SAVAK: History, Operations and Role in Iran's Security

SAVAK , Iran’s intelligence service during the Shah’s period, was an agency that greatly influenced Iranian politics and security. Established in 1957, SAVAK operated until the Islamic Revolution of 1979, being known for its surveillance operations and repression of opponents of the regime. In this article, we will explore the history, structure, and functions of SAVAK, its impact on Iranian security, and its role in international politics during the Cold War.

SAVAK Iran's intelligence service

Table of Contents

History and creation of SAVAK

SAVAK , an acronym for the National Intelligence and Security Organization of Iran, was founded in 1957 under the supervision of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in an effort to control internal dissent and strengthen his regime. In the context of the Cold War, Iran allied itself with the United States, which influenced the formation of SAVAK, which received training and support from the CIA and Mossad. SAVAK's mission was to protect the Iranian government by controlling subversive activities and acting against opposition movements.

During its early years, SAVAK focused on surveillance of political opponents and intelligence gathering to counter communist influences and Islamist movements. Over time, however, the agency expanded its scope to include monitoring the general population, using methods of repression to dismantle any threat to the Shah's regime. SAVAK operated until the Islamic Revolution of 1979, when the fall of the Shah led to its dismantling.

SAVAK structure and main functions

SAVAK was structured into different divisions, each with specific functions in areas of intelligence and counterintelligence. The organization operated under the authority of the Shah and was directly supervised by senior government and military officials, who ensured the implementation of its security operations. Below, we explore SAVAK’s key functions:

Surveillance and repression of dissidents

One of SAVAK 's main objectives was the surveillance of Iranian citizens and the suppression of any subversive activity. Through an extensive network of informants, SAVAK monitored opposition, political and religious groups. This surveillance ranged from spying on meetings to monitoring communications, allowing SAVAK to identify and neutralize potential threats.

Counterintelligence and protection of the regime

Another key function of SAVAK was counterintelligence , aimed at preventing infiltration by foreign agents and protecting the stability of the regime. Through counterintelligence operations, SAVAK ensured that external influences did not affect Iranian policy. The agency had a specific unit dedicated to preventing espionage, working closely with the intelligence services of allied countries to protect the interests of the Shah.

Foreign intelligence gathering

Although SAVAK focused on domestic surveillance, it also had a foreign intelligence unit that monitored the activities of Iranians abroad and opposition groups based in other countries. The agency collected information on opposition movements in exile, working with foreign agencies to track and stop activities that could threaten the stability of the regime. This unit was key in keeping the Shah informed about dynamics in the Iranian diaspora.

SAVAK's Featured Operations

Throughout its history, SAVAK carried out numerous operations aimed at protecting the Shah's regime and dismantling the opposition. Some of these operations were widely criticized, and their impact resonated both nationally and internationally. Below we review some of SAVAK's most notable missions:

Repression of Islamist and communist movements

One of SAVAK 's main operations was the repression of Islamist and communist movements, which represented a threat to the regime. The agency monitored and detained the leaders of these movements, using methods of interrogation and repression. These actions were essential to maintain control in a context of growing social discontent and to prevent the spread of ideas contrary to the pro-Western regime of the Shah.

Intelligence collaboration with the United States and Israel

SAVAK maintained close collaboration with the US CIA and Israel's Mossad , which helped train and educate the Iranian agency in intelligence and counterintelligence techniques. This support allowed SAVAK to implement advanced surveillance methods, which strengthened its ability to monitor subversive activities. In return, SAVAK shared valuable information with its allies about dynamics in the Middle East and the Soviet Union's influence in the region.

Operation against the opposition in exile

SAVAK also conducted intelligence operations abroad, primarily in Europe and the United States, where several Iranian opposition leaders resided. By monitoring their activities and contacts, SAVAK gained valuable information about the plans of the opposition in exile. This operation was instrumental in keeping the Shah informed about organized subversion attempts outside Iran.

SAVAK's impact on Iranian security and politics

SAVAK's impact on Iranian politics was significant, as its surveillance and repression enabled the Shah to maintain control for years. However, the use of repressive tactics also generated widespread discontent among the population and contributed to the rise of opposition movements, ultimately undermining the regime's legitimacy. SAVAK's existence and its methods of control were a key factor fueling the discontent that led to the Islamic Revolution of 1979.

SAVAK's influence on Iranian politics was so significant that, following the fall of the Shah, the new Islamic Republic dismantled the agency, replacing it with new intelligence organisations more aligned with the ideals of the revolution. Nevertheless, SAVAK's legacy remains a controversial topic in Iranian history, both for its effectiveness in protecting the regime and for the negative impact of its methods on the population.

Reflection on the legacy of SAVAK

SAVAK was a key spy intelligence agency in Iran's history, playing a major role in protecting the Shah's regime and repressing opposition. Its creation and operations reflect the context of the Cold War, when Iran played a strategic role in Middle Eastern politics. SAVAK's effectiveness in surveillance and controlling dissent allowed the Shah to maintain power for decades, although its legacy has been controversial.

Despite its dissolution in 1979, SAVAK’s impact still resonates in Iran’s collective memory, and its history offers lessons on the use of intelligence and the importance of balancing security with citizens’ rights. SAVAK’s influence on Iran’s security policy marked an important chapter in the country’s history and remains an example of how intelligence services can be instrumental in the stability of a regime.