[3][4] In 1963 Mohammad Reza Shah announced a program of reform he labeled the White Revolution.

[5] Members of the Iranian clergy were angered by proposed land reforms and protested against these changes.

On 26 January 1963, he held a referendum to get the appearance of public support in which 5.6 million against 4.1 people vote for the reformation.

The referendum was a good excuse for the government to take tougher practical action against the clergy and on 22 March 1963, coinciding with the death day of Ja'far al-Sadiq, the Shah's guards attacked Feyziyeh School and kill students and people.

[9] On the afternoon of June 3, 1963, Ashura, Khomeini delivered a speech at the Feyziyeh school in which he denounced the Shah as a "wretched, miserable man", and warned him that if he did not change his ways the day would come when the people would offer up thanks for his departure from the country.