Intelligence Squared What was the Iranian Revolution really about? With Scott Anderson
Nov 3, 2025
Scott Anderson, a veteran foreign reporter and contributing writer for The New York Times, delves into the dramatic events surrounding the 1979 Iranian Revolution and the Shah’s downfall in his new book, King of Kings. He shares fascinating insights on the small inner circle that shaped the Shah’s fate and the warnings ignored by important figures like Farah Pahlavi. Discussing U.S. misinterpretations and the revolution’s far-reaching global consequences, Anderson reflects on the enduring complexity of Iran and its evolving identity in the current geopolitical landscape.
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Shah's Humiliation In Washington
- Scott Anderson witnessed the Shah's 1977 Washington visit which many credit as the revolution's starting point.
- That public humiliation on Iranian TV sparked major domestic demonstrations within days.
Tiny Inner Circle Around The Shah
- The Shah relied mainly on two intimate advisers: Asadollah Alam and his wife Farah.
- Alam died early in the revolution and Farah sometimes foresaw street sentiment better than the Shah.
Farah's Warnings And Emotional Honesty
- Farah Pahlavi warned the Shah years before the revolution that people were 'getting tired of us.'
- She later admitted to saving herself and the court in meetings that condemned loyal, honest ministers.
