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Teymur BaxtiyarIranian statesman
Date of Birth: 01.01.1914
Country:  Iran |
Content:
- Timur Bakhtiar: A Life of Intrigue and Assassination
- Military Career
- August 1953 Coup
- Head of SAVAK (1957-1961)
- Political Maneuvering
- Anti-Shah Activities
- Assassination
- Aftermath
Timur Bakhtiar: A Life of Intrigue and Assassination
Early Life and EducationTimur Bakhtiar was born in 1914 in Isfahan, Iran, into the prominent Bakhtiari tribe. His influential family had played a significant role in Iranian politics for decades. Bakhtiar received his education at a French school in Beirut and later attended the renowned Saint-Cyr Military Academy in France.
Military Career
Upon returning to Iran, Bakhtiar joined the Shah's gendarmerie, quickly rising through the ranks. He played a key role in suppressing a rebellion in the Hamse region and was later appointed governor of Zahedan.
August 1953 Coup
In 1953, Bakhtiar supported General Fazlollah Zahedi against Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadegh during the August coup. After the coup, he became close to Zahedi and was appointed military governor of Tehran.
Head of SAVAK (1957-1961)
In October 1957, Bakhtiar was appointed head of the newly established Iranian secret police, SAVAK. With support from the CIA and Mossad, he waged a ruthless campaign against all forms of opposition to the Shah's regime. SAVAK became an effective secret service, crushing opposition parties and groups.
Political Maneuvering
Despite his loyalty to the Shah, Bakhtiar also cultivated ties with Western political figures, including President John F. Kennedy. In 1961, he was dismissed as head of SAVAK due to the Shah's suspicion of his political ambitions.
Anti-Shah Activities
Following his dismissal, Bakhtiar left Iran and established connections with Iranian dissidents across the world. He worked closely with the Ayatollah Khomeini, the communist Tudeh Party, and separatist groups.
Assassination
Bakhtiar's activities alarmed the Shah's regime, which declared him a wanted man. He sought refuge in Iraq, where he formed an alliance with Saddam Hussein. SAVAK agents, led by General Nosrati, tracked him down and assassinated him on August 12, 1970, during a hunting expedition in Iraq.
Aftermath
The assassination of Bakhtiar shocked Iran and the international community. While the Iraqi government officially denied involvement, many believed that the Shah had ordered the killing. Bakhtiar's death remains a symbol of the Shah's repressive rule and the long struggle for democracy in Iran.
