Covert Surveillance Tactics: The CIA Influence on Iranian SAVAK

The history of intelligence agencies is replete with instances of collaboration and shared knowledge among nations. One notable case is the training provided by the CIA to Iran's SAVAK during the Cold War era. This article delves into the tactics of surveillance employed by the Iranian SAVAK, which were influenced by CIA training.

Formation of SAVAK:

The Organization of National Security and Information, known as SAVAK, was Iran's primary intelligence agency during the reign of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi. Established in 1957, it served as a critical tool for maintaining the Shah's regime and combating political opposition.

CIA-SAVAK Collaboration:

The United States, in its efforts to secure Iran as a Cold War ally, provided training and guidance to SAVAK agents. The CIA played a significant role in instructing SAVAK operatives in various espionage techniques, including surveillance.

Surveillance Training:

The CIA introduced SAVAK agents to state-of-the-art surveillance tactics, emphasizing the importance of monitoring political dissidents, opposition groups, and foreign nationals. These tactics included wiretapping, photographic surveillance, and the use of informants.

Wiretapping:

Wiretapping was a central component of SAVAK's surveillance efforts. CIA trainers taught SAVAK agents how to install and maintain wiretaps on telephones and communication lines. This allowed SAVAK to intercept and monitor conversations, gathering critical intelligence on potential threats.

Photographic Surveillance:

The CIA also trained SAVAK agents in photographic surveillance techniques. This involved discreetly capturing images of individuals involved in political activities or deemed subversive to the regime. These images were used for identification and tracking purposes.

Informants and Spies:

The recruitment and handling of informants were key elements of SAVAK's surveillance tactics. Agents were taught how to identify and cultivate sources within dissident groups, government institutions, and even foreign embassies. These informants provided valuable insights into the activities and intentions of various individuals and organizations.

Covert Operations:

The CIA influenced SAVAK's approach to covert operations, emphasizing the need for secrecy and discretion. SAVAK agents were trained to conduct operations under deep cover, infiltrating opposition groups and gathering intelligence without revealing their true identities.

Legacy of Surveillance:

The tactics of surveillance imparted by the CIA had a lasting impact on SAVAK's operations. The agency became highly proficient in monitoring political dissidents, suppressing opposition, and maintaining the Shah's rule through covert means.

Conclusion:

The collaboration between the CIA and Iranian SAVAK during the Cold War era had significant implications for the tactics of surveillance employed by SAVAK. The training and guidance provided by the CIA shaped SAVAK into a formidable intelligence agency capable of monitoring, infiltrating, and suppressing dissenting voices. While the Shah's regime is history, the legacy of these surveillance tactics serves as a stark reminder of the complex dynamics that have shaped the intelligence landscape in Iran and beyond.