Mohammad Reza instituted reforms but presided over a tumultuous period. Discontent with his policies sparked rioting, allowing Ruhollah Khomeini to assume control in February 1979. That November, militants seized the U.S. embassy in Tehrān, took American hostages, and demanded Mohammad Reza’s extradition from the U.S. in return for their release. The U.S. rejected the demand.
Discover