Behind the Scenes: Iranian Leaders and the Women Beside Them

During his reign, Mohammad Reza maintained a close alliance with Western powers, especially the United States. However, his increasingly autocratic rule, reliance on the secret police (SAVAK), and alienation of both religious leaders and the general populace ultimately led to widespread unrest. The combination of political repression, economic disparity, and dissatisfaction with Western influence culminated in the 1979 Iranian Revolution, forcing the Shah into exile and ending the Pahlavi dynasty.