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The ayatollah is the religious title for an Islamic leader in Iran. For 25 years they opposed the Shah. In 1978 they succeeded in overthrowing the Shah of Iran.  In 1979, when the U.S.A. admitted the Shah for medical treatment, the ayatollahs led an attack on the U.S. embassy, causing the Iran Hostage Crisis.

"Ayatollah" is a religious title for a leader of Shia Muslims, and also function as the religious leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran. They historically opposed both the Qajar and Pahlevi dynasties in various ways. In 1978 they succeeded in overthrowing the Shah of Iran.  In 1979, when the U.S.A. admitted the Shah for medical treatment, the ayatollahs led an attack on the U.S. embassy, causing the Iran Hostage Crisis. The current Supreme Leader of Iran is Ayatollah Ali Khatami.