Podcast Summary: "Khomeini Became A MONSTER" - Islamic Revolutionary Guard Founder CONFESSES How They Destroyed Iran | PBD Podcast | Ep. 548

Host: Patrick Bet-David
Guest: Mohsen Sazagara
Release Date: February 14, 2025
Podcast: PBD Podcast

1. Introduction

In Episode 548 of the PBD Podcast titled "Khomeini Became A MONSTER," host Patrick Bet-David engages in a profound and revealing conversation with Mohsen Sazagara, the co-founder of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) alongside Ayatollah Khomeini. This episode delves deep into the tumultuous history of Iran's political landscape post-1979 revolution, the formation and evolution of the IRGC, and the transformation of Khomeini from a revered leader to a despotic figure responsible for numerous human rights abuses.

2. Background of the Guest and the IRGC

[00:32] Mohsen Sazagara:
"First of all, this IRGC is a monster."

Mohsen Sazagara introduces himself as a pivotal figure in the establishment of the IRGC, emphasizing its monstrous nature. He underscores the IRGC's role in education, constitutional discussions, mobilization of people, and participation in Iran's military efforts. Initially perceived as a protector of the revolution, the IRGC's actions have led to widespread chaos in the Middle East.

3. Early Involvement with Khomeini and the Founding of the IRGC

[07:14] Mohsen Sazagara:
"First of all, this IRGC is a monster... We thought that we will have a long battle with the regime of Shah like Vietnam War or Algeria."
[09:49] Patrick Bet-David:
"What do you think was a tipping point for you guys succeeding?"

Sazagara recounts the inception of the IRGC in Paris during Khomeini's exile in 1978. The initial goal was to create a people’s army to sustain the revolution, inspired by models like Switzerland’s army or the U.S. National Guard. The rapid success of the revolution, marked by massive peaceful demonstrations, shifted the IRGC's focus from overthrowing the Shah to securing the newly established regime.

4. Assassination of President Raji and PM Bahonar by Masood Kashmiri

[48:31] Patrick Bet-David:
*"You have a friend, Masoud Kashmiri, who assassinated President Raji and Prime Minister Bahonar..."
[53:33] Mohsen Sazagara:
"Yeah. Not that time."

The conversation takes a dark turn as Sazagara describes the assassination of Iran's President Raji and Prime Minister Bahonar by Masood Kashmiri, one of his trusted aides within the IRGC. Initially believed to be dead, Kashmiri's fate remains shrouded in mystery, with speculation that he is still alive and protected by opposition groups like the MEK. This incident underscores the internal power struggles and the dangerous volatility within the newly formed Iranian regime.

5. Khomeini's Transformation into Despotism

[23:08] Mohsen Sazagara:
"Gradually I think that he became a monster too... Khomeini ordered killing the people, execution of the political prisoners."
[25:28] Patrick Bet-David:
"Why did he do that?"

Sazagara reflects on Khomeini's gradual descent into despotism. Initially seen as a pious and intelligent leader, Khomeini's regime became increasingly oppressive, culminating in the brutal execution of 4,000 political prisoners in 1988. Sazagara criticizes Khomeini's decisions, such as the hostage-taking at the American embassy and the prolonged Iran-Iraq war, which resulted in immense loss of life and regional instability.

6. Formation and Evolution of the IRGC

[15:14] Mohsen Sazagara:
"Yeah, I was with the Guard only three months..."
[68:46] Patrick Bet-David:
"How many people you think it's directly and indirectly killed by IRGC..."

Initially a small and disciplined force aimed at defending the revolution, the IRGC under Khomeini expanded its influence both domestically and internationally. Sazagara labels the modern IRGC as a multifaceted monster involved in military actions, economic ventures, and illicit activities such as drug smuggling. He attributes the IRGC's transformation to its increasing power and autonomy under Khamenei, making it a formidable entity both within Iran and across the Middle East.

7. Islamic Revolution and Its Aftermath

[32:21] Patrick Bet-David:
"Do you now regret and are you at a point where you're able to say if the revolution didn't happen...?"
[37:55] Mohsen Sazagara:
"Yes, I can say that."

Sazagara contemplates the Islamic Revolution, acknowledging its initial promise of democracy and liberation from tyranny. However, over time, he became disillusioned with the regime's drift towards totalitarianism and human rights abuses. His personal journey from a revolutionary to an opposition figure culminated in multiple imprisonments and a staunch critique of the regime he once helped establish.

8. Personal Reflections and Turning Point

[32:21] Mohsen Sazagara:
"I found out that wow, the problem of this revolution is not accidental, it's essential..."
[37:55] Patrick Bet-David:
"They have you in prison at the Evan prison in Tehran..."

A pivotal moment in Sazagara's life occurred in the early 1980s when he became the head of Iran's Industrial Development and Renovation Organization. Witnessing the regime's brutality and lack of genuine democratic principles led him to resign and reassess his beliefs. This introspection revealed the fundamental flaws in the Islamic Republic's ideology, prompting his active opposition and subsequent persecution by the state.

9. The Nature of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Its Impact on the Middle East

[68:36] Mohsen Sazagara:
"This IRGC is a monster like a dragon with seven heads."
[88:31] Patrick Bet-David:
"How evil he is... chaos in the Middle East under Khomeini..."

Sazagara provides a comprehensive critique of the Islamic Republic, attributing regional chaos and conflict to the IRGC's actions. He highlights the IRGC's support for proxy groups like Hezbollah, Houthis, and Hamas, which have perpetuated violence and instability across the Middle East. The organization's vast influence, combined with its involvement in illicit activities and economic dominance, positions it as a central pillar of Iran's destabilizing impact on the region.

10. Conspiracies and Influence of External Powers

[90:08] Patrick Bet-David:
"Have you ever read the book Committee of 300..."
[93:02] Mohsen Sazagara:
"No, but I can give you my opinion..."

The discussion navigates through various conspiracy theories surrounding the Shah's regime and Khomeini's rise to power. Sazagara dismisses theories alleging foreign manipulation, asserting that documented evidence supports the CIA and MI6's involvement in the 1953 coup against Prime Minister Mossadegh to reinstate the Shah. Conversely, he contends that external powers like Russia have benefited from the Islamic Republic's formation, citing Iran's alignment with Russia and China in opposing Western influence.

11. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

[142:29] Patrick Bet-David:
"It's a fair assessment."
[144:10] Mohsen Sazagara:
"History is written by the winners..."

As the episode draws to a close, both hosts reflect on the complexities of historical narratives and the role of power in shaping them. Sazagara emphasizes that revolutions are multifaceted events with deep-rooted causes, not merely products of individual conspiracies or foreign interventions. He advocates for a nuanced understanding of history, urging listeners to critically evaluate sources and recognize the enduring influence of major political figures and organizations like the IRGC.

Notable Quotes:

• Mohsen Sazagara [00:32]:
  "First of all, this IRGC is a monster."

• Mohsen Sazagara [23:08]:
  "...gradually I think that he became a monster too. Because he ordered killing the people, execution of the political prisoners."

• Mohsen Sazagara [32:21]:
  "I found out that wow, the problem of this revolution is not accidental, it's essential."

• Mohsen Sazagara [68:46]:
  "This IRGC is a monster like a dragon with seven heads."

• Mohsen Sazagara [144:15]:
  "...the Islamic revolution was born anti Israeli... everybody believed that Israel should be wiped out from the map."

Final Thoughts

This episode offers an unprecedented insider perspective on the rise and fall of the IRGC and the transformation of Iran's political landscape post-revolution. Mohsen Sazagara's candid revelations provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the complexities and dark undercurrents that have shaped Iran's current state, highlighting the profound consequences of revolutionary zeal unchecked by democratic principles.

Note: For a comprehensive understanding and to hear the nuanced conversations firsthand, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode of the PBD Podcast.