How did Iran’s armed forces help end the shah’s regime on February 11, 1979?

On February 11, 1979, Iran’s armed forces played a decisive role in the collapse of the shah’s regime by declaring their neutrality. This declaration effectively withdrew the military's support for the government of Prime Minister Shahpur Bakhtiar, who had been appointed by the shah shortly before his departure from the country in January.12

By choosing to remain neutral rather than intervening to suppress the massive, widespread demonstrations that had gripped the nation, the armed forces signaled the end of the monarchy's ability to maintain control. Following this announcement, Bakhtiar went into hiding, and the revolutionary movement led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini successfully consolidated power, leading to the formal establishment of an Islamic republic later that year.123