Interview with Afshin Sajedi on a controversial figure of Iran’s recent history.
Dr. Ibrahim Yazdi 1931–2017, was an Iranian politician, activist, and physician known for his involvement in the Islamic Revolution of 1979 and his later opposition to the Islamic Republic. He played a key role in Iranian politics both before and after the revolution.
Born in Qazvin, Iran, Yazdi later studied pharmacy at the University of Tehran. He moved to the United States for further education and obtained a degree in biochemistry.
While in the U.S., Yazdi became active in opposition to the Pahlavi monarchy. He was a member of the Freedom Movement of Iran (Nehzat-e Azadi), founded by Mehdi Bazargan. He worked closely with Ayatollah Khomeini during Khomeini’s exile in France, acting as an advisor and interpreter.
Following the fall of the Shah, Yazdi returned to Iran and became Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs in the provisional government led by Mehdi Bazargan. He was involved in early diplomatic efforts after the revolution, including negotiations with the U.S. Resigned from the government in November 1979, after the U.S. Embassy hostage crisis, due to disagreements with the radical direction of the revolution.
As the Islamic Republic became more authoritarian, Yazdi distanced himself from the ruling clerics. He was arrested multiple times for his political activities, especially after the Green Movement protests of 2009. Continued to lead the Freedom Movement of Iran, advocating for democracy and human rights.
Yazdi remained a critic of Iran’s political system until his death in 2017. He spent his final years under political restrictions, often under surveillance and house arrest.
Yazdi is remembered as a moderate Islamist and reformist who initially supported the revolution, but later opposed the authoritarian tendencies of the new regime. His advocacy for political freedom, democracy, and human rights made him a significant but controversial figure in modern Iranian history.
Interview with Afshin Sajedi from 22.03.2025, Part 1
Interview with Afshin Sajedi from 22.03.2025, Part 2
