Khomeini emerged as the leading voice of opposition to the Shah's regime, drawing on his religious authority to mobilize a broad coalition of dissatisfied Iranians. His sermons and writings criticized the Shah's secularism, autocracy, and ties to Western powers, resonating with a population that felt marginalized and disenfranchised. Khomeini's message of social justice, Islamic governance, and national sovereignty struck a chord with millions of Iranians who felt that the Shah had betrayed their aspirations for a free and dignified life. The revolution began in earnest in 1978, when widespread protests erupted in cities across Iran.
