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🏛️ Iranian State Media

Iran Commemorates 45 Years Since Assassination of President Rajaei and PM Bahonar by MKO Terrorism

2w ago August 31, 2026 1 min read 📰 Press TV
📋 Key Takeaway

On August 30, 1981, President Rajaei and Prime Minister Bahonar were assassinated by an MKO operative using a bomb, an event that is now commemorated annually in Iran as Government Week. This incident highlights the ongoing legacy of terrorism in Iranian politics and the impact of the MKO on the country's leadership. The remembrance serves to reinforce national unity and resilience against terrorism.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: The remembrance of Rajaei and Bahonar's assassination underscores the enduring legacy of political violence in Iran and its implications for national unity.

👥 Key Players

Mohammad-Ali Rajaei MENTIONED
President of Iran
"Rajaei was a key figure in the early years of the Islamic Republic and his assassination marked a significant moment in Iranian political history."
Mohammad Javad Bahonar MENTIONED
Prime Minister of Iran
"Bahonar was instrumental in shaping the policies of the new government post-revolution and his death represented a loss of leadership during a tumultuous time."
MKO (Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization) MENTIONED
Opposition group
"The MKO has been a significant opposition force against the Iranian government, known for its violent tactics, including the assassination of government officials."

📰 What Happened

On August 30, 1981, President Rajaei and Prime Minister Bahonar were killed by a bomb planted by an MKO operative. This event is now commemorated annually in Iran as Government Week, reflecting on the impact of terrorism in the country's political landscape.

  • The assassination occurred shortly after the establishment of the Islamic Republic, highlighting the instability of the new government.
  • The MKO has been designated as a terrorist organization by the Iranian government and has a controversial history of opposition against the regime.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: The commemoration reinforces national unity and serves as a reminder of the threats posed by terrorism to the Iranian state.
🌍 Regional: It highlights the ongoing challenges of political stability in Iran, which can have ripple effects across the Middle East.
🌐 International: The MKO's actions and the Iranian government's response are closely watched by international observers, particularly regarding issues of terrorism and human rights.

📚 Background

The assassination of Rajaei and Bahonar occurred during a period of intense political turmoil following the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which established the Islamic Republic. The MKO has been a controversial group, once part of the revolutionary movement but later opposing the regime.

Iranian Revolution Terrorism in Iran
📡 Source: STATE MEDIA
📊 Confidence: 70%
This article likely reflects the Iranian government's perspective, emphasizing the narrative of resilience against terrorism and the legitimacy of the current regime.

On Aug 30, 1981, an MKO terror group operative's briefcase bomb assassinated President Rajaei and Prime Minister Bahonar, whose martyrdom is now commemorated annually as Government Week in Iran.

🌐

Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 100%

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