The government's brutal crackdown on dissent only fueled the flames of rebellion, leading to escalating violence and chaos. Khomeini, who had been living in exile in Iraq and later France, returned to Iran in February 1979 to lead the revolution to its ultimate victory. On February 11, 1979, the Shah fled the country, marking the end of his reign and the beginning of a new era in Iranian history. Khomeini and his supporters moved quickly to establish an Islamic republic based on the principles of Shia Islam, with Khomeini as the country's Supreme Leader. The new government embarked on a program of radical social and economic reforms, including the nationalization of key industries, redistribution of land to peasants, and the establishment of Islamic courts and institutions.
