Imperial Loyalty: Kambiz Atabay’s Unyielding Truth

Amidst Political Turbulence, Truth Prevails: The Unwavering Loyalty of Kambiz Atabay should be considered.

In an era where the lines between truth and falsehood often blur, the tale of Kambiz Atabay, a steadfast supporter of the Pahlavi dynasty, emerges as a beacon of integrity amidst a sea of deceit. Born on February 2, 1939, Atabay’s life has been a testament to loyalty, not just to a family, but to an ideal of national prosperity and unity. His commitment has seen him ascend to significant positions, including that of the private secretary to Her Majesty Farah Pahlavi and leadership roles within the Asian Football Confederation and the Football Federation of Iran.

Yet, in the shadows lurk forces eager to tarnish such unblemished records. A recent absurd claim propagated by the “Hamshahri” newspaper, under the influence of the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence, suggested that Atabay had secretly traveled to Iran and back. This baseless rumor, emerging during a brief period when Atabay was recuperating from dental surgery and avoiding public communication, reflects a desperate attempt by the current regime’s apparatus to discredit him and, by extension, the Pahlavi legacy he represents.

The strategy employed by the regime is not novel but a worn-out tactic of sowing discord and mistrust among the Iranian diaspora and its global sympathizers. By attacking figures like Atabay, who embody the ethos of the Pahlavi era—progress, modernity, and nationalism—the regime aims to dismantle the ideological opposition that persists even decades after the 1979 revolution.

This misinformation campaign goes beyond personal defamation; it targets the very fabric of opposition unity. It seeks to instill doubt among the youth, who, despite not having lived under the Pahlavi regime, have grown increasingly disenchanted with the current state of affairs in Iran. The regime fears the symbolic power of figures like Atabay and the former Empress Farah Pahlavi, whose presence continues to inspire those who dream of a different Iran.

The mullahs’ regime’s propaganda machine set its sights on exploiting the prevailing discontent, well aware that the allegiance of patriots and the Iranian populace to their corrupt rule has waned. Their strategy involved concocting a baseless rumor, subsequently amplified by purported opposition voices loyal to the 1979 narrative, even leveraging television networks in Los Angeles—a known haven for communists, separatists, and state-sanctioned reformists—to spread their manufactured falsehoods.

The regime is acutely aware of Empress Farah Pahlavi‘s widespread appeal, revered by the youth as Iran’s maternal figure, and aims to undermine her by insinuating disloyalty within her circle and alleging covert ties between the Pahlavi loyalists and the Iranian government. Such baseless accusations are merely echo chamber rhetoric, perpetuated by proponents of the 1979 regime’s terror on social media platforms.

However, the truth has a way of shining through the murkiest of waters. Atabay’s record speaks for itself—a veteran army officer trained in England, who found favor not only within the royal court but also among the ranks of SAVAK for his unwavering loyalty and trustworthiness. His lineage, too, rooted in the echelons of the Shah’s court, underscores a familial tradition of serving the nation with honor.

The fight against the Islamic Republic’s regime is multifaceted, extending beyond Iran’s borders to combat the regime’s propaganda machinery abroad. This struggle is not just about changing a government but about reclaiming an identity, a sense of national pride that has been eroded by years of corruption, mismanagement, and authoritarian rule.

In this context, the narrative of Kambiz Atabay stands out as a reminder of the enduring power of loyalty and truth. Against the backdrop of a regime that thrives on falsehoods, the stories of individuals like Atabay inspire a collective memory of a different Iran—a nation that, in the hearts of many, still symbolizes hope, dignity, and the undying dream of a return to greatness.

A meeting with Her Imperial Majesty Queen Farah Pahlavi, 9 December 2022. /Picture, personal Archive of Erfan Fard