General Moghaddam and the Final Days of SAVAK
In the volatile months leading up to the 1979 revolution, the Iranian security apparatus underwent a seismic shift. The appointment of Lieutenant General Nasser Moghaddam as the head of SAVAK (the secret police) in June 1978 marked a departure from the agency's previous methods of control. Moghaddam entered the role during a period of intense civil unrest, attempting to pivot the state's security strategy from repression to dialogue.
The Transition of Power in SAVAK
By April 1978, the political climate in Iran had reached a breaking point. General Moghaddam, then serving as the head of military counterintelligence, sent a confidential letter to the Shah. In this correspondence, he urged the monarch to take decisive action, specifically calling for the exemplary punishment of corrupt government officials linked to the royal family and advocating for constructive dialogue with the clergy.
Under pressure from Washington to alleviate tensions, the Shah made several concessions. In June 1978, he removed the powerful and long-standing director of SAVAK, Nematollah Nassiri. Moghaddam was appointed as his successor, largely due to his existing connections with opposition groups, including the Shiite clergy.
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A Shift in Methodology
Moghaddam's leadership signaled the end of SAVAK's era of "Iron rule." Unlike his predecessor, Moghaddam was known for his opposition to the use of torture during interrogations. To implement democratic reforms within the armed forces and better integrate the army with the secret service, he introduced unprecedented changes, such as allowing lawyers to be present during the interrogation of defendants.
However, this transition was not without controversy. Moghaddam focused on dismantling the influence of Nassiri, who had been moved to a role as the Iranian ambassador to Pakistan. Reports indicate that the CIA, which had provided financial support to Moghaddam for many years, pressured Nassiri and his supporters to exit the intelligence service. While some former officers viewed Nassiri's removal as necessary, others argued that the simultaneous dismissal of his deputy, General Ali Motazed, was a strategic error that weakened the security service.
Strategic Failures and International Pressure
Despite the change in leadership, the internal stability of Iran continued to deteriorate. Following the riots of July 21–22, 1978, the Shah met with General Moghaddam and General Fardoust to establish an action plan against the protesters. Ultimately, the meeting failed to produce any substantial results.
During this period, the Iranian government sought ways to neutralize the political influence of Ayatollah Khomeini. This led to a secret diplomatic encounter in September 1978, when Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti, the Director of Iraqi Intelligence, traveled secretly to Tehran.
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The Iraqi Proposal
Representing Saddam Hussein, Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti urged the Shah to suppress the revolt with an "iron fist" and offered Iraq's full support. Specifically, the Iraqi leadership suggested the assassination of Khomeini, who was then residing in Najaf. Following the advice of Nasser Moghaddam and Hossein Fardoust, the Shah declined the offer.
Shortly after this decision, Khomeini was expelled from Iraq and sought refuge in France. While monitoring Khomeini had been relatively simple while he was in Iraq, his move to France transformed him into a global figure in the eyes of Western media, making his activities far more challenging to control. Reuven Merhav, an Israeli intelligence officer, later noted that the Shah failed to realize the gravity of this strategic miscalculation.
Key Facts
- Appointment: General Nasser Moghaddam led SAVAK from June 1978 to February 1979.
- Reformist Approach: Moghaddam opposed torture and allowed lawyers to attend interrogations.
- CIA Connection: The CIA provided financial support to Moghaddam over several years.
- Iraqi Offer: Saddam Hussein, via Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti, offered to help the Shah suppress the revolt and suggested assassinating Khomeini.
- Strategic Shift: The Shah rejected Iraq's help, leading to Khomeini's relocation to France, which increased his international visibility.
| Feature | Nematollah Nassiri | Nasser Moghaddam |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership Style | "Iron rule" / Repressive | Dialogue-based / Reformist |
| View on Torture | Utilized as a tool of control | Opposed its use |
| Opposition Relations | Adversarial | Ties to Shiite clergy |
| Legal Access | Restricted | Allowed lawyers in interrogations |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was General Moghaddam appointed to lead SAVAK?
He was appointed to replace Nematollah Nassiri in an effort to alleviate public tension. The Shah believed Moghaddam's connections to the Shiite clergy and his reformist approach would facilitate a constructive dialogue with the opposition.
What was the CIA's role in Moghaddam's appointment?
The CIA had provided financial support to General Moghaddam for many years and reportedly exerted pressure on Nassiri and his supporters to leave the intelligence service, positioning Moghaddam as the only viable replacement.
How did Moghaddam's approach to interrogations differ from his predecessor?
Moghaddam opposed the use of torture and introduced a more transparent process by allowing lawyers to be present during the interrogations of defendants.
What did Saddam Hussein propose to the Shah in 1978?
Through Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti, Saddam Hussein proposed that the Shah put down the Iranian revolt with an "iron fist" and suggested the assassination of Ayatollah Khomeini.
What was the result of the Shah rejecting Iraq's offer?
The Shah declined the offer on the advice of Moghaddam and Fardoust. Consequently, Khomeini was expelled from Iraq to France, where he gained significant international media attention and became a global figure, making his political activities harder to contain.