Hassan Tehrani Moghadam: The Father of Iranian Missiles
Hassan Tehrani Moghadam (November 26, 1959 – November 12, 2011) was a pivotal figure in Iran’s military history, particularly in the development and advancement of the Islamic Republic’s missile program. Often revered as the “Father of Iranian Missiles,” Tehrani Moghadam’s legacy is marked by both strategic innovation and controversial military achievements. As a high-ranking officer in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), he played a central role during and after the Iran–Iraq War, helping to shape the foundation of Iran’s missile capabilities, which now constitute a major component of the country’s defense and strategic doctrine.
Early Life and Education
Born on November 26, 1959, in the Sarcheshmeh neighborhood of Tehran, Hassan Tehrani Moghadam grew up during a turbulent period in Iran’s history. The pre-revolution years were marked by political unrest and a rising tide of revolutionary sentiment. After the Iranian Revolution in 1979, Moghadam joined the Revolutionary Guard in the early years of its formation. His decision to align himself with the nascent IRGC was crucial, as the organization was tasked with safeguarding the Islamic Republic’s ideological foundations and quickly grew into one of the most powerful military and political institutions in the country.