Ayatollah Khomeini, the leader of the Iranian Revolution, was initially allowed into France in 1978 following his exile from Iran. This decision by the French government can be attributed to several factors: 1. Humanitarian concerns: At the time, Iran was embroiled in a widespread anti-government uprising, with Khomeini emerging as a prominent figure leading the opposition. France, as a country that historically valued human rights, freedom of expression, and asylum, allowed Khomeini to seek refuge in its territory. 2. Political calculations: France, under President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, saw an opportunity to cultivate better relations with Iran in a post-Shah era.
