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Persia becomes Iran
Formerly known as Persia, Iran is adopted as the country’s official name. -
Reza Pahlavi named Shah
Reza Shah, who sides with Germans in the war, forced to abdicate by Allies. His son, Reza Pahlavi, named Shah. -
Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadeq is overthrown
Nationalist Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadeq is overthrown by the Shah with CIA backing. Shah put back in power. Shah implements massive modernization program which alienates many Iranians. -
Islamic Revolution
The Shah was overthrown by the Islamic Revolution ending 2,500 years of monarchy. -
Islamic Republic set up.
Ayatollah Khomeini returns from exile. Islamic republic set up. -
Islamic militants take 52 Americans hostage inside the US embassy in Tehran.
Islamic militants take 52 Americans hostage inside the US embassy in Tehran. They demand the extradition of the Shah, in the US at the time for medical treatment, to face trial in Iran. -
Start of Iran-Iraq war
Start of Iran-Iraq war which lasts for eight years. -
Period: to
Iran-Iraq War
Iran-Iraq war -
American Hostages Released
The American hostages are released ending 444 days in captivity. -
End of Iran-Iraq War
Iran accepts a ceasefire agreement with Iraq following negotiations in Geneva under the protection of the UN. -
President Khamene’i is appointed as new supreme leader.
Ayatollah Khomeini dies. On 4 June, President Khamene’i is appointed as new supreme leader. -
Iran remains neutral following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait.
Iran remains neutral following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. -
Major earthquake
A major earthquake strikes Iran, killing approximately 40,000 people. -
Iran and Iraq resume diplomatic ties.
Iran and Iraq resume diplomatic ties. -
US imposes oil and trade sanctions over Iran
US imposes oil and trade sanctions over Iran’s alleged sponsorship of “terrorism”, seeking to acquire nuclear arms and hostility to the Middle East process. Iran denies the charges.