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Revolution

A raw deal
The Shah and the Ayatollah six months before the revolution

June 17, 2003
The Iranian

Dr. Bahramian served as a negotiator between late Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi and the nationalist opposition hoping for a smooth transition of power and implementing democracy in the country in 1970s. His role lasted for 8 years, leading to the end of monarchy in February 1979.

Following the Black Friday massacre (September 8, 1978), Bahramian and other nationalists tried to avoid a bloody revolution by encouraging the Shah to end his absolute rule and speed up free elections. In Renaissance dar Iran: Roshangari Zavaayaa-ye Taarik-e Enghelaab-e Bahman 1357 (Published by Center for Technology Management, Rockville, Maryland, 2001), Bahramian, who now lives near Washington DC, has described revealing details from talks with the Shah as well as nationalist/religious figures of the time.

After the revolution, as political advisor to Prime Minister Mehdi Bazargan, Bahramian was in charge of foreign contacts, including negotiations with US officials during the hostage crisis. He also worked in a committee to draft a new constitution, which was dismissed by Ayatollah Khomaini.

Excerpt from his book:

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