Shah Appoints Shapour Bakhtiar as Prime Minister in 1978

The Appointment of Shapour Bakhtiar

Shapour Bakhtiar: A Key Figure

On August 6, 1978, amid rising discontent and protests in Iran against his regime, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi appointed Shapour Bakhtiar as the new Prime Minister. Bakhtiar was seen as a figure who could potentially bridge the gap between the monarchy and the opposition during a time when Iran was teetering on the brink of revolution. His appointment was intended to restore stability and quell the mounting civil unrest, but it came during a critical juncture in Iranian history.

Challenges of Bakhtiar's Leadership

Shapour Bakhtiar faced immediate challenges as he took office. He was under pressure from both the Shah and the many factions within the opposition. As a known liberal, Bakhtiar attempted to implement reforms and address the grievances of the populace, including calls for greater political freedoms and social justice. However, his reforms were often viewed with skepticism and were met with backlash from hardline groups.

A Historical Turning Point in Iran

The Growing Unrest

Despite Bakhtiar’s efforts, nationwide protests continued to escalate. The Iranian Revolution was fueled by a mix of dissatisfaction with the Shah’s autocratic rule, economic hardships, and widespread corruption. Bakhtiar's government struggled to maintain order, and his appointment was seen by many as an attempt by the Shah to placate the masses without yielding true power.

The Fall of Bakhtiar and the Monarchy

Shapour Bakhtiar's tenure as Prime Minister was short-lived; protests swelled, and by early 1979, it became clear that the monarchy could no longer hold power. In February 1979, Bakhtiar was forced to flee Iran, and the revolution culminated in the establishment of the Islamic Republic. His appointment signifies a last-ditch effort by the Shah to regain control, ultimately proving ineffective.

Fun Fact

Shapour Bakhtiar's Unique Stance

Interestingly, before his Prime Ministership, Bakhtiar had opposed the Shah’s regime and spent time in exile due to his political beliefs. His background as a pro-reform figure made his appointment both controversial and hopeful for those seeking change in Iran.

Additional Resources

Recommended Reading on Shapour Bakhtiar

For those interested in learning more about this pivotal moment in Iranian history, consider reading The Iranian Revolution: A People’s History by K. D. W. Graham and The Fall of the Shah by Andrew Scott Cooper.