Rastakhiz Party

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The Resurrection Party of the Iranian Nation, simply known as the Rastakhiz Party, was Iran's sole legal and ruling political party from 2 March 1975 until its dissolution amid the Iranian Revolution on 1 October 1978. The party was founded by Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran, who was the party's de facto leader. Although the Rastakhiz Party was presented as a vehicle for national political participation, it operated within a highly centralized political structure closely connected to the state. Membership was strongly encouraged and in many cases effectively required, particularly for government employees and professionals. Despite official claims of millions of members, historians have noted that the organization functioned largely as an extension of the state apparatus rather than as an independent political movement. During the political unrest that preceded the Iranian Revolution, the party became a frequent target of criticism and protest. As demonstrations intensified...

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