Fallaci Challenges Khomeini, Removes Chador in Landmark 1979 Interview

In a historic and highly confrontational interview in September 1979, Italian journalist Oriana Fallaci directly challenged Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the then-leader of Iran, culminating in her dramatic removal of the chador she was compelled to wear. The encounter, which took place in the holy city of Qom, underscored Fallaci's fearless journalistic approach and provided a rare glimpse into Khomeini's character shortly after the Iranian Revolution.

Fallaci, renowned for her probing and often aggressive interview style with world leaders, spent ten days awaiting the audience with the 79-year-old Ayatollah. The interview, conducted in the Faizeyah religious school where Khomeini held audiences, began with Fallaci, barefoot and enveloped in a chador, questioning the nature of his rule.

The journalist wasted no time in confronting Khomeini, stating, "Forgive me if I insist, Imam Khomeini. I meant that today, in Iran, you raise fear, and many people call you a dictator. The new dictator, the new boss. The new master. How do you comment on that? Does it sadden you, or don't you care?" Khomeini responded by denying the accusation, stating it was "unjust and unhuman to call me a dictator," and attributed such claims to "wickedness" from enemies.

The most striking moment occurred when Fallaci challenged the mandatory chador for women. She questioned its practicality, remarking, "They have to take a dip apart in their chadors. By the way, how do you swim in a chador?" Khomeini retorted, "Our customs are none of your business. If you do not like Islamic dress, you ’re not obliged to wear it because Islamic dress is for good and proper young women."

In a bold act of defiance, Fallaci immediately responded, “That ’s very kind of you. And since you said so, I ’m going to take off this stupid, medieval rag right now." She then removed the chador, prompting Khomeini to rise "like a young cat" and leave the room, temporarily ending the interview. Despite the abrupt halt, Khomeini returned the following day for a second session, a testament to Fallaci's tenacious journalism and the interview's profound impact. The exchange remains a powerful symbol of journalistic courage in the face of authoritarian power.