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Hosseyn FardustGeneral of the Iranian Armed Forces
Country:
 Iran |
Content:
- Biography of General Hossein Fardust
- Friendship with the Shah and Role in Intelligence
- Head of Intelligence and Security
- Control Over Security Apparatus
- Imprisonment and Death
Biography of General Hossein Fardust
Early Life and Military CareerHossein Fardust was born in 1917 in Tehran to a sergeant in the Iranian gendarmerie. He attended Tehran's Military Elementary School and was selected to join the class organized in the shah's palace, where he studied alongside Crown Prince Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. A close friendship developed between them.
Friendship with the Shah and Role in Intelligence
In 1931, Fardust accompanied the prince to Rosey School in Switzerland. When the prince returned to Iran in 1936, Fardust continued his education at Tehran's Military School. After graduating, he held minor posts in Tehran while maintaining his close connection with Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. From 1958 to 1961, Fardust interned at the Special Bureau in London, providing daily reports to the queen and prime minister on international affairs.
Head of Intelligence and Security
Upon returning to Iran, Fardust established a similar bureau called "Daftar-e Vijeh." In 1961, he became deputy director of SAVAK, the Iranian intelligence and security agency. From 1972 onwards, he concurrently served as head of the Bureau of Imperial Inspection.
Control Over Security Apparatus
As head of three secret organizations, Fardust exerted significant control over Iran's intelligence, counterintelligence, and police forces. Despite his close relationship with the shah, Fardust remained in Iran after the monarchy was overthrown in 1979.
Imprisonment and Death
He was arrested and imprisoned but surprisingly avoided the death penalty. Fardust reportedly collaborated with the Islamic regime and established SAVAMA, the successor to SAVAK. In 1985, he was arrested again on charges of collaborating with the KGB. On May 18, 1987, he died of a heart attack while in prison.
