June 5, 2025 marks the 61st anniversary of the historic uprising of 15 Khordad 1342 (June 5, 1963). This is a fork in modern Iranian history that continues to resonate deeply in the collective memories of the Iranian nation. On this stern opportunity, Iranians across the country pay tribute to the brave souls facing oppression, marking the beginning of the revolutionary path that ultimately led to the victory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979.
15 The Khordad uprising was not a voluntary or isolated event, but rather the culmination of the growth of the growing public opposition to the authoritarianism, westernization, and secular policies of the Pahlavi monarchy. In particular, it is an attack on religious systems and values. At the heart of the resistance stood Imam Ruhola Khomeini, a respected religious leader and marja.
In the early 1960s, the Pahlavi regime began a series of reforms known as the “white revolution” under the direct influence of Western countries, particularly the US and the UK. These so-called reforms were implemented regardless of Islamic principles or the will of the Iranian people.
Religious scholars, or ulamas, and traditional segments of society, viewed the White Revolution as an offensive attack on the state’s Islamic identity. Among the most vocal critics was Imam Khomeini, who warned that Shah’s policies had eroded the independence of the country and submitted it to foreign control under the guise of modernization.
His sermons and speeches, particularly the historic speech of Ashura’s afternoon (June 3, 1963), condemned the regime’s policies and likened the Shah to Yajid, a tyrant of early Islamic history. Just two days later, on June 5th, security forces stormed the house at QOM and arrested him. This is an act that sparked a voluntary, national uprising.
As news of Imam Khomeini’s arrest spread, tens of thousands of people took them to the streets of various cities, including Tehran, QOM, Shiraz, Mashhad and Balamin. Protesters, composed primarily of bazaar merchants, students, clergymen and ordinary citizens, chanted slogans against the Shah and supported the imprisoned clergy.
The response from the administration was cruel. The military and police fired fire at unarmed demonstrators. In Balamin, villagers marched to Tehran on a show in support of Imam Khomeini and encountered fatal violence. In Tehran, tanks rolled down the street. The exact number of victims remains unknown, but thousands have been reportedly killed or injured, and many more have been arrested.
The day ended with bloodshed, but it marked the beginning of a new era. 15 The Khordad uprising shows that the Iranian state no longer remains silent in the face of tyranny and foreign rule. It was a declaration of resistance that deeply shaking the foundations of the monarchy.
The uprising was heavily restrained, but it represents strong ideological and political change. For the first time, a movement led by religious leadership mobilized the masses to openly rebel against the regime. Imam Khomeini, despite being exiled shortly afterwards, became an indisputable symbol of this resistance.
15 Khordad was the moment when Islam and the revolution merged with Iran’s national consciousness. It influenced the rise of politically conscious religious movements and laid the foundation for a national struggle that would gain momentum over the next 16 years. The Islamic Republic of Iran officially considers 15 Khordad the day the Islamic Revolution really came to life.
15 The Khordad uprising remains the cornerstone of Iran’s modern identity. It teaches future generations the importance of being vigilant, sacrifice and standing in the face of oppression.
15 Remembering the martyrs of Khordad, the Iranians reaffirm their loyalty to the principles of the Islamic Revolution: resistance to independence, dignity, Islamic governance, and tyranny.
Every year at 15 Khordads, officials, scholars and citizens gather around the country to honor martyrs and reflect on the lessons of the uprising. Political and religious leaders reiterate the importance of martyrs defending the values they have given their lives: Islamic identity, national sovereignty, and resistance to injustice.
MNA/