The Tehran Times, which began publishing in 1979, was founded during the early years of Iran’s quest for independence. The English-language daily newspaper has been regarded by Mohammad Beheshti, one of the most influential and renowned figures of the Islamic Republic, as the “voice of the Islamic Revolution.”

Such a label, made the staff at the Tehran Times feel an even bigger responsibility to accurately and effectively report the daily occurrences in the country and become a helping hand in the consolidation and entrenchment of the new people-led governance. For that, the paper needed to follow the events with a keen eye and try to draw attention to issues that were essential to be addressed.

That’s why with the approaching of the 10-day Fajr occasion, the period from February 1st (Bahman 12th) to February 11th (Bahman 22nd) of 1977 during which Imam Khomeini returned to Iran after 15 years of exile, we have decided to take a look at how the Tehran Times commemorated the historic period in February of 1980. Such an act would help us understand where we stand today, and give us a clearer vision of the hardships Iranians had to endure to be able to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution today. February 1st in the year 1980 was a Friday. The Tehran Times’s covering of the Fajr decade began a day later, on Saturday. 

Tuesday, February 5, 1980

Imam extends support to Muslims beyond Iranian borders

With the soviet invasion in December of 1979, Imam Khomeini, who had just concluded a freedom movement in his homeland, took it upon himself shortly after the offensive to express support for fellow Muslims in Afghanistan. 

“’We strongly condemn the Soviet move into Afghanistan,’ The 79-year-old religious leader said in a message delivered by his son, Hojjatoleslam Seyed Ahmad Khomeini, to hundreds of Iranians gathered to celebrate the birthday of Prophet Mohammad (PBU). 

Iran would grant Afghan brothers all the ‘necessary aid’, he said. He also criticized Israel and said that, for Iran, ‘there is no difference between East and West’. 

The message from the Imam, who has been undergoing treatment for heart trouble here since January 24, was timed to coincide with celebrations all over the country yesterday to officially mark the start of the 15th century of Islam and the anniversary of the Iranian Revolution.”

Shah crimes to be investigated

Another important piece published exclusively by the Tehran Times on February 5, 1980, was the announcement that the deposed Shah’s crimes would soon be investigated by an international committee. 

“Iran agreed to set up an international commission that will consider alleged crimes of the deposed Shah and ‘will be effective in solving the hostage crisis’, Deputy Foreign Minister Nassirosadat Salami said yesterday. 

In an exclusive interview with the Tehran Times he said, ‘Establishment of the commission, proposed by U.N. Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim, has been approved by the Revolutionary Council. 

The Foreign Ministry Spokesman did not say when the commission would come to Tehran, nor when hearings would begin. Its members would be selected by Waldheim and would include Iranian and foreign representatives, Salami said.”