BIOGRAPHY

Mohammad Mossadegh

Mohammad Mossadegh was born on June 16, 1882, in Tehran. His father, Mirza Hedayat Ashtiani, was the treasurer of Iran, and his mother, Malek-Tadj Najm al-Saltaneh, was closely related to the Qajar dynasty. His father passed away when he was ten years old. He and his sister were raised by their mother.

After holding several positions within the State, he went to pursue his studies in France. Then, Dr. Mossadegh lived in Switzerland from 1906 to 1913, the year he obtained his doctorate in law from the University of Neuchâtel.

His political life was marked by his determination to instill democracy in Iran and – during and after World War II – to ensure the political and economic independence of the country. Believing that the first step in this quest was the nationalization of the country’s natural wealth, he fought his fiercest battle for the nationalization of oil (exploited by a British company). The consequences of this struggle extended beyond the impacts on Mossadegh’s political and personal life. They also dramatically shaped the political developments of modern Iran.

Moreover, at the dawn of the 1950s, the message of this frail man who engaged in a showdown against the excesses of colonial powers resonated beyond Iran’s borders. Mossadegh inspired and energized emerging anti-colonial movements in the Third World.

Historical Timeline

1882

Birth

Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh was born in Tehran, Iran.

1908

European Education

Dr Mohammad Mossdegh journeyed to France in 1908, Mossadegh later earned his doctorate in law from the University of Neuchâtel in Switzerland – the first Iranian to receive a European doctorate in law.

1949

Foundation of the National Front

Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh established the National Front to promote democracy and national sovereignty.

1951

Prime Minister of Iran

Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh became Prime Minister and nationalized Iran’s oil industry.

1952

July Crisis (“30 Tir”)

Dr Mohammad Mossadegh resigned on July 16 due to control by the Ministry of War. The popular uprising on July 21 resulted in many deaths. He was reinstated as Prime Minister with 61 votes out of 64.

1953

Overthrow by Coup d’État

Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh was ousted from power in a foreign-backed coup.

1967

Death

Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh died under house arrest, remembered as a symbol of freedom and independence.

“There is no better way to govern a country than by the will of its people, expressed freely and without coercion.”
Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh