By: Reza Shafa
Mohammad Javad Zarif is packing up to leave his job as the Iranian regime’s ambassador to the United Nations. Zarif’s departure is no big deal. But the one who replaces him at this crucial time is of special importance. The regime will be scorched in two weeks time for not abiding by the UN Security Council Resolution 1747.
Who is Mohammad Khazai Torshizi, Zarif’s replacement?
Although he has not received his official replacement order yet, but his approval from higher up in the mullahs’ hierarchy has come. Currently, he is running the Investment Organization at the Commerce Ministry.
– Prior to 1979 revolution in Iran, Torshizi was a member of Iranian Students Association in the U.S.
– Subsequent to the 1979 revolution, he took the job at the Islamic Revolution Council in the northern province of Gilan. At the same time, he was an active member of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
– In late 1980, he was promoted first as the head of State Television in that province.
– Right after Islamic Republic Party’s (IRP) inception, he became one of its staunch members.
– Later in the regime parliamentary (Majlis) elections, he was elected to that body for two consecutive terms, ending in 1988.
– He also was an active member of club-wielding extremist groups who beat up women on the streets for their "immodesty." In early 1980’s in Gilan, he founded an infamous suppressive group called "Association of Revolutionary Youths in Rasht" (provincial capital of Gilan).
– Subsequent to leaving his seat in Majlis, Torshizi was offered a new governmental position as the advisor to Minister of Islamic Guidance.
– In1989, he was transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was appointed as Director of Second Office in the Persian Gulf Affairs.
– In early 1990, Torshizi was sent to the World Bank in Washington to represent the regime, where he held the job for four years. Once in Washington, he did not miss the opportunity in promoting fundamentalism by engaging in the regime’s Cultural Center which of course was just a cover for recruiting new comers. Once prepared, the recruits were dispatched to Iran for further trainings. He also provided moral and material support for two of the regime’s television stations in the U.S., Aftab and Pakeiran.
– Upon returning form the U.S., his new job has been the advisor to the Commerce Minister and Director of the World Bank’s affairs in the Ministry. Currently, he is Deputy Commerce Minister and head of Investment Organization at the same time.
Considering the situation the mullahs are in as far as the prospects of a new resolution against them is concerned, widow dressing in the U.N. would not change a thing.
Reza Shafa is an expert on the Iranian regime’s intelligence networks, both in Iran and abroad. He has done extensive research on VAVAK (MOIS), IRGC’s Intelligence Office, and Quds Force among others. Currently he is a contributor to NCRI website.
