Breaking History The Making of Modern Iran (Part 2) | The Red-Green Alliance
Jan 14, 2026
Join historian Abbas Milani, director of Iranian studies at Stanford, as he dives into the pivotal moments leading to Iran's 1979 revolution. He explores Ayatollah Khomeini's evolution from exile in France to revolutionary leader, examining the complex Red-Green Alliance between Islamists and leftists. Milani also discusses Khomeini's use of media, the West's romanticization of him, and the immediate consequences of his rise, including the clampdown on rights and the export of revolution across the Middle East.
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Anti-Imperialism As A Unifying Frame
- Khomeini framed his movement as anti-imperialist and linked it to the Palestinian cause to attract broad support.
- Demonizing Israel and Western influence helped him win both domestic followers and Western leftist sympathy.
Pakravan's Lunches With Khomeini
- SAVAK director Hassan Pakravan treated Khomeini with dignity and even lunched weekly with him in 1963 to divert him from politics.
- Pakravan later paid with his life after the revolution despite his earlier restraint and dialogue.
Tapes Turn Exile Into Command Center
- Khomeini innovated with mass communication by recording sermons and distributing tapes across Iran, creating a ready network for mobilization.
- That media strategy turned his exile into a remote command center that could direct strikes and protests.
