Ministry of Intelligence of Iran

The Vezarat-e Ettela'at va Amniat-e Keshvar (VEVAK), or the Ministry of Intelligence and Security, is the primary intelligence agency of Iran. It is an important part of the Iranian government's security apparatus, and is well funded and equipped. It is generally thought to be loyal to Iran's Supreme Leader, currently Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It is accused by some of being involved in terrorist activities.

Information on VEVAK is often difficult to obtain. The organization was intended to replace SAVAK, Iran's intelligence agency during the rule of the Shah, but it is unclear how much continuity there is between the two organizations - while their role is similar, their underlying ideology is radically different. It is suspected that the new government was initially eager to purge SAVAK elements from the new organization, but that pragmatism eventually prevailed, with many experienced SAVAK personnel being retained in their roles. Former SAVAK staff are believed to have been important in VEVAK's infiltration of left-wing dissident groups and of the Iraqi Ba'ath Party.

VEVAK was originally known by a different name, SAVAMA, with the current name having been adopted in 1984.

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