Iran (IMNA) – June 5, 2026, marks 62 years since the uprising of 15 Khordad 1342, a landmark event that continues to hold a prominent place in Iran’s collective memory. Across the country, ceremonies and commemorative events are being held to pay tribute to the protesters who challenged the rule of the Pahlavi monarchy and laid the foundations for a revolutionary movement that culminated in the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979.
The uprising emerged amid growing public dissatisfaction with the policies of the Pahlavi regime, particularly reforms introduced under the so-called “White Revolution” in the early 1960s. The reform package, launched under Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and supported by Western powers, including the United States and Britain, faced opposition from many religious scholars and traditional sectors of society, who viewed it as incompatible with Islamic values and national independence.
A leading voice of opposition was Imam Ruhollah Khomeini, the prominent religious authority whose speeches and sermons criticized the Shah’s policies and warned against what he described as increasing foreign influence in Iran. His remarks during a speech delivered on the afternoon of Ashura, June 3, 1963, sharply condemned the government and compared the Shah to Yazid, a figure associated with tyranny in Islamic history.
Two days later, security forces arrested Imam Khomeini at his residence in Qom, an action that triggered widespread demonstrations across the country. News of the arrest quickly spread, prompting tens of thousands of people to take to the streets in Tehran, Qom, Shiraz, Mashhad, Varamin and other cities.
The protesters, including bazaar merchants, students, clerics and ordinary citizens, voiced opposition to the Shah and expressed support for the detained religious leader. The government responded with force as military and police units moved to suppress the demonstrations. Reports indicate that troops opened fire on unarmed crowds, while tanks were deployed in parts of Tehran. In Varamin, residents who marched toward the capital in support of Imam Khomeini were also met with violence.
Although the exact number of casualties remains disputed, thousands were reportedly killed or wounded, while many others were arrested during the crackdown. Despite the heavy suppression, the events of 15 Khordad marked the beginning of a new phase of political resistance in Iran.
Historians and political observers regard the uprising as a significant ideological and political shift, as it demonstrated the ability of religious leadership to mobilize large segments of society against the ruling establishment. Following the uprising, Imam Khomeini became the central symbol of opposition to the monarchy, a role that continued even after his subsequent exile.
The movement inspired the growth of politically active religious groups and contributed to the formation of a broader nationwide struggle that expanded over the following 16 years. The Islamic Republic officially recognizes 15 Khordad as the birth of the Islamic Revolution and a defining moment in the country's modern political history.
More than six decades later, the uprising remains an important symbol of resistance, sacrifice and national determination. Each year, officials, scholars and citizens gather to commemorate the anniversary, honor the victims and reflect on the principles associated with the movement, including independence, national sovereignty, Islamic identity and opposition to oppression.
As Iran marks the anniversary of the 15 Khordad Uprising, the event continues to be remembered as a historic milestone that reshaped the country's political trajectory and left a lasting impact on its contemporary identity.
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