Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi's departure from Iran was a culmination of escalating tensions that began brewing in the late 1970s. As an autocratic monarch, the Shah faced growing opposition from various social, political, and religious groups dissatisfied with his reign, characterized by political repression and Westernization attempts. The Iranian Revolution, primarily driven by the clerical opposition led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, gained significant momentum, leading to widespread protests and civil disobedience against the ruling regime.

In January 1979, as protests escalated and the situation became increasingly untenable, the Shah made the decision to leave Iran for good. Citing health reasons, he and his family departed to Egypt, a nation that had offered him refuge. His relocation was seen as a retreat from a rapidly destabilizing situation, which included a general strike and violent confrontations between revolutionaries and government forces. The Shah's departure was significant, as it not only marked the end of his nearly 40-year rule but also heralded the impending establishment of an Islamic republic, profoundly altering Iran's political landscape.

This unprecedented event led to the consolidation of power by revolutionary forces and the eventual return of Ayatollah Khomeini to Iran. The Shah's absence left a power vacuum that the revolutionaries exploited, leading to a complete overhaul of the political order and a shift towards theocracy. The implications of the flight extended beyond Iran, influencing regional dynamics and international relations, especially in the Middle East as many nations re-evaluated their diplomacy and foreign policy towards Iran and the Islamic movement.