Special Features of The ManilaTimes: Achievements of the Islamic Revolution of Iran: Progress, developments in the 46 years following the revolution

THE victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran on Feb. 11 1979 — under the leadership of Imam Khomeini and through the sacrifices of the noble Iranian people — marked a decisive turning point in Irans history with a heritage spanning over 4000 years. The revolution aimed to establish political independence and create a justice-oriented society. Nearly half a century after this great transformation Iran — under the wise guidance of Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and the leadership of presidents including His Excellency Dr. Pezeshkian president of the Islamic Republic of Iran — had achieved remarkable progress in the political economic scientific industrial cultural and social fields

THE victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran on Feb. 11, 1979 — under the leadership of Imam Khomeini and through the sacrifices of the noble Iranian people — marked a decisive turning point in Iran's history with a heritage spanning over 4,000 years.

The revolution aimed to establish political independence and create a justice-oriented society. Nearly half a century after this great transformation, Iran — under the wise guidance of Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and the leadership of presidents, including His Excellency Dr. Pezeshkian, president of the Islamic Republic of Iran — had achieved remarkable progress in the political, economic, scientific, industrial, cultural and social fields.

This article would explore Iran's accomplishment from the Islamic Revolution to the present day.

Political development:

Following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Islamic Republic of Iran ensured the comprehensive engagement of the Iranian people in all areas of their lives.

The Islamic Revolution established a system that is founded on religious democracy. The Islamic Republic enabled the Iranian people to participate in determining the country's destiny, including the election of the president, members of parliament, council members of assembly of experts and others.

On average, one election is held annually, underscoring the political growth and development of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Political independence and regional role:

Following the revolution, Iran became an independent system that is based on Islamic and national principles. One of the fundamental principles of the Islamic Revolution was the policy of neither East nor West, which meant rejecting dependence on global power blocs. This policy empowered the Islamic Republic of Iran to make decisions autonomously, based on its own national interests and security. In foreign policy, Iran played a significant role in key regional and international issues and participated in resolving regional crises.

Following the revolution, Iran emerged as one of the leading powers in Western Asia. The Islamic Republic of Iran has played an active role in the fight against terrorist groups such as Alqaeda, ISIS as well as the war on drugs, losing many martyrs in the process. Through these efforts, Iran made a significant contribution to global security.

As one of the largest regional powers in the Persian Gulf, Iran worked to maintain security in this strategic region. Initiatives such as the Hormuz Peace endeavor, presented by the Islamic Republic of Iran, sought to promote regional security.

Following the Islamic Revolution, Iran faced extensive sanctions and pressure from some Western countries, particularly in the economic and defense sectors. However, Iran managed to counter these unjust and unfair sanctions by focusing on domestic capabilities.

Relying on internal resources and the development of economic infrastructure, the Islamic Republic of Iran achieved self-sufficiency in many areas. Despite economic pressures, Iran maintained its foreign policy principles and continued to prioritize independence in its approach to international relations.

After the Islamic Revolution, Iran became an influential player in international relations. The Islamic Republic of Iran had been actively participating in regional and international organizations such as the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Economic Cooperation Organization, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and Brics. Through active and multilateral diplomacy, Iran became a key player in resolving regional crises, particularly in areas such as energy, security and humanitarian issues.

Scientific and technological advancements:

One of the most significant transformations in Iran since the revolution had been the rapid growth of science and technology. Iran had been among the leading countries in scientific production within the region and also the globe.

According to reputable global scientific databases, Iran made remarkable progress in fields such as nanotechnology, biotechnology and physics, ranking among the top 20 countries worldwide in scientific publications.

The Islamic Republic of Iran joined the global space community by designing and launching several satellites, including Omid, Navid and Zafar. These accomplishment showcased Iran's proficiency in developing advanced space technologies.

Iran became one of the world's leading countries in nanotechnology and biotechnology. Advanced pharmaceutical products, medical equipment and the production of new materials through nanotechnology were among the notable achievements in these fields.

The development of peaceful nuclear technology had been another significant achievement for Islamic Republic of Iran. The production of radiopharmaceuticals, the development of nuclear power plants, and related technologies in medicine and energy were major applications of this technology.

Economic and infrastructure developmen:

Since the Islamic Revolution, the Islamic Republic of Iran implemented various programs to develop its economic infrastructure. As one of the largest producers of oil and gas, Iran had been able to create a value-added chain by expanding the capacities of refineries and petrochemical industries.

The construction of highways, the expansion of railway lines, and the improvement of strategic ports were among Iran's major infrastructure achievements. By focusing on domestic industries, Iran was able to meet a large portion of its needs.

Social and cultural achievements:

The Islamic Revolution had a profound impact on social justice and the expansion of social services. The literacy rate, which was approximately 47 percent at the time of the revolution, has risen to around 98 percent.

Access to basic health services in under privileged areas dramatically improved, and the presence of women in scientific, political and cultural fields significantly increased. Today, Iranian women continue to excel in various scientific and sports fields at the international level.

Following the revolution, investments in underprivileged areas led improved access to education, health care and welfare services. The tourism industry in the Islamic of Iran had a high growth and development, and Iran is one of the safest countries in the region for foreign tourists with its ancient and natural attraction.

Defense achievements:

After the revolution, the Islamic Republic of Iran achieved self-sufficiency in the defense sector. The production of advanced missiles, defense systems, drones and modern military equipment made Iran one of the most advanced defense powers in the region.

By utilizing domestic technologies, Iran safeguarded its security and territorial integrity in the face of foreign threats. It is clear that these technologies are not intended to target any other country. However in the event of aggression against Iran's territorial integrity and national security — according to International law — the Islamic Republic's armed forces will respond firmly.

Conclusion:

Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Islamic Republic of Iran has made significant progress in various political, scientific, technological, economic, social and defense fields, despite facing numerous challenges and hardships.

In spite of some Western countries sanctions and pressure, the Islamic Republic of Iran became a rising power in the region, leveraging its internal resources and skilled human capital to elevate its standing — both regionally and globally.

The future of the Islamic Republic of Iran as it continues on this path, while maintaining mutual respectful relations with all governments, promises a bright outlook for further development and progress.

Source: https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/02/06/supplements/progress-developments-in-the-46-years-following-the-revolution/2050711