Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's return to Tehran was a dramatic culmination of the anti-monarchial protests that swept Iran during the late 1970s. After nearly 15 years of exile, primarily in France, Khomeini was greeted by massive crowds of supporters at the Tehran International Airport on February 1, 1979. His arrival came at a time of significant turmoil in Iran; the Pahlavi monarchy, headed by Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, was on the verge of collapse due to widespread civil discontent, protests, and strikes that had gripped the nation for over a year. Khomeini had become a symbol of resistance against the Shah's regime, advocating for an Islamic government based on Shia principles. His return signaled the end of the Shah's rule and the beginning of a transition towards a new political order.

Khomeini's lengthy exile in France allowed him to articulate and refine his opposition to the Shah, leveraging the platform of media and international attention to rally support among diverse Iranian groups. Upon his arrival, he urged unity among various factions of the opposition and called for the establishment of an Islamic Republic. His message resonated deeply, and he quickly became the face of the revolution as millions of Iranians poured into the streets in celebration. This significant moment not only signaled the fall of the Pahlavi dynasty but also the recent shift towards a theocratic regime rooted in Islamic governance under Khomeini’s leadership.

The rapid transition saw the abdication of the Shah later in the month, leading to Khomeini's official rise to power. Over the coming months, Iran would declare itself an Islamic Republic, fundamentally altering the political, social, and cultural landscape of the country. Khomeini's return served as a beacon of hope for his supporters and a stark warning to those aligned with the old regime. The transformation of Iran's political structure would resonate beyond its borders, influencing Islamist movements worldwide.