Regency Council (Iran)


The Regency Council of the Imperial State of Iran, was a nine-member body formed on 13 January 1979 by Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi to carry out his duties after he left Iran amidst the Iranian Revolution and served as the symbol of his continued claim on power.
The council was practically dissolved within days, when its head resigned on 22 January 1979 to meet Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

Background

1953 Regency Council

On 28 February 1953, it was reported that in a meeting with Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh, the Shah had agreed that during his absence in Iran a regency council consisting of Mosaddegh, Gholamreza Pahlavi and Hossein Ala' should be appointed to act as the regency council.

1979 Regency Council members

Tehrani resigned from the post due to tensions between him and Abbas Gharabaghi. He was replaced by Mohammad Ali Varasteh as the head of the council.