Final answer:
Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini was the leader of the Iranian Revolution that ousted the Shah and championed the establishment of an Islamic republic, enforcing strict religious and social values. His leadership transformed Iran into a theocratic state. Khomeini's impact remained significant until his death in 1989, and the position of ayatollah as the Supreme Leader continues to shape Iran.
Step-by-step explanation:
The leader of the Iranian Revolution that led to the exile of the Shah and enforced strict social and religious values was Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Khomeini rose to prominence as a vocal critic of the Shah's modernization policies and his close ties with the U.S.
After being exiled in 1964, Khomeini continued to influence Iranian politics from abroad until his return in 1979, at which point he led Iran to become an Islamic republic through a new constitution that mandated all laws conform to Islamic law. Khomeini's rule was marked by the enforcement of strict religious and social practices consistent with his interpretation of Islam, and his leadership transformed Iran into a theocratic state with the clergy holding ultimate power.
During his rule, Khomeini faced significant opposition, including from the United States, which had supported the Shah and later backed Iraq in the Iran-Iraq War. Nevertheless, Khomeini's impact on Iran was lasting, and the Islamic republic, with the position of ayatollah as the Supreme Leader, remains in place to this day.
The Shah's attempts to westernize and modernize Iran, including efforts to emancipate women and his lavish lifestyle funded by U.S. aid, were factors that alienated both conservative and liberal Iranians, contributing to the revolution's success.