What was the main reason for the Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979?

The Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979 was predominantly driven by widespread opposition to Western influence and the authoritarian regime of the Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Many Iranians viewed the Shah's government as corrupt, repressive, and overly aligned with Western interests, particularly that of the United States, leading to resentment among various segments of society, including religious leaders, leftist groups, and those who felt marginalized by modernization efforts.

The Shah’s attempts at rapid modernization and secularization, part of the White Revolution, alienated traditionalists and the religious clergy, who saw these changes as undermining Islamic values and culture. Additionally, the repression of political dissent and the lack of democratic freedoms contributed to growing unrest. This coalition of disgruntled groups united under the banner of Islam, which provided both a framework for critique of the Shah and a vision for the future, thereby escalating public discontent into a full-scale revolution.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary motivations behind the revolution. While some might contend that economic issues played a role, they were often seen as a result of the Shah's policies, which many blamed on his Western ties rather than solely on his governance. The revolution was ultimately a significant clash between an established authoritarian regime and