Skip to content
PodcastMentions
Back to search
The Rest Is History artwork
The Rest Is HistoryJanuary 19, 2026

636. Revolution in Iran: Fall of the Shah (Part 1)

About This Episode
Why did the Iranian Revolution erupt in 1979? What was the nature of the relationship between President Carter and the ostentatious Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi? And, who was the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, a man whose militant vision for Iran would see it drastically remade? Join Dominic and Tom, as they launch into one of the most dramatic stories of all time, with such far reaching consequences, that they still reverberate across the Middle East today: the Islamic Revolution. As they delve into the events that set this cataclysmic event in motion, they will bring to life the three men at the heart of it all. _______ Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at therestishistory.com For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Video Editors: Jack Meek + Harry Swan Social Producer: Harry Balden Producers: Tabby Syrett & Aaliyah Akude
Book Mentions
3 book mentions in this episode.
Jump to books
Tip: Click “Mentioned at …” to copy a timestamp.
Tip: Click a cover image to open a book link.

Books Mentioned

Shahnameh cover
Shahnameh
Ferdowsi

The great epic of Iran, Ferdowsi's Shahnameh, I mean, it's literally the book of Kings. So when the Shah stands up there, he is, I think, correctly conscious of himself as the heir of thousands of years of rule by monarchs.

Click the book cover image to open the affiliate link.
Apocalyptic Islam and Iranian Shiaism cover

The book discusses the apocalyptic battle that will be initiated as a result of Hussein's death, which is significant in Shia Islam.

ASIN: 1845119819
Buy on Amazon
Click the book cover image to open the affiliate link.
A Brilliant Book on the Iranian Revolution cover

The historian Michael Axworthy, who's written a brilliant book on the Iranian revolution, says actually almost all these reports probably exaggerated and it might have been like five people.

ASIN: B07TKCGR4S
Buy on Amazon
Click the book cover image to open the affiliate link.