military officers depose Prime Minister Muhammad Mussadeqh, a leading exponent of nationalizing the oil industry, and taking control of the industry away from the British. 1979 16 January - US-backed Shah of Iran forced to leave the country after widespread demonstrations and strikes. 1979 1 February - Islamic religious leader Ayatollah Khomeini returns from exile and takes effective power